Is It Time To Hire A Calgary Toilet Replacement Team? Learn The Top 10 Signs And A How-To Guide

Did you know that a broken toilet can cause flooding inside your home that could cost thousands of dollars to repair? Regular plumbing repairs and maintenance usually prevent these costs, whether it’s exchanging the flapper or dealing with clogged toilets efficiently without damaging your toilet’s interior or the drain line.

But sometimes, a toilet replacement service is the only option. With Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary, you’ll know when it’s time for simple repairs or a brand-new plumbing fixture. Furthermore, how can you decide if you need a professional replacement service?

Those questions are why your local Calgary plumbers put together this article. Once you know all the signs that your Calgary home needs a new porcelain throne, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed with home improvement plans.

1. Reoccurring Repairs

Constant toilet repair services are one sign you need drain services or our expert Calgary toilet replacement services. Let’s be honest, getting repairs every once in a while is standard, but getting them frequently is problematic and costly. Additionally, you might not be aware of an underlying issue that could involve your sewer system.

Perhaps you have a plumbing issue for which you seek a Calgary plumber at least once a month, or you might be dealing with multiple problems at the same time, such as a worn out flapper, wax seal or defective fill valve. If it’s gotten to the point where you avoid using the toilet because you’re afraid of any issues coming up, then it’s time for a professional toilet replacement. Otherwise, you’d be overly frustrated and spend more money on repairs than you would on a new plumbing fixture.

2. Constant Clogs

Toilets clog for everybody. Even though this problem is annoying, it’s common enough that most people can deal with it without worrying too much. There are different possible causes, but recurring clogs are usually a sign that there is a deeper issue in your sewer line. It’s easiest to first check your p-trap for blockages or obstructions in your plumbing vents if frequent backups or blockages occur more than weekly. Additionally, you should worry about clogs that seem to be caused by nothing at all or happen randomly.

If your toilet is older and its flush is low, then you might end up with constant clogs. That said, older low flow toilets are prone to clogs despite their energy efficiency and water saving capabilities. The moment you flush a little too much toilet paper could lead to a plumbing disaster. Fortunately, you can still get benefits with a brand-new eco-friendly low-flush toilet with improved flush mechanisms. Feel free to ask our Calgary toilet replacement experts about toilet types and models they recommend.

Either way, old, outdated units should be replaced to manage your expensive water bills. You may be hesitant about a toilet replacement in Calgary AB but for the sake of energy efficiency, peace of mind, and the environment, let us help you replace your older low-flush plumbing.

3. Porcelain Cracks

Another sign that you need our reliable Calgary toilet replacement team is a crack in the porcelain. Even though this might not seem like a big problem, it is for a toilet. If the porcelain of your bowl is cracked, it will leak and not only cause water damage underneath your flooring system but also flooding.

Flooding is incredibly dangerous to your home. If water seeps into the structure, walls, drywall, and even furniture, you will end up paying huge costs for restoration and plumbing repairs. Even if there's minimal flooding, it could cause mould growth in your home. Mould leads to many different health effects, from severe allergies to asthma attacks. There’s also more than one health problem with waste outlet floods because contaminated water leads to additional problems, including waterborne diseases like trachoma or diarrhea.

As you can see, a crack in your toilet’s porcelain may not seem serious to the naked eye, but it is. Porcelain is expensive to repair and most repairs are only beneficial temporarily, which means your best bet is a toilet replacement in the event of a crack.

4. Scratches

We’ve just covered the seriousness of porcelain cracks. Scratches are certainly unsightly, and while they aren’t necessarily a big problem, they can negatively affect your plumbing fixture in Calgary. Here are three reasons why:

1. A scratch may eventually develop into a crack — This brings the risk of all the problems covered in the last section.
2. It’s difficult to clean a scratch — bacteria will collect inside, which compromises hygiene and safety.
3. It may affect your unit’s overall performance

5. The Toilet Runs Constantly

If your toilet runs constantly, it is usually because of interior damage. If you hear a phantom flush late at night when trying to fall asleep, you’ll know the damage is a problem and needs to be addressed. Furthermore, you’re wasting water if you allow your toilet to run constantly. At least now you know why you have expensive water bills! When seeking long-term results, hire our trusted Calgary toilet replacement team to get the job done! This way, you aren’t flushing down money on ridiculous water costs or risking major repairs by keeping a fixture with hidden damage.

6. Your Toilet Is Old

If your toilet is old, chances are that you need a replacement to recover its energy efficiency and your personal comfort. You should request a professional inspection if you’ve had your toilet for as long as you’ve owned your home. This is especially the case if the home you live in had other owners before you.

The reason you need to replace old plumbing fixtures is to increase efficiency and also allow a professional plumber to check for potential underlying issues. You may not know it because you aren’t repairing it constantly, but you are probably spending much more money on energy bills than you need to. In addition to slowly draining money, an older fixture isn’t great for the environment either.

When looking at a new toilet installation, you can look for one that has a dual-flush toilet. It flushes with different amounts of water, depending on whether the waste you’re flushing is liquid or solid. This will save you money in water bills in the long term and reduce your environmental impact.

