It’s common knowledge that the average person spends a third of their life sleeping, but have you ever wondered how much time they spend on the toilet? Spending a few minutes on the toilet several times every day adds up. Men average 15 minutes daily on the toilet, translating to 309 days. The average woman spends just over 12 minutes on the toilet every day, equal to 259 days during her lifetime.
A comfortable, durable, efficient toilet is crucial for your hygiene and home plumbing system. Like all things, toilets can break down over time. When that happens, you’ll need to replace your toilet. Let’s examine the difference between repairing or replacing your toilet, the signs you need a new toilet, and the benefits of investing in toilet replacement.
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New Toilet Technology
Phones aren’t the only things that have gotten smarter. Smart toilets transform bathrooms in homes, businesses, and public venues. Today’s toilets include those with the following features:
- Adjustable seats
- Air drying
- Automatic flushing
- Automatic lid closing
- Automatic lid opening
- Built-in bidets
- Built-in deodorizer
- Heated seats
- Low flush option
- Night lights
- Removable seats
- Self-cleaning wands
- Smartphone app control
Investing in today’s smart toilets can reduce the time spent cleaning the toilet and increase water efficiency. Toilets with night lights and lids that automatically open and close are also convenient for families with people who get up to use the bathroom at night.
Repairing vs. Replacing Your Toilet
Deciding whether you can repair your toilet or need to replace it begins with assessing its issues. If your toilet’s leaking or running, whether you can repair it or not may depend on the leak’s location or the reason it’s running. For example, you may be able to fix a running toilet by installing a new flapper. However, you may need a new toilet if you have a leak below the toilet bowl’s water line.
Suppose it’s possible to repair your toilet. In that case, you will want to consider the following before deciding to invest in repairs or replacing your toilet:
- Appearance of your toilet: Investing in a new toilet is a great way to replace a toilet with stains.
- Discomfort: Smart toilets include features like heated seats, making your time on the toilet more comfortable.
- Environmental considerations: One problem with old toilets is that they aren’t as environmentally friendly as new toilets designed to reduce water usage. Additionally, toilets with built-in bidets can reduce your use of toilet paper.
- Financial implications: Compare the repair costs to the cost of buying and installing a new toilet. You should also consider things like water costs. Investing in a water-efficient toilet is a great way to reduce your water bill, offsetting the cost of a new toilet. Also, suppose you’re investing in a bathroom remodel. In that case, replacing your toilet now may be more cost-efficient than waiting until you have to.
Risks of Not Replacing Your Toilet
Deciding not to install a new toilet can cause several problems. As your toilet ages and parts break down, it may leak. These leaks can cause serious issues because, over time, you’ll have water damage in your home. Over time, leaks can lead to bacteria and mold growth, which pose health risks. You also risk higher water bills if your toilet runs or leaks.
How a Plumber Can Help
Contact Larkin Plumbing to speak to a Las Vegas plumber about when to replace a toilet. Our emergency plumbing experts in Las Vegas can assess issues, explain options, and help you decide if you need a new toilet.
FAQ
What Are the Most Common Signs That I Need To Replace My Toilet?
There are several signs you may need a new toilet, including the following:
- Cracks
- Frequent clogs
- High water bills
- Inefficient flushing
- Leaks
- Mineral buildup
- Not flushing
- Running toilet
- Wobbly toilet
How Long Does a Typical Toilet Last?
How long your toilet lasts depends on how well it’s maintained. If you buy an older home, you may need to replace your toilet sooner because of its age and maintenance history. With proper care, your toilet could last up to five decades. However, most homeowners may use three or more toilets during that time.
Related: Summer Plumbing Tips
What Are the Benefits of Installing a New High-Efficiency Toilet?
New high-efficiency toilets offer multiple benefits, including the following:
- Aesthetics: New toilets look better than old toilets with stains or cracks
- Comfort: Smart toilets have features like bidets and heated seats
- Convenience: New toilets can have seats that automatically open and close, self-cleaning wands, and automatic flushing, helping prevent stains and making it easier to keep your toilet clean
- Odor control: Choosing a toilet with a built-in deodorizer helps keep your bathroom smelling fresh
- Reducing water consumption: High-efficiency toilets reduce the volume of water you use, which is good for the environment and your water bill
Call Larkin Plumbing 24/7 for help with your plumbing needs.
Sources:
Cox, P. (2024). Two Easy Ways to Fix a Running Toilet.
DiChristina, M. (2015). Science Explains Why We Really Do Need to Sleep a Third of Our Lives Away.
Lipski, O. (2024). 8 Best Smart Toilets of 2024, Tested By Experts.