Toilets comprise various parts; some may last up to 50 years, while others require more regular maintenance and replacement. You can determine your toilet’s age and efficiency by inspecting its parts. Here’s a look:
Table of Contents
How to tell a toilet’s age
Manufacturers usually stamp or print the date your toilet was made on its parts. By carefully lifting and inspecting various parts of the toilet, you should be able to locate a stamp bearing the manufacture date. Common places to check for the manufacture date stamp include:
Bottom of the tank lid
- The back wall
- The back of the seat
- Inside the toilet tank
Analyze the flush volume.
You can determine the amount of water your toilet uses by looking at its flush volume or the gallons per flush. Toilets manufactured at different times feature different flush volumes, meaning you can use the number to cross-reference your toilet’s age. Of course, most manufacturers stamp the flash volume on the toilet’s back wall, behind the seat, inside the tank, etc.
Find and cross-reference the model number.
Every toilet has a model number, usually found at the bottom of the tank lid; simply flip it over to see it. Check the owner’s manual as well; if you can’t locate the model number on the toilet itself, you won’t miss it in the owner’s manual. Alternatively, get the serial number and cross-reference it with model numbers found on American Standard’s online sites or published listings. Simply check the toilet tank or seat for the serial number.
You may determine the age of your toilet by checking how high or low the current model numbers are in comparison to earlier models. For example, if a US Standard toilet design has the same model number it launched a decade ago, then it’s probably no longer being manufactured, and a newer model has taken its place.
Rome had some of the earliest known toilets. Although it’s possible that yours won’t exist in 2,000 years, it’ll most certainly have a good lifespan. But just like a chain, a toilet can only be as powerful as its weakest link. If your toilet has leaking valves, damaged flappers, decaying wax seals, or poor piping, you may have to overhaul it. You might want to think about replacing your toilet if you’re having problems such as:
Frequent Clogs
You may be accustomed to your toilet overflowing or even getting clogged. But as much as we’re confident you can handle that predicament like a champ, there comes a point where you must ask yourself the following questions and make the right choices.
- Do you often have to disassemble your toilet to locate things that are blocking the system?
- Do you find yourself repeatedly plunging your toilet each week after only simple flushes?
- Does your toilet keep running even after you’ve fixed the handle or repaired the flapper and flushing system?
If you are dealing with any of the above situations, replacing significant components or overhauling the whole toilet system may be worthwhile. Work with an experienced plumber to assess the extent of the problem and figure out the appropriate solution.
Leaks and cracks
It may be time to get a new toilet if you notice fractures on the tank, base, or even the bowl. Even though an occasional leak might not seem like a huge concern, the lightest leak can cause water damage to the nearby floor. The last thing you want is for these fissures to cause flooding or damaged floors when they deepen with time and eventually rupture.
Keep a close eye on your toilet, regularly check the surrounding area for wet spots or signs of water damage, and maintain the sealant and caulking as well.
Constant repairs
You’ve repaired the stopper and the handle and even made the necessary replacements, but the problem persists. Well, sometimes getting a new toilet is better than spending money on constant repairs.
Other telltale signs your toilet is too old for use include:
- Wobbling
- Increased water usage
- Mineral damage
- Low water pressure
Solving a problematic toilet could be as easy as putting in a new flapper or as tough as replacing an old sewer stack. A reliable plumber can help you determine how to get the most bang for your buck.
Which components of my toilet require replacement?
The bowl and tank are the two most noticeable parts of your toilet. Most of the time, you wouldn’t need to swap out these parts for new ones. They are made of sturdy, bacteria-resistant porcelain that’s simple to clean and built to withstand huge amounts of pressure.
When a toilet is flushed, several components in the tank discharge water and the tank refills for subsequent use. The components that control the water and waste flow are located below and above the bowl. In most cases, these are the parts that need repair or replacement. Here’s a breakdown.
Toilet parts that are commonly repaired or replaced
The flapper is a rubber valve that is released when the flush handle is pulled. It is linked to a lift rod by a short chain and opens to allow water to enter the bowl. Once all the water has been emptied, it closes so the tank can refill. When a toilet is said to be “running,” it typically means that the flapper is worn out and no longer effectively shuts the valve.
The overflow pipe is a tube linked to the water supply and helps refill the tank. To keep the tank from overflowing, there’s a float connected to the refill pipe, and it rises as the water accumulates in the tank, eventually cutting off further flow.
The bowl and tank are joined by an O-ring seal, which makes it easier for water to move. But over time, this can develop into a source of leaks.
The bottom and the sewer stack, where waste is conveyed, are usually connected to the bowl’s base by a wax seal and floor flange. These, too, tend to wear out over time and may cause leaks.
At some point in your toilet’s lifespan, these parts will probably need repair or even replacement. Other times, the best alternative might be to get a new toilet entirely.
Why get a new toilet?
Beyond normal wear and tear, there are various other reasons to overhaul your toilet. A toilet is the centerpiece of your bathroom, and you also spend time on it regularly. Upgrading it comes with various benefits, including:
● Efficiency: Toilet water usage accounts for about 30 % of your home’s overall water consumption. Since prolonged droughts are more common nowadays, peak-season water costs can increase significantly, severely impacting your monthly household budget. This is especially true if the toilet in your home does not comply with the 1994 Energy Policy Act, which requires household toilets to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water every flush. And you can even do better by getting modern designs in which manufacturers have managed to get the efficiency up to 1.28 gallons per flush.
- Comfort: No one size fits everyone. A 17-inch-high toilet may be more comfortable if you are taller than average. There’s also the oval vs. round bowls debate, with the latter considered the most comfortable seat. But it all depends on your preferences.
- Water pressure: Some toilets offer different flushes for liquid and solid wastes. There are also pressure-assist toilets that utilize gravity to generate more powerful flushes. Additional features for smart toilets include heated seats, air dryers, and bidets.
- Aesthetics: Upgrading your bathroom will boost the value of your home. An updated toilet can revitalize outdated bathrooms and increase the long-term value of your house. Remember to match the toilet’s design and color with your bathroom’s overall look. After all, this is the centerpiece; you don’t want it sticking out awkwardly.
Moreover, depending on where you live, rebates may be available to reduce the replacement project cost. Different locations have different water conservation initiatives, including some that provide deals to homeowners to replace toilets they installed before a certain year (mostly 2004). Check with your local government website to see what deals exist.
How do I change my toilet?
Don’t go for second best. Get a high-quality design and trust an experienced plumber with this vital job so they can install the toilet correctly and guarantee years of service. That way, you won’t have to worry about regular repairs and replacement costs.
Wrap-up
Knowing your toilet’s age is important; the last thing you want to do is waste money on replacement parts when the entire thing itself needs overhauling. There are several places and ways to check your toilet’s age. If you determine that it’s too old, getting a new smart and water-efficient toilet can result in various advantages, including reduced water bills and a cleaner and safer home. If you have further questions, feel free to hit us up in the comments section, and we’ll be glad to help.