Toilets are one of those items that we take for granted. They’re always there when we need them and we seldom think that they might need repaired or replaced until one day, a calamity strikes.

This is one area where some preventive maintenance can avert a future calamity and all of its repercussions. If your toilet has cracks, it wobbles, you notice water around the base or on the floor under the tank, or it’s not flushing efficiently, your beleaguered toilet may need some attention.

Cracks

Toilets are usually made of porcelain, so it’s not unusual for toilets to develop cracks over time; the cracks can appear in the tank, the bowl or on the insides. Sometimes, cracks exist for years and never leak. Other times, a crack signals an imminent catastrophe, so it’s best to attend to a crack as soon as you notice it.

Repairing a crack can sometimes require a professional plumber, which can ultimately cost almost as much as replacing the toilet, so this might be an ideal time to upgrade.

Leaks

If you notice water around the base of the toilet, or if you notice water under the tank, you have a leak. Clear water around the base of the toilet indicates a leak somewhere in the bowl. Fetid water around the base can indicate a leak in the wax ring, so you’ll probably need to call a professional plumber.

Flushing Issues

If you notice that your toilet isn’t flushing well and requires repeated flushes to totally evacuate the bowl, your toilet may have internal issues or a blockage. Newer toilets are designed to flush more efficiently; older ones are more prone to blockages from excessive paper use.

If your toilet clogs on a regular basis, it may indicate the need for replacement. Not only are clogs unpleasant and annoying, they can present health hazards to young children and the elderly.

Wobbles

If your toilet wobbles and tightening the bolts that secure it to the floor doesn’t help, or helps only for a short while, then you may need to replace your toilet or you may have a toilet that is leaking into the sub-floor. Either way, you need to have a professional plumber investigate the problem. Not addressing a deteriorating sub-floor can have unpleasant consequences at a very inconvenient time.

Appearance and Comfort

Your toilet may be functioning quite well, but, frankly, it just isn’t comfortable and you’re tired of looking at it. This is an excellent time to replace your older toilet with a new, water-efficient model that is beautiful as well as efficient.

Many newer toilets have an elongated bowl, which provides more comfort than the round bowl of many older designs. Some of the newer designs also consider mobility issues and are higher off the ground, which can be a boon for those with knee issues.

Whatever your reason, there’s no better time than now to consider upgrading your older toilet to a new, water-efficient model that will add beauty and comfort to your bathroom.