7. Toilet Is Wobbly

Does your fixture wobble every time you sit down to use the washroom? If so, you need to have a professional come check out what’s going on. It’s possible that you simply need to have some parts tightened or a new toilet flange or wax ring. However, if you still feel a wobble afterward, that’s a sign that there’s a more serious problem going on — usually that the bathroom floor has been damaged.

The cause of this damage is typically nearby leaks. Toilet leaks are not always visible to you, but they tend to cause damage to nearby materials, including caulk lines or fasteners. Also, this silent water works its way down into the floor, causing rot and dampness to grow within the bathroom floor. The result is often wobbling fixtures. If you detect it too late, you’ll require more than just a toilet replacement in Calgary, AB. We invite you to call our licensed plumber in Calgary for toilet repair and inspection to determine the best course of action.

Otherwise, this kind of situation can get out of control and lead to high costs. So it’s best to consider our Calgary toilet replacement services sooner rather than later.

8. Your Water Bills Are High

If your energy bills are high, but you aren’t taking long showers or running your dishwasher more than usual, then your toilet may be the culprit. It might be running continuously, even if you don’t hear anything. A leaky toilet will also impact bills.

If you suspect an issue, ask for a professional plumbing inspection. A qualified plumber will be able to determine the source of your high bills and provide a solution. One way to avoid these kinds of problems is to invest in high-quality fixtures that last for years and have water conservation capabilities.

9. Your Toilet Bowl Is Round

Round toilet bowls can be uncomfortable. This isn’t just a problem that affects you. It also affects your family and any friends who come to visit. Replacement isn’t just for emergencies. If your round bowl has bothered you for a while, and you start to see some of the additional problems we’ve covered in this article, toilet replacement is a great option to improve comfort and avoid future problems. For example, elongated bowls will provide you with a lot more comfort and space efficiency.

10. Mineral Deposit Build-Up

In many appliances that involve water use, mineral deposit build-up is a possible problem. This is especially the case in regions that have hard water. If you’ve had hard water issues in other areas of your home—for example, in your shower—then chances are it’s having an effect on your toilet’s efficiency.

Mineral build-up collects in the siphon tube and inlet holes. This causes blockage that restricts water flow, decreasing plumbing efficiency as a result. Sometimes, plumbing might become downright unusable. If this happens, replacement can help. When you have a professional plumber come to your home, ask them about what they recommend for mineral deposit build-up.

How To Complete My Own Toilet Replacement in Calgary, AB?

Toilet replacement in Calgary AB is regarded as a minor plumbing upgrade that does not require a permit from the city; however, that doesn’t mean that you’re alone with the replacement service. Hire our experienced technicians at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary. Toilet replacement services are better completed by Calgary plumbers, who provide this service on a regular basis. On the other hand, if you’re a DIY professional who is familiar with bathroom renovations that include minor plumbing knowledge, get ready for our small guide!

Gather Your Materials and Tools!

• Toilet replacement unit
• Flange and bolts
• New wax ring
• Old rags
• Plumber's putty
• Plastic shims

Essential Tools:

• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• A marker
• Screwdriver set
• Utility knife
• Putty knife
• Hacksaw
• Tubing cutter
• Adjustable wrenches

Let’s Get Started!

Please keep in mind that this is at least a two-person job. Even DIY pros need teamwork to get big tasks done!

1. Turn off your water shutoff valve: Property owners in Calgary may find the valve behind the fixture’s base. Once shutoff, flush once or twice to drain the bowl
2. Remove the old unit: Detach the supply lines and remove any visible bolts. When removing a two-piece unit, start by removing the tank before the bowl. Use a utility knife to break any caulk lines around the unit and gently rock it loose before lifting it up.
3. Inspect the area and clean: You’re exposed to the drains. For health and safety concerns, put an old rag in the drain opening to prevent drain line odours from wafting out. Remove the old wax seal by scraping off any remains.
4. New wax ring installation: There are two options to properly install a new wax seal—either place it straight underneath your toilet replacement unit or on top of your new flange.
5. Base installation: Install the base carefully by lowering it onto the seal. Gently rock it into place until you feel a tight seal. Its position should also be in alignment with the bolt holes. Lastly, place your washers and nut parts on each bolt before tightening them.
6. Tank installation: In case of a two-piece unit, place the tank on your bowl next and tighten the bolts.
7. Install new water supply lines: When installing a new supply line, you have to tighten the nut to the fill valve under your tank unit. The other nut goes to the supply valve.
8. Turn on your shutoff valve and voilà!

Ready For Calgary Toilet Replacement Services?

Are you looking for an efficient toilet replacement in Calgary, AB? Our team of experienced plumbers can answer any question that you may have.

Whatever information you need, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary is here to help! We’re experts when it comes to toilet replacement and repair services. To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call or learn more about our other services, including drain cleaning, water line repairs, or pressure reducing valves.

Don’t struggle on your own! Our expert team also serves our fellow Calgarians in surrounding areas like Haysboro, Lincoln Park, and Glamorgan.