The toilet is a place where we often ponder life’s biggest questions. But have you ever been sitting on your porcelain throne and wondered, “how long do toilets last?”.

It’s an interesting question and not one that has an easy answer because there are a number of variables. You might assume that toilets last forever if they don’t take heavy damage, but this isn’t the case.

There are a number of things to know when it comes to understanding how long a toilet might last, so keep reading to find out more.

When Should I Replace My Toilet?

One of the best ways to establish how long a toilet might last is to identify what might cause it to need replacing. There are a few things to look out for that might mean it’s a good idea to find a new one.

Cracks and Chips

If the structure of the toilet itself is damaged in any way, it’s a good idea to think about replacing it.

While some chips or cracks could just be superficial and don’t compromise the integrity of the toilet, left alone they could worsen and eventually end up causing a leak.

By the time a leak is evident, it can become more expensive/complicated to replace the toilet.

Worn Components

The inside of a toilet has several parts that can all face wear and tear:

Overflow tube
Float
Flapper
O-ring
Wax seal

If you’re having issues with flushing, or the tank not filling, it might be time to speak to a plumber in Olympia, WA about getting a repair or replacement.

How Old Is My Toilet?

While the inner components of a toilet are susceptible to wear and tear, the tank and the bowl, which are made of porcelain, are resistant to bacteria and are easy to maintain.

When a toilet was first made, the manufacturer may have stamped the porcelain with a date. Take a look under the lid of the tank, or in the tank itself to get an idea of how old the unit is.

How Much Does a New Toilet Cost?

The answer to this question depends on how much of the toilet unit needs replacing.

Something like a rubber seal could cost as little as $1 from a local hardware store. In fact, most of the internal components of a toilet are relatively cheap. Things may start to get a little more expensive if you need to replace the whole thing. But why would you need to do that?

You don’t like the style
There are significant cracks/chips
You’d like a bigger or smaller toilet
You’d like a certain flush mechanism
There are lots of minor issues and you’d like to solve them all

Sometimes, replacing the whole toilet is just an easier option, rather than having to take it apart to discover an issue.