How Long Do Toilets Last? – Bathroom 101

Our toilets are one of the most important and probably, one of the most used bathroom essentials in our homes. But how long do toilets last?

The average lifespan of the toilet can range between 10 to 15 years, depending on its usage, model, and quality. Some quality toilets with good maintenance might last several years longer while still in good condition.

But before you do something about it, we will share with you some signs to know if your favorite lavatory seat needs a replacement immediately.

How Long Do They Last?

A standard toilet at an average price might only last 10 years before a replacement. With care, you can extend its life expectancy to 15 years. However, during this time, we might need to replace some of the broken toilet parts.

Most toilets today are made of porcelain to ensure that their durability exceeds the previous average life expectancy of these fixtures. In fact, a porcelain toilet can function well from 15 years up to 30 years.

Given the right conditions, a toilet can last for a long time, even up to 50 years. But to achieve this longevity, even high-end porcelain fixtures need proper maintenance to avoid constant clogging and other related problems that may occur.

The average price of installation for a new toilet today can range from $224 to $532 depending on the quality, the type of toilets you want to use, and extra features.

You can choose different toilet types, like the standard toilet, the Dutch-inspired inspection shelf toilet, or even the more expensive smart toilets available today.

Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced

Since the average life of a toilet is only around 10 – 15 years, you will need to pay extra attention to it when this time is near. If the following signs appear, you might need to replace toilets immediately.

1. Cracked Porcelain

Several factors may cause toilets to crack. Any fracture inside the bowl may be a serious sign of damage to your toilet. This bowl bears all the weight of the people using it, and these cracks may increase the chances of accidents.

2. Very Old Toilets

An old toilet can cost you more money in the long run, even if it still works. Compared to newer toilets that most homeowners use today, older versions use more water, ranging from 5 to 7 gallons per flush.

So, if you want a much cheaper water bill next month, try to replace your old pal today.

3. Constant Clogging

Clogging can happen to your toilet bowl every now and then, but this is completely normal. But if clogging becomes constant and frequent, you might need some plumbing professional to address the problem, such as accumulated mineral deposits and liquid waste.

Also, be open to an immediate replacement of the entire toilet.

4. Corrosion and Rust

Rust and corrosion mean that some metallic parts of your equipment need to be repaired. You must maintain some toilet parts regularly to avoid leaks and other problems. But if this issue doesn’t resolve after a few repairs, this might be the day you should replace it.

5. Wobbling

A simple case of loose screws can cause wobbling in your bowl. You or a plumber can quickly fix the bolts to ensure everything is in the proper places.

But sometimes, wobbling can also signify some major problems. The floor beneath might be damaged by leaking water or, worse, rotting away. So whenever you feel some wobble, call the plumber immediately.

6. Major discomfort

As an essential part of our lavatory, we spend a lot of time on our toilets. It makes sense for us that we want to have comfortable equipment that we can use to do our business.

If the older toilets in your home cannot give you the comfort you need, maybe it’s time to change the whole fixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know how old my toilet is?

Most of our toilets today have a manufactured date stamped inside the toilet tank.

You can easily find it beneath the tank or the bottom of its lid. Sometimes, you can also find it near the water level line inside.

What part of my toilet needs replacing?

Some of the most common toilet problems might be caused by running fill valves or broken toilet flappers.

How do I replace my toilet?

When seeing severe signs of a bad toilet, it’s time for a replacement. The easiest way to resolve this problem is by asking a plumbing specialist for their service.

But if you are eager to do this on your own, here are the 8 easy steps for toilet replacement:

1. Turn off the water line and drain water from the tank.
2. Uninstall the bowl.
3. Remove the old wax and ring.
4. Repair the flange and install the new bolts.
5. Install the new wax ring or wax seal.
6. Install the toilet bowl and close all the bolts using a washer and nuts.
7. Install and secure the tank.
8. Install the toilet seats

Read more: Costs to replace a toilet.

How often should toilets be replaced?

If you are still asking how often the toilet should be replaced, we should always consider the reason why we need to replace it.

As a rule of thumb, most families should replace their toilets after 10 to 15 years of use.

Indeed, we may want to change it for aesthetic reasons or the inconvenience it gives us whenever we use it. But generally, replacements are usually few and far between depending on how we use and take care of toilet fixtures.

But if you think some repairs can be done, we probably suggest it instead of installing a new one to be more cost-effective.

Conclusion

Now that we know how long do toilets last, we can now gauge how long this essential seat can serve us effectively without compromising our comfort.

This lavatory equipment can surely last longer and help us save money in the long run by giving the best toilet needs, proper care, and regular maintenance. But if you ever wanted your toilet replaced for the better, feel free to follow some of the instructions above.