Many factors determine the lifespan of a toilet, including the materials from which it is made. For example, most toilets nowadays are made out of high-quality materials such as porcelain and vitreous china. Thanks to these durable materials, these toilets 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. Let’s go through some of the biggest details that have the most significant impact on your toilet’s overall lifespan.
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1. Frequency of Use
Definitely the biggest impact on a toilet’s lifespan is the frequency of use. If a lot of people regularly use the same toilet, it’s 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 also increase. Some types of damage such as big cracks may even be impossible or too expensive to repair, meaning you’ll need to invest in a brand new toilet. To avoid issues from frequency of use, we suggest increasing maintenance of your toilet in proportion with the overeall use to help prevent big issues from developing over time.
2. Maintenance
Although an average toilet can last up to a couple of decades or longer, some of its components will need replacement more often. Parts such as the lever arm and flapper are often the first ones to fail and cause flushing problems. Therefore, replacing these parts is essential for great performance, and will help extend your toilet’s working lifespan. Pay attention if you notice any unusual behavior from your toilet to help identify potential issues quickly, and don’t be afraid to call a professional or research DIY solutions if problems do arise.
3. 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 overall efficiency. Toilets nowadays are extremely efficient and their water consumption is often 1.6 gallons per flush or less. Some models are even more water-efficient, consuming only 1.28 or even 1 gallon per flush. Especially with high efficiency options available, if your toilet is 20-30 years old, you should consider purchasing a new toilet.
4. 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. Additionally, limescale can also accumulate on the components inside the toilet tank. However, dealing with build up over time shouldn’t be a problem as long as you have the right cleaning products. Be sure to regularly clean your toilet and water supply to maximize your toilet’s lifespan. Investing in a water softener is another way to minimize damage. Eventually, however, you may want to consider replacing the toilet completely.
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, you should still take regular steps to preserve your toilet. For example, proper maintenance and replacing worn out parts will ensure you’ll get many years out of your toilet. If you’re ready to invest in a new toilet, click here for our guide on the best and most durable toilets.
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