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Mazze1 · May 17, 2009, 02:20 PM

I've read about cracked toilet bowls being a catasrophe waiting to happen and I can appreciate this, but I seek expert opinion based on my case. There is a crack across the top of the bowl that I have. It seems superficial but it goes from the inside, over the rim and down the outside so I'm quite sure this needs to be changed. I can't find a toilet to match the color from the seventies (and don't want to do a 15,000 dollar redo)and I'm also not that happy with the new toilets as they don't seem to flush as well and make banging noises.
My neighbor was renovating her bathroom and her toilet was in perfect shape, so her contractor took out her bowl and left it on my front porch. Cleaned it up and it sparkles like new... Only problem is that when he was loosening the bolts it made a hairline crack on the base, near the bolts... My contractor said that that is acceptable because he puts a double seal and where the bolt is is just cosmetic.. that no water will come from the flush. He also says that is not a problem the same way the crack across the top of the bowl is.
I doubt if he would put it in if it was totally wrong thing to do, but then I read things that contradict this... Can you support what we plan to do. I don't know what to think. Thanks.

massplumber2008 · May 17, 2009, 03:53 PM

Hi Mazze...

The bowl is connected to the closet flange STRICTLY by the holes in the toilet bowl. This being said, as soon as anyone sits on the toilet they will strain the closet bolts and as this continues the toilet bowl WILL CRACK at the crack at the base of the toilet bowl.. even with a double wax gasket... ;) Sorry!

The crack in your old bowl sounds to be less of an issue than the new (old) bowl as far as I am concerned.

If you want to do away with both toilets, today's toilet bowls are not as poorly functioning as they were years back... good names include Toto, kohler and american standard... best choice is probably white for colored bathroom. Some of these toilets really kick A** as they have increased the flush valve to 3" and this is really making a difference in evacuating the waste!

Let me know if you want to discuss more...

MARK

Milo Dolezal · May 17, 2009, 04:05 PM

Mark is right: once the porcelain bowl has crack in it - it is structurally unsafe. I would not sit on it since it may break under you and injure you. Too bad the contractor broke the neighbor's toilet. It is now unusable.

Maybe you could get cheap replacement toilet for now and post flyer in your neighborhood informing people that you are interesting in having their old toilet. I am sure it won't be long before somebody calls you.

Good luck... Let us know how you did... Milo