When to Replace a Toilet or a Sink

September 07, 2020 · 4 min read

When it comes to a sink or a toilet, it’s not always obvious they need to be replaced. At Economy Plumbing Service, we often get calls to repair sinks and toilets. In many cases, a replacement would better suit the homeowners needs than a repair, but it is often hard to spot the difference between a need for a repair and a replacement. So we compiled a helpful guide to explain just that: when you should replace a toilet or a sink.

When to Replace a Toilet

There are a few obvious signs that should get you thinking about a replacement toilet, such as cracked porcelain that leads to a leak, or deep scratches that you just can’t clean out. If you notice a pool of water, you should replace your toilet right away instead of trying to repair it. Call a plumber to get their advice on what is causing the leak and get their advice to take appropriate action before mold or water damage forms.

Besides cracked porcelain, scratches that are becoming increasingly difficult to clean, a leak, or a broken exterior, there are a couple of obvious signs for when you should replace a toilet.

It Frequently Clogs

Does your toilet require plunging more than once a week? Or does it need more than one flush most of the time? This indicates that your toilet is probably old, or there is something not working right within it. Both are signs that you should be looking for a replacement.

While frequent clogging isn’t necessarily a sign of a broken toilet, it can be cumbersome to have to use a plunger on a regular basis. The problem may be solved by replacing the inner workings of the toilet, but this can be a challenging task for someone who isn’t trained.

It Needs Too Many Repairs

As mentioned above, repairing a toilet isn’t the most straightforward — it can require replacing quite a few things in the tank, such as its handle, flapper, and fill valve. Some repairs are simple, like replacing the flushing mechanism or untangling the chain that connects the handle to the flapper. Others can be as complicated as sealing a crack, replacing piping underneath the toilet, or resealing it all together.

If you find yourself repairing your toilet often, it’s probably time to replace the entire unit.

To Save Water and Money

Older toilet models often use too much water and are not as efficient as newer models. If you do not have a low-flush toilet, it may be beneficial to replace your toilet to save money on your water bill. An efficient toilet uses less than 2 gallons of water per flush, while older models can use between 3-5 gallons.

Think of it this way: you can use 15 gallons of water per day for 3 toilet flushes, or you can use 6 gallons for the same amount of flushes. This will not only save you money on your utility bill each month, but is better for the planet.

When to Replace a Sink

Like toilets, sinks have quite a few working parts that shouldn’t need constant repair or replacement. It’s not always easy to notice when a replacement is needed, save for a leak, a broken faucet, or a large crack.

The first thing you should be looking for in older sinks are leaks. If you hear dripping water, investigate immediately. It could be the sound of a broken sink. Leaks can cause extensive damage to your home if not found and repaired quickly. If you’re not sure where to look, start by searching for any visible wear and tear on the sink itself, the faucet, and the pipes underneath.

Damage could range from a chipped basin to a crack forming up the side. No matter how big or small the damage could be, it’s important to assess it as quickly as possible.

You Are Constantly Repairing Your Sink

A general rule is that anything that consistently needs to be repaired should be replaced. If your sink isn’t able to retain any water or it’s clogged continuously, those are a telltale sign that your sink or the pipes underneath it will need to be replaced.

If the repair isn’t a simple fix, call a plumber. They may be able to help patch the problem, or can install your new sink for you.

Your Sink Is Outdated

There was an era where pink, blue, and yellow bathrooms were all the rage. If you’re not into that, or are looking to sell your home, you should probably modernize your bathroom, including the sink. The sink may still be functional, but if it’s not aesthetically pleasing, then you should swap it out with something you like.

An outdated sink and faucet can also waste water and not be as efficient as newer models.

If any of this sounds familiar, consider getting a replacement and calling a plumber to help install it for you.

