Toilet: lifespan, maintenance and replacement

Typical lifespan: 20–50 years (about 25 years).

Maintenance schedule

• Check for base leaks (look for water stains) — Monthly
• Inspect flapper and fill valve — Every 6 months
• Clean jets under rim — Every 3 months
• Replace wax ring seal — Every 10–15 years or if leaking
• Tighten bolts at base — Annually

Signs it needs replacing

• Hairline cracks in porcelain (bowl or tank)
• Constant running or phantom flushing despite repairs
• Wobbling that persists after tightening
• Frequent clogs despite proper use
• Water damage to subfloor around base
• Uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush (pre-1994 models)

Tips

Replacing a pre-1994 toilet with a WaterSense model can save 13,000+ gallons of water per year.