How Long Do Bathroom Scales Last? (When to Replace It)

If you’re like most people, you probably have a bathroom scale lurking in a dark corner of your home. You may even use it on a regular basis to track your weight and body composition. But how long do these scales last, exactly? And when is it time to replace them?

Most bathroom scales last around ten years before needing to be replaced. This can vary depending on the quality of the scale, type of scale, and how often it is used. If your scale starts to show signs of wear or doesn’t seem to be as accurate as it used to be, it may be time for a new one.

While most bathroom scales will last for several years, there are a few things that can shorten their lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the common causes of scale failure and when it’s time to replace your trusty old bathroom scale.

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Is Your Scale Broken?

Whether or not a bathroom scale is broken is something we’d like to know. We want to know if we truly are losing weight or if we really are staying the same when we feel like we have. 

Do Bathroom Scales Wear Out? 

Eventually, all bathroom scales wear out, but most of them will last many years. Even the lithium batteries in the scales will last an average of 10 years. Also, the higher quality of scale you have, the more wear and tear it will take. 

Bathroom scales have a weight limit of 400 lbs, and if the limit is crossed, this will cause damage to the scale, and it will wear out faster.

For example, it’s not best to weigh heavy furniture on a bathroom scale. It’s best to find a larger scale for heavier items. 

How Do I Know If My Scale is Broken?

One way to test if your scale is broken or not calibrating correctly is to weigh yourself every day for a week and take note of the consistency. If the numbers are very different each day, there’s something off with the scale. 

Some battery-operated scales will let you know if the battery is low. The scale’s user manual will tell you what to look for if the battery is the issue.

Unfortunately, many scales will say E or Error when a scale is not ready. To fix this, step off the scale and start over. Wait for the 000.0 before stepping back on. 

Signs Your Scale is Broken

If your scale displays very different numbers one day from the next, it could be a sign your scale is broken. If your scale is only showing E or saying Error, it is probably broken. Before you throw it away, though, check the battery life.

Most scales will have a message or a light that signifies a dying battery, but sometimes a scale just starts malfunctioning. 

If you see an E or Error message, it could mean low battery life, but it could mean it needs recalibrating.

So step off of it and start over by tapping the scale and waiting for the 0.0 before stepping back on it. 

Can a Scale Stop Working Right?

Of course! Scales are usually simple pieces of technology, but they can still run down or simply stop working. If your scale gives you a measurement, but it seems off, test it for a week by weighing yourself every day. 

Something is wrong when you weigh yourself each day, and the numbers are too different.

If you don’t see any numbers pop up and only see E, or Error, on the screen, then step off of the scale and start over. Tap the scale with your foot and wait for the 0.0 to pop up.

Why is My Scale so Inconsistent?

Your scale could be inconsistent because it is on an unstable surface. Make sure the surface is flat and hard. It can also be that the battery life is low. But, most of the time, it’s something wrong with the calibration.

Placing a scale on a thick carpet can lead to inconsistent readings, or picking up the scale and moving it can mess up its calibration and cause inconsistent readings.

If you move the scale, you will need to recalibrate the scale.  

Scale Gives Two Different Weights?

If your scale gives two different weight measurements for the same object, it’s likely miscalibrated. Often, moving a scale or placing it on an uneven surface will cause it to give inconsistent weight measurements. 

To recalibrate most scales, place the scale in its new spot and ensure it is a flat and even surface. Then press a button that says MODE or CAL. 

After the screen displays that it’s in calibration mode, put down a weight that you know the measurement of in the middle of the scale.

If the scale displays the correct measurement, then you are recalibrated. 

Reset or Replace Your Scale

First, try resetting the scale, but it might need to be replaced if it doesn’t work. Or, it could be a different issue with a simple fix.

How Do You Fix a Bathroom Scale?

There are two standard solutions to fixing a bathroom scale. The first is to recalibrate the scale, and the other is to replace the batteries. If it’s miscalibrated, it will often give inconsistent readings or say E, Error, or Full. Otherwise, it could be the batteries.

To see if it’s the calibration, recalibrate it by placing the scale on an even surface and pressing mode or cal. Then use a weight that you know the weight of. If it’s an accurate reading, it’s been fixed.

If not, try changing the battery before replacing it. 

How Do You Reset a Digital Bathroom Scale?

To reset a digital bathroom scale, you need to recalibrate the scale. Place the scale on a flat and even surface you can comfortably stand on. Next, press the Cal or Mode on the scale. When the screen says Cal, use an object you know the weight of and wait for the weight to appear.

