A functioning toilet is an essential piece of any home. However,
we rarely think twice about it until something catastrophic happens. The team
here at Best Plumbing is available to help when that happens. Not just with fixing
the issue, but also with providing an upgrade that can last you years to come.
Let’s take a look at common signs that your toilet needs replacing and the
popular options to consider.
You may need a new toilet if…
- Your Toilet Uses Too Much Water: Many toilets
installed before 1994 use 3.4 gallons per flush, while low-flow models use only
1.6 gallons. These newer toilets are more efficient and use less water, so it’s
really a win-win solution. - Your Toilet is Chipped or Cracked: If your
toilet is showing chips or cracks, it could be leaking water. Even a small leak
can lower your toilet’s efficiency and cause moisture damage in your bathroom.
You can always call a professional plumber to check for leaks, but if you
suspect that your toilet is permanently damaged, it’s probably time for a replacement. - Your Toilet is Constantly Clogged: Frequent
clogging could be a problem with the toilet itself. Installing a newer and more
efficient model will likely resolve the issue and spare you any additional
headaches. - Your Toilet Keeps Needing Repairs: Many toilet
problems can be fixed with a simple trip to the hardware store. However, if you
are constantly calling a professional plumber to fix your toilet, then it’s
probably time to replace it.
Top-Tier Toilets to Consider
- Gravity-Feed: The
gravity-feed toilet is a very common fixture in modern bathrooms, and perhaps
the oldest modern toilet unit around. Water from the toilet tank is released
into the bowl at the press of the flush valve, and the water pushes waste
downward through the trap-way. With gravity-feed toilets, the circular motion
of the flushing water is used to simultaneously clean the bowl. - Pressure-Assisted: Pressurized air compels water from the tank
into the bowl with great force, creating a loud, abrupt flushing sound. While
far more efficient than your standard gravity-feed unit, a pressure-assisted
toilet is best suited to large family homes or public restrooms that see a lot
of use. - Dual-Flush: Dual-flush
toilets are a mixture of the above options for an effective, yet
environmentally friendly method of waste disposal. With this unit, you have the
option of a half-strength flush and a full flush. The half-strength is
equivalent to a gravity-feed toilet and is used for liquid waste disposals. The
full-strength will dispose waste with the force of a pressure-assisted toilet
and is used for solid waste. - Waterless: This
is an option of increasing popularity on worksites or campsites. These totally
dry units collect waste in a receptacle beneath the seat. Waterless toilets
range in quality, with the latest and best unit featuring an electric-powered,
odorless disposal system with double-bagging technology for easy switch-outs.
For all questions or concerns regarding plumbing problems and system installations, give Best Plumbing a call at (206) 633-1700.
Photo Credit: © Graham and Sheila
