Toilet Repair vs. Replacement: Understanding the Pros and Cons

When your toilet isn’t flushing correctly or is showing signs of wear, you might wonder if it’s time to replace your toilet. Though replacing your toilet is often far more advantageous if it’s old, you should be aware of the pros and cons of repair versus replacement. Knowing the main advantages and disadvantages of both options can help you ensure you’re making the right choice for your budget and needs.

What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Repairing a Toilet?

If you think your toilet might only need a repair, you should know the pros and cons of doing so first. When you opt for a toilet repair, one of the primary advantages is that a repair will often cost less than a replacement. Alongside coming with a reduced cost in the short term, a repair can sometimes be more convenient, as a repair can usually be completed faster, and you won’t need to pick a new toilet or have it installed.

While toilet repairs come with a lower cost and can be more convenient in the short term, they have some disadvantages. For example, if your toilet is already nearing the end of its life, repairing it can actually cause you to lose money in the long run. Since an aging toilet can need more frequent repairs and may stop working entirely, choosing to repair it can be a money sink that could be avoided by going with a toilet replacement.

Even when your toilet is in good enough condition to last for a long time after the repair, you may want to consider a replacement if your toilet was made before 1994. Since toilets before this date use much more water than those made after, replacing your old toilet can save you money in water bills over time.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Replacing a Toilet?

If you think the potential cons of repairing a toilet might not be worth it, you may want to consider replacing your toilet. Learn more about the top benefits of replacing a toilet below:

• More efficient water usage: If your toilet is older, a new high-efficiency toilet is an excellent investment. In fact, the EPA estimates that replacing your old toilet with a new high-efficiency model can save you around $140 a year in water bills. As a result, you can often save money in the long run with a toilet replacement.
• Less need for repairs and reduced risk of emergencies: With a new toilet, you can expect to experience fewer issues for many years to come. Essentially, replacing an old toilet with a new one can ensure you get the best performance possible without the headache and costs of always needing to repair an old toilet. Additionally, new toilets will typically reduce the risk of a plumbing emergency, as they’ll be more durable and less likely to cause a major issue in your plumbing system.
• Better looking: A toilet made 30 years ago just isn’t going to look very good in a modern home. By replacing your toilet, you can select a new model that looks great in your bathroom and fits your aesthetic.
• Increased home value: When you upgrade your toilet, you can add value to your home. Since a new home buyer usually wants their future home to have all the latest appliances and fixtures, a freshly replaced toilet can help raise the price.

Despite all the advantages, replacing a toilet might not be the right decision if your toilet is fairly new and in relatively good condition. Since replacing a toilet will cost more than an individual repair, it’s often more advantageous to go with a repair when your toilet is already a high-efficiency model and hasn’t needed many repairs in the past.

How to Choose Whether to Repair or Replace Your Toilet

As you decide whether to repair or replace your toilet, your decision should probably come down to the cost and the type of issue your toilet is facing. Some of the top issues that can usually be repaired include:

• Water doesn’t refill in your toilet’s bowl or tank
• Your toilet won’t stop running
• The toilet won’t flush all the waste in one go
• Your toilet’s handle is stuck or loose
• It takes a long time for the water to refill in your toilet
• The toilet’s metal components have rust on them
• You notice water around the base of your toilet

While the above issues can usually be repaired, some problems can’t be solved with a repair. Some of the top issues that almost always require a full replacement include:

• Your toilet is causing your water bills to increase dramatically
• You notice cracks on your bowl or tank
• Your toilet won’t stop clogging
• You constantly have to repair the toilet
• The toilet shifts around and moves whenever you sit on it

When your toilet’s issue indicates your toilet needs a full replacement, the choice should almost always be to replace your toilet. However, if your issue is in the repair category, you’ll need to consider the cost and age of the toilet. For example, it’s usually more cost-effective in the long run to replace a toilet made before 1994, as you’ll save money on water bills over time. For toilets made after 1994, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit if you always have to repair the toilet.

Choose Newcomb and Company for Toilet Repair and Replacement in Raleigh, North Carolina

If you’re looking for toilet service near you in Raleigh, turn to Newcomb and Company. Our team of plumbers regularly provides toilet repair and replacement services to homeowners and businesses. When you contact us, our team will perform a thorough inspection of your toilet and give you an informed recommendation about which service would benefit you most. Whatever option you choose, you can trust that our toilet repairs will be affordable, and our toilet replacements will give you long-lasting, high-efficiency performance.

Learn more about our toilet repair and replacement services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.