After that, your scale should be reset. If it still says error or doesn’t work right, turn it off and take the batteries out and then place them back in and turn it on.

Then try recalibrating it again. If it still doesn’t work, change the batteries. 

What Does E on a Scale Mean?

E on a weight scale means Error. It can be fixed as easily as stepping off the scale and waiting for it to shut off. Then tap the scale with your foot and wait for 000.0 before stepping on again. Finally, if it is still showing E or Error, recalibrate it. 

To recalibrate it, press the Cal or Mode button. Wait for the screen to change, and then add a measured weight and let it calculate its weight, keeping the item in the middle of the scale.

Also, ensure your scale is placed on a flat and level surface. 

How Do I Fix My Scale?

If the issue is a low battery, all you need to do is replace the battery. If it’s showing up with an E or Error message, it will need recalibrating. The message Full is also a sign it needs recalibrating. 

To recalibrate the scale, step off of the scale and let it turn off. You can also remove the batteries and then replace them. Then turn the scale back on.

Finally, tap on the scale with your foot and wait for 0.0 or a different 0 value.  

Can a Digital Weighing Scale Be Repaired?

A digital weighing scale can be repaired if it simply needs recalibrating or if the batteries die. To recalibrate the scale, step off and let it turn off and back on. You can also remove the batteries and place them back. 

After turning it back on, tap the scale and wait for the 0 value before weighing something. Then place the weight in the middle of the scale.

If the weight is accurate, you won’t need to replace the scale. 

Why Does My Digital Scale Say Full?

If your digital scale says Full, it’s probably because it needs recalibrating or too much weight was placed on it. Most scales are not meant to hold more than 400 lbs. In addition, it can become uncalibrated if it’s moved or placed on an uneven surface. 

To recalibrate it, place the scale on a flat level surface. Carpet is not suggested. After turning the scale off and back on, tap the scale with your foot.

Wait for the 0 value to pop up on the screen. Then you can weigh something you know the weight of and see if it’s correct. 

Scale Calibration

A digital scale and a dial scale are calibrated differently, but both are fairly simple to reset. Let’s discuss!

Do Bathroom Scales Need to be Calibrated?

Bathroom scales tend to become miscalibrated when moved or shuffled around. It can also be the fault of a dying battery on a digital scale. To recalibrate a dial scale, turn the knob on the front until the needle is on 0. 

To recalibrate a digital scale, turn the scale off and on again. Then tap the scale and wait for the 0.0 on the screen. Then weigh something you know the weight of to test the scale.

You can test a dial scale the same way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeEOUoL3uVk

Can You Calibrate Digital Scales?

You can indeed calibrate a digital scale. You can do so by turning the scale off and back on and placing the scale on a flat, hard, and level surface. Then, tap the scale with your foot and wait for the 0.0. 

To recalibrate a dial scale, pop the knob and manually turn the needle on the dial. Turn the needle until it is on 0. Then pop the knob back in place.

Make sure the needle is still on the 0. You can test both scales by weighing an item you know the weight of.

How to Calibrate Digital Bathroom Scales

To calibrate a digital bathroom scale, place the scale on a flat, hard, and level surface you feel comfortable standing on. Then turn the scale off and on. Next, tap the scale with your foot. Wait for the 0.0 to show on the screen. Then start weighing yourself again. 

If that doesn’t work, you can try removing the batteries and replacing them. You can also change the batteries because they might be dying.

One of these things should fix it, but if not, it might be time to replace the scale. 

How to Calibrate a Bathroom Scale

To calibrate a dial bathroom scale, pop the manual key to turn the needle on the dial to 0. After the needle is on 0, pop the key back. The key might also look like a stopper or plastic knob. To recalibrate a digital scale, turn it off and back on. 

After you turn a digital scale off and back on, place the scale on a flat, level, and hard surface. A scale might not work as well on a carpeted floor.

Tap the scale with your foot until you see 0.0. Then you can start weighing yourself. 

Do Digital Scales Lose Accuracy Over Time?

Digital scales do lose accuracy over time because of getting shuffled around. Most batteries last about ten years, and when the battery starts to die. If you have had your scale for nearly ten years or more, it’s best to change it. 

Try recalibrating the scale if your scale has been shuffled around a good bit and is showing inconsistent measurements. You can do this by turning the scale off and back on.

Tap the scale to show the 0.0 and then test it by weighing an item you know the weight of. 

Why are My Scales Giving Different Readings?

