The condition of toilets in the home will be assessed by a home inspector. Trained home inspectors know that toilets can present a number of problems. A leaking toilet can cost homeowners thousands of dollars, as leaks can cause the floor to rot. Leaks may also facilitate mold and fungal growth, which can present health hazards.
Home inspectors will note the following:
- Cracks in the toilet
- Whether or not the toilet flushes
- Whether or not the toilet is always running
- The amount of time it takes the water to go down once the toilet is flushed
- How long it takes the bowl to refill once the toilet is flushed
- The size of the tank
- Leaks
- Condition of the connection of the toilet bowl and floor
Any leak is a problem that should be addressed right away. Leaks can be simple fixes at times. Once of the most common causes is the deterioration of the wax ring underneath the toilet. This ring costs no more than a few dollars, but does require that the toilet be taken up so that the ring can be replaced. Failure to replace this inexpensive part could make for costly repairs in the future. Ring replacement should be done as part of routine maintenance, as by the time you actually notice problems the damage will already have been done.
Types of Toilets
The standard toilet in use in most homes is the gravity variety. This type of toilet relies on gravity to take the water and waste down the pipe. Modern toilets are designed to save water and should use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. Toilets that were installed prior to 1994 may use more than this. Replacement should be considered, as older models waste a lot of water.
Other toilet types include:
- Dual-Flush: These allow the user to select from one of two types of flushing. One will be appropriate for solid waste disposal, while the other is for liquid waste only. This type was invented in 1980 and is just now beginning to gain popularity in the United States
- Composting: These use very little water, and in some cases, no water. Waste is broken down and reduced. Waste becomes stable and is used in some counties for cultivating food. The U.S., however, does not allow this to take place
- Vacuum assisted: These create extra suction to ensure a clean flush. Waste is literally sucked out of the bowl. These lack a siphon hole at the base, using only the rim holes for water dispersal
- Pressure assisted: These use compressed air to send waste jetting down the pipe. Those these can be loud, they are an excellent solution for homeowners that struggle with water pressure problems.
Toilets are not overly complicated parts of the home, yet they are considered to be vital. A check of the toilets will be a part of the home inspection process, with both minor and major problems being reported if they exist.
