The commode. The porcelain throne. The potty. Regardless of what you call it, the toilet is an essential part of every rental home. And while many are built to last, toilets still require regular maintenance. A broken float here, a new seat there. So how do you know when it is time to replace the toilet in your rental property?
Constant Clogging:
Clogged toilets are never fun to deal with. Though they’re not exactly an uncommon occurrence, random or recurring clogs can actually be a sign there’s a problem. One reason behind frequent clogs can be the age of your toilet. Older, low-flush toilets can have narrow trapways that can increase clogs. So if you notice your tenant complains regularly about the toilet clogging, it may be a sign it’s time to replace the toilet with a newer, more efficient model.
Cracks:
Cracks in the porcelain are a more obvious sign it’s time for a new toilet. If you notice water pooling around the base or even constant running, it’s most likely time to look at replacements. While the toilet itself may work fine, cracks can lead to leaks, and leaks can not only waste precious water but damage your flooring overtime and lead to serious problems.
Plentiful Repairs:
There comes a time when the cost to replace the whole toilet outweighs the cost to continuously repair it. If you notice you’re constantly having to call a plumber for the same toilet, you may end up saving more money overtime by replacing the problem commode instead.
Inefficient Flushing:
High water bills can be an indicator that your toilet isn’t flushing as efficiently as it can. Investing in a high-efficiency toilet can help lower those bills and make your property more environmentally friendly.
Excessive Age:
We live in the age of technology, and with greater technology comes greater efficiency. This same logic applies to the good old porcelain throne. While your older toilet may work just fine, it’s less efficient than its newer counterparts. And if you’re aiming for greater efficiency and water savings, consider a dual flush toilet!
Wobbling:
No one wants to sit on a wobbly toilet. The solution may be to just tighten screws, but wobbling can also be an indicator of greater problems such as water damage or rotting floors. Be sure to call in the pros in either case to assess the situation, then replace the faulty potty.
Cosmetic Issues:
Excessive scratches or markings on your toilet may not impact the functionality of your commode, it can make it harder to clean. A dinged up toilet can also be a turn-off to prospective tenants. If you find your toilet looks as though it’s seen better days, consider replacing it!
So whether your latrine isn’t working like it should or you’re just looking to update the entire water closet, make sure consider all of the options available when it comes time to replace the toilet in your rental!
