Can a toilet get too old?

Question

I have an older toilet and it doesn't flush well. The water doesn't go out briskly. Someone told me that old toilets get corrosion build up that cause it not to perform properly over time. Is this true? I always thought it had to to with the components on the inside of the back of the toilet. I don't want to have to buy a new toilet if I don't need to.

Answer 1

Like everything else in life.

Answer 2

A porcelain toilet, unless cracked or broken can always be cleaned and new guts installed. There are two bolts holding the toilet to the drain pipe. Shut off the incoming water and disconnect that line. Remove the two mounting bolts. Then you can lift the entire toilet (tank included) from its mount. Be certain to drain the tank by constant flushing til empty and you can wet-vac the contents of the bowl if you desire. A new wax ring to seal the toilet is available at any hardware store (be sure to replace it). Once the toilet is out, you can make certain there are no obstructions from the underside. Now..........you can effectively snake the drain line........do a good job while you can! If you have to leave the toilet off the plumbing for a couple hours, jam a large rag into the drain pipe. This will keep sewer gasses out of the house. You'll probably want to replace those old bolts, too. Best wishes from an old man. Been there a few times.

Answer 3

Look under the lid of the tank or on the inside of the tank , there should be a
date stamped on the toilet. If it is real old you may be able to find the right parts to fix it, but you may have trouble finding them. Sometime you just need to adjust the amount of water that is in the tank to have it flush properly or the flapper may need adjustment. Because the toilet is made of porcelain and if it is not cracked it can last forever.. As with all things sometimes it is easier and cheaper to just replace it. A good new toilet uses less water and may look better. Prices for new toilets range from $150- on up. Replacement part are less $35-$60 but you may end up spending allot of time finding them and installing them. Good Luck.

Answer 4

There are liquid solutions available in the market, to melt whatever is inside the sanitary pipes and declogged the lines. Here in the Philippines, we used the brand Liquid Sossa, its very effective. Otherwise, boil a pae of water and pour it on the toilet bowl, it will melt fatty deposits along the lines and it also disinfects.

Answer 5

Get a good plumber to check it out. You may just need to have one snake your drain. My husband repairs vintage toilets people have in their homes that are from the late 1800's and early 1900's. So, with proper care and a good plumber, a toilet should last a long time.

Answer 6

I agree with old lady. Put new guts in it yourself first so you don't have to pay a plumber for that...its easy. If it doesn't get better, try snaking the comode yourself first, then if that doesn't help call a plumber. The toilet itself should last you forever. We have a lavender one from the sixties that flushes like a dream, lol.

Answer 7

yes they do.... trust me on this we own an OLD trailor and the toilet is just as old..... scary. (that means that it is 44yrs old, and im not joking either.... when ours was made they used to stamp the year it was made in the back of the toilet inside the tank) rust lime.... ect tend to build up some times


but if you do decide to replace the toilet (trust me we are in the procees of remodeling the entire bathroom) please to not forget to replace the wax ring, ect ect. you will just end up with some water on your floor as a result

Answer 8

I never thought about that before. I look forward to hearing some of the other answers to this question.

Answer 9

Its too old if u see black lines inside where the water comes out.

Answer 10

you can replace the valve and flapper in the tank but if your toilet is clogged you can clean it. chances are it's not the toulet thats clogged it's most likely the pipes.