Toilet cubicles are designed to last. But regardless of their setting – school, office, restaurant – they also take a great deal of wear and tear. So, it’s inevitable that over time they will require a little TLC to preserve their condition and may eventually need to be replaced.
But which is it – repair or replace? And how do you know which is the right option?
The answer to this question is never straightforward. Yes, there are a few tell-tale signs to watch out for but often it’s a judgement based on a number of factors, including your business’s needs and individual circumstances.
To help you make the right call, here we take a look at some of the key things worth considering to ensure you spend your money in the most efficient way.
The rule of repair
There is one general rule of thumb it can be helpful to keep in mind when debating a repair over a replacement – cost!
Is a repair going to cost more than 50% of the total cost of a replacement? If the answer to the this is yes, then it may be sensible – and more financially prudent long term – to go with the full replacement.
Other points to consider:
– What state are things in?
If something is weakened beyond repair, then you’ve no choice – it needs replacing. However, if it’s only partly damaged – for example a broken toilet door where the lock and panel are still ok but the hinges are defective – then simply replacing these is likely to be the most sensible option.
– How much is it going to cost?
Your toilets can set the tone for you as a business and it’s important they reflect well on you. ‘Out of order’ signs never look good, which is why it can be advisable to repair problems as soon as they occur, even if you have bigger plans in the pipeline.
Taking into account the ‘rule of repair’, it’s essential to make an informed judgement about the cost of a few small repairs to improve things right now, against sitting on them until you tackle a full overhaul. If what you’re looking at is just a few relatively small items – a new lock or replacement toilet roll holders – then to maintain high standards, it’s probably worth financing these replacements, even if they’re only short term.
– How long has it needed repairing?
The longer you live with a problem the more damage it is likely to inflict on its surroundings. For example, something as simple as a broken door stopper could lead to a dented door panel if not fixed quickly. Often the wise choice is to tackle problems as soon as they are encountered to avoid incurring any further repairs and expense down the line.
– What look do you want to achieve?
What if there’s still plenty of life in your toilet cubicle panels and you can’t justify the expense of replacements, even if your toilets are woefully outdated? Then how about just replacing all your hardware with hardwearing stainless steel or robust aluminium fittings, to help you to achieve a more modern, updated look.
– Has demand increased?
Have you taken on more staff? Are your toilets being placed under increased pressure? If so, then it may be worth replacing and/or extending your current facilities to keep up with demand.
– How much time do you have?
Do you need it fixing right now? Occasionally broken or damaged hardware can pose a health risk or can restrict your already limited toilet offerings. In these instances, it’s usually advisable to repair the problems quickly, even if in the long term a full replacement is required.
To find out more about spotting the signs your toilet cubicles need replacing, check out our blog on the topic.
Order your new fixtures and fittings today
Whether you think a few running repairs are all you need or you’re in for the full overhaul, M&P Cubicle and Hardware Supplies are here to help.
We pride ourselves on offering exceptional quality products at competitive prices, and whatever you require we’re confident we can offer a cost-effective solution.
Going to repair? No problem. Check out or extensive range of toilet cubicle hardware, designed to offer you an attractive and long lasting solution.
Opting for new? View our range of toilet cubicles online now. With everything from budget cubicles, right through to our premier range, you’ll find a huge selection of colours and finishing hardware to choose from.
If you’re still unsure which is the right route for you or if you’d just like to chat through your project with a member of our experienced team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us today on 0151 345 0699 or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.