Oct 13, 2026

How to Respond Quickly When a Major Pipe Burst Occurs

A major pipe burst can flood your Tucson, AZ home in minutes. Stay calm, act fast, and call an emergency plumber once you've stopped the flow. How to Deal With a Major Pipe Burst, Fast Protect Your Family If you've got small children or pets nearby, get them out of the affected area right away. Either the water itself or an electrical issue could endanger them, and they won't know how to stay out of your way or keep themselves safe. Shut Off the Water Head straight to your home's main shutoff valve: don't worry about assessing the damage or grabbing any belongings yet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. In most homes this valve is in the basement near the water heater, by the front foundation wall, or where the main line enters from the street. Turn Off the Electricity If the burst is near any outlets, lights, or appliances, turn off power to those areas at your breaker box. Only do this if you can reach the panel safely without stepping in deep water. If it feels risky, leave it alone and wait for help. Drain Remaining Water from the Pipes With the main water supply off, open all the cold-water faucets in the house and flush the toilets once. This relieves pressure and empties the lines so there's less water to keep spraying from the burst spot. Leave the faucets open until the flow slows to a drip. Document Everything Before Cleanup Get photos and videos of the damage right after you've stopped the water. You'll want evidence of the burst pipe, your wet floors, any affected walls and furniture, and damage to any belongings. You will need this for your insurance claim later, and the insurance companies will need proof that the damage came from this burst pipe rather than something else. Move Belongings and Contain the Water Lift rugs and move electronics, furniture, and important papers out of the wet zone. If the water is spreading, roll up towels or use plastic sheeting to block doorways and keep it from reaching other rooms. Work fast but safely. Don't carry heavy, soaked items if they're too heavy for you, and focus on irreplaceable items first, like photos, electronics, and documents. Call a Tucson, AZ Emergency Plumber Don't wait if water is involved, because every minute you lose is another minute for mold to grow or a new problem to develop. A good emergency plumber can isolate the problem, make a temporary repair if it's after hours, and plan for a permanent fix as soon as possible while coordinating with a restoration team. Start Removing Standing Water While you wait for the plumber, use mops, towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or buckets to get water off the floor. The faster you remove it, the less it soaks into subfloors or walls. Open the windows and run fans to improve airflow if the weather allows. Your aim is getting the area as dry as possible. You've got this. Act fast, and call us at Economy Plumbing Service, LLC at 520-885-3510 for the best emergency plumbing service in Tucson.

Sep 03, 2026

Tankless or Traditional: What’s the Best Water Heater Option for Your Home?

The decision between tankless and traditional models for replacement water heaters in Tucson can make a real difference in your daily comfort and long-term costs. Let's take a closer look at how each type works, which will help you pick the right fit for your household. Traditional Heaters Traditional tank-style water heaters store a set amount of water, usually 40 to 80 gallons, in an insulated tank and keep it hot constantly using either gas or electricity. When you turn on the faucet, hot water flows from the tank while cold water refills it at the bottom. Tankless Heaters These heaters only give you hot water when you need it. Cold water passes through a heat exchanger inside the compact unit, and out comes hot water, nearly instantly. Pros of Both Let's consider the pros of the traditional heaters first: They're cheaper up front Installation is simpler because most homes already have the connections in place When it needs replacing, it's simple and often same-day They can handle a high flow rate (lots of usage simultaneously) The pros list for the tankless heater is also enticing: Less wasted energy from water being heated when it's not needed No running out of water, no matter how many people take showers Longer tank lifespan Takes up less space Cons of Both Here's the downsides to be aware of with traditional heaters: They use more energy (much more, in some cases) They run out of hot water, and you have to wait while they refill They're bulky and need more room for placement They need to be replaced sooner than tankless As for tankless heaters, be aware that: Installation costs are usually higher Initial purchase price is higher Flow rate is lower unless you invest in a bigger (or multiple) units Scale can form inside the heat exchanger faster than in a tank model Best Water Heaters in Tucson: Local Factors There are a few local factors that might also influence your decision. We have hard water, so that means scaling is more of an issue. Both types of heaters need to be flushed to prevent buildup, but the tankless might need it more often. We've also already got high energy bills with the hot summers we have here, so trimming that with a tankless model can make a big difference over time. Tankless water heaters pay for themselves in energy savings in about seven years, and if you take care of your model, it can last up to 20.If you're still weighing the options for your specific setup, give us a call at Economy Plumbing Service LLC here in Tucson at 520-885-3510. We're a family-owned business with more than seventeen years of honest, no-pressure service here in Tucson. We'll walk through your usage, space, and water conditions to help you choose the heater that actually fits your home and lifestyle. We also serve clients in Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, Green Valley, and surrounding areas.

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Aug 06, 2026

Are Your Gas Lines in Safe? Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.