If your scales give different readings, one or both might need recalibrating. Turn the scale off and back on for digital scales, and restart the scale to 0.0 by tapping on it with your foot. For dial scales, use the knob in the front to turn the needle on the dial to 0. 

It’s also best to keep your scales sitting in the same place and not move them or shuffle them around. Placing them on a hard, level, and flat surface is best.

Placing scales on carpets can make them less accurate. 

Can a Digital Scale be Off by Ten Pounds?

A digital scale can be off by 10 pounds. To test if it’s off, weigh an item you know the weight of and see what it says. Then, weigh the same item and see if it changes. If the scale is off, you will need to recalibrate it. 

Turn off the scale and take out the batteries to recalibrate a digital scale. Place the batteries back and turn them back on when you place them on a level and smooth floor.

Then tap the scale and wait for the 0.0. Then you can start weighing yourself again.

Scale Battery Woes

It can be tricky to figure out if a digital item is not working because of a dying battery. Let’s figure out if this can affect its results.  

Are Digital Bathroom Scales More Accurate?

Yes, digital bathroom scales are more accurate than a dial bathroom scale, but both are sufficient for personal health maintenance. You can also find digital scales that monitor your weight by body fat and muscle water. 

Both a digital scale and a dial scale can become less accurate and need recalibrating if they are shuffled around.

A dying battery could also be a cause of inaccuracy, but the lithium batteries that are typically used last for ten years or more if properly cared for.

Can Scales Be Wrong if the Battery is Low?

Scales can be wrong if the battery is low. Most bathroom scales have a light or code that will show up on the screen to indicate when it’s time to change the battery, but if you know the scale is nearly 10 years old or more, it’s best to replace them. 

Try calibrating the scale first. Turn the scale off and on, then tap the scale until you see 0.0. Then weigh something you know the measurement of. 

How Often Should I Replace the Bathroom Scale Battery?

Most bathroom scales today use lithium batteries that only need to be replaced every ten years. However, if your scale uses AAA batteries or something similar, they will need to be replaced more often. 

To test if your scale’s batteries need to be changed, weigh an item you know the weight of and see if the screen displays an accurate measurement.

Another sign of a dying battery is a flickering display, and some scales tell you it’s low on battery life. 

How Many Batteries Does a Scale Need?

It depends on the scale, but some models that use AAA batteries need three batteries. Some scales will already come with batteries, and you can see what kind it uses and how many. Your scale should also come with a user manual that will tell you the type and number of batteries. 

A dial scale does not use batteries. Dial scales are not as accurate or have any additional features, but they do a good job and are accurate enough for monitoring personal health.

Both a dial and digital scale need recalibrating sometimes. 

Related Questions

Why Do I Feel Like I’m Losing Weight but the Scale Stays the Same?

This could be because you lose weight in fat but gain it in muscle and muscle water. It can also be because the scale needs to be recalibrated. Test the scale by weighing an item you know the weight of. 

Some scales will show you how much you weigh in fat and water muscle.

You can monitor those things as well as keep track of other pieces of personal health data to help you in your personal health goals. 

Which Scale is More Accurate Digital or Dial?

A digital scale is more accurate, but both scales are suitable for monitoring weight for personal health. A dial scale has the benefit of not needing batteries which can cause users to question the accuracy of their digital scales. 

A dial scale will not show the exact weight on a screen. Instead, it will show you the approximate amount on the dial.

Both a dial scale and a digital scale can be recalibrated whenever they become less accurate. The goal is to start both off at 0.

How Accurate Should a Bathroom Scale Be?

If a scale starts off at 0, it’s starting off at a good point. You can test the accuracy of the scale by weighing an item you know the weight of and measuring it a few times. If there is a change by 0.1 lb. recalibrate the scale. 

It might be harder to see if there is an inconsistency in weighing the same item with a dial scale, but it will show you the approximate measurement, which will be sufficient for measuring weight for personal health reasons. 

Scale Changes Depending on Where I Stand?

It’s best to always stand in the center of the scale with flat feet. Most scales have places to put the balls of your feet and the heels of your foot. The placement of your feet is also more important if you are using a digital scale that monitors fat and muscle water weight. 

Shifting your weight to a corner or to one side of a scale can put the scale off calibration. If you do this often, calibrate your scale.

This is true of digital scales and dial scales. Both are easy to recalibrate. 

Final Thoughts

Monitoring our weight can be very important in monitoring progress in personal health.

For example, people with diabetes and other health concerns caused by being overweight need a reliable bathroom scale. It’s also good to have your doctor check your weight every year.

I hope you leave this article with more knowledge and confidence in monitoring your health progress.