The lifespan of a toilet is determined by numerous factors including the materials it is made out of. Most toilets nowadays are made out of high-quality materials such as porcelain and vitreous china. Therefore, they should be able to last up to 50 years. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to invest money in maintaining your toilet throughout its life. Not only that, but there are numerous factors that can decrease the lifespan of your toilet. That is why we are going to go through some of the things that have the most significant impact.
Frequency of Use
Definitely the biggest impact on a toilet’s lifespan is the frequency of use. If a lot of people are using the same toilet and if it is being flushed frequently, it is more likely to last less than 50 years. Furthermore, if it is being used on a regular basis, the chances of experiencing cracks or other types of damage is a lot higher. Some types of damage such as big cracks may even be impossible or too expensive to repair.
Maintenance
Although an average toilet can last up to a couple of decades, some of its components will have to be replaced more often. Parts such as a lever arm or a flapper are often the first ones to fail and cause flushing problems. Therefore, replacing these parts is essential for great performance.
The Amount of Water Per Flush
Over the past few decades, companies have been designing their toilets to consume less water per flush in order to increase the efficiency. Toilets nowadays are extremely efficient and their water consumption is often 1.6 GPF. Still, some models are even more water-efficient, consuming only 1.28 or even 1 GPF. That is why if your toilet is 20-30 years old, you should definitely consider purchasing a new one.
Effects of Hard Water
Hard water that has a lot of dissolved minerals in it does a number on toilets. The dissolved minerals will at some point harden on your water supply. Another thing that could accumulate on the components inside the toilet tank is limescale. Still, dealing with it shouldn’t be a problem if you have the right product for cleaning. Investing in a water softener is one way to go, but still, sometimes it is better and more economical to just replace the toilet.
Final Verdict
Just like everything else, the more you use a toilet, the more you decrease its lifespan. Although most models nowadays are extremely durable and long-lasting, proper maintenance as well as replacing the worn out parts are essential to maintain a long lifespan. Click here for our guide on the best and most durable toilets.
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