How often should toilets be replaced?

Most plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

What is the average life expectancy of a toilet?

Share: Toilets can last for up to 50 years under average conditions. However, this doesn't mean that you won't need to spend money maintaining it throughout its useful life. Furthermore, there are many factors that could cause your toilet to fail in less than 50 years.

Should I replace a 20-year old toilet?

For most toilets, a 20-year lifespan is the outer limit. A toilet may continue to work after this, but it will be at a higher risk of starting to leak and suffering from numerous clogs and other repair issues. Get ahead of the problem and replace a toilet that's 20 years or older.

How do you know when a toilet needs to be replaced?

Is it worth it to replace old toilet?

Even if your toilet doesn't seem to be showing any other signs of being ineffective, it could just be an outdated design that has a high water consumption. If you're looking for ways to lower your water bill, replacing your older toilet with a modern model is a good way to start.

Signs of the Time to Replace Your Toilet

Should I replace a 25 year old toilet?

According to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, toilets installed after 1994 must have a flush volume of 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilets manufactured before this policy went into effect used between 3.5 to 5 gallons. The bottom line on aging toilets? If you know your toilet is at least 25 years old, consider replacing it.

Do old toilets flush better than new ones?

Toilets manufactured after 1992 need less than half as much water per use as many older units, while providing a better flush and new convenience features.

Do old toilets wear out?

Do Toilets Wear Out? Yes, they do. After years of use, the mechanical parts of a toilet will wear out. For example, rubber flappers will dry out, crack, and leak.

Which is better round or elongated toilet?

Elongated bowls are also considered more 'hygienic' in that the larger surface area of the bowl makes is easier for men and children to use with less mess. The longer bowl size is also a requirement for ADA use, and the longer/wider bowl is generally easier to use for those with mobility issues.

Is one piece or two piece toilets better?

One piece toilets are typically heavier and easier to clean, and there's less space for bacteria to grow. Because two piece toilets feature a detachable tank, they're more customizable for preferred styles and heights. Both styles can include bells and whistles like bidet attachments or low-flow energy saving.

Should I replace a 30 year old toilet?

While your old toilets may technically do their job, they're simply not as efficient as newer models. Not to mention if your old toilets start to show their age by cracking, leaking, or clogging, it's often best to consider replacement rather than repair.

What is the labor cost to install a toilet?

Toilet installation costs range from $224 to $532, with the national average at $372. Plumbers can charge anywhere from $65 to $350 per hour for labor costs.

How much water does a 20 year old toilet use?

Although toilets all look pretty much alike, the amount of water released by flushing varies widely from one toilet to another. Generally speaking, the older the toilet, the more water it uses. Toilets built before 1982 use 5 to 7 gallons per flush. Now, toilets are designed to flush using only 1.6 gallons of water.

Does the porcelain in toilets wear out?

In the United States today, nearly 99% of residential toilets are composed of porcelain ceramic and vitreous china. Because of this, the fixture itself can last several decades if properly maintained. Some can even outlive a person!

How long do porcelain toilets last?

Given the right conditions, porcelain toilets should last between 15 to 30 years and can even last up to 50 years. Some people might even say the lifespan is indefinite. Most toilet bowls and tanks are made of porcelain, and have been for a LONG time.

How long does a toilet wax ring last?

The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.

What is chair height vs comfort height toilets?

Heights vary enough to be noticeable. Most often, they fall somewhere between 15” and 19”, with standard toilets coming in under 17”. However, chair height toilets, what Kohler refers to as Comfort Height® toilets, measure 17” or more.

What is a comfort height toilet?

Comfort height toilets (or “right height” toilets) have higher seats than traditional toilets, usually between 17 inches and 19 inches. Comfort height toilets are becoming a popular option for many households.

What is the best height for a toilet?

Today's so-called "comfort height" or "right height" toilets feature bowls that are 17 to 19 inches high, as compared to the standard 15 inches of a regular toilet.

Do dual-flush toilets really save water?

Again, dual-flush toilets save around 67 percent of water used compared to regular toilets. Older toilet models typically use 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). Some models even using as much as 7 gpf. Right now, the industry standard is 1.6 gpf, which is still a significant decrease.

Can you replace a toilet without replacing the floor?

They often ask if they should remove the toilet before installing a new bathroom floor. While it is possible to install a new linoleum or ceramic tile floor without removing the toilet, it is not recommended and actually can increase the labor involved in the project.

How long it takes to replace a toilet?

Replacing a toilet is a simple and straightforward job, so you should be able to remove the old toilet and install the new one in about two to three hours. However, if you don't have a lot of DIY experience, you might want to add an hour or two to that timeframe.

Do modern toilets use less water?

' When used correctly the high-efficiency models can save up to 68 percent more water than a conventional low-flow toilet. But dual-flush toilets are prone to leaks, experts say.

How many times does the average person flush a toilet per day?

The average household has about 5 flushes a day. An older toilet uses 7 gallons per flush, a newer one could be as low as 1.6 gallons per flush. If it is 7 gallons that is 12,775 gallons per year on flushes.

Are high-efficiency toilets worth it?

Installing a high-efficiency toilet can save an average family around $100 a year and about $2000 over the toilet's lifespan. If your toilet was made in 1992 or before, you're using 5-7 gallons per flush. That translates to anywhere between 9,000-13,000 gallons of water a year.