Top Toilet Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

As a homeowner, toilet maintenance is an essential part of keeping your bathroom running smoothly. Regular upkeep can help prevent costly repairs, extend the lifespan of your toilet, and maintain proper hygiene in your home. While some plumbing issues may require professional assistance, there are several simple toilet maintenance tasks you can do yourself. In this blog, we will discuss the top toilet maintenance tips that homeowners can follow to keep their toilets in top condition.

Check for Leaks

One of the most common toilet problems is a leak, which can waste water and increase your water bill. To check for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait for about 15 minutes. If you notice the color seeping into the bowl, you have a leak. To fix it, you may need to replace the flapper, fill valve, or other parts of the toilet tank. Most hardware stores carry replacement parts that are easy to install with basic tools.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Many homeowners turn to harsh chemicals to unclog a toilet, but these can damage the toilet and its components over time. Instead, opt for a toilet plunger or a toilet auger to clear clogs. Plungers work by creating suction, which can dislodge minor clogs. Augers, on the other hand, are a long, flexible rod with a coil at the end that can break up and remove stubborn clogs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use these tools carefully to avoid causing damage to your toilet.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning is important for maintaining a hygienic and odor-free toilet. Use a toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush to clean the bowl, including under the rim and around the edges. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to naturally clean and deodorize the toilet. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that can scratch the toilet surface, and be sure to flush multiple times to rinse away the cleaning solution thoroughly.

Avoid Flushing Inappropriate Items 

Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, or excessive amounts of toilet paper, can cause clogs and damage to your toilet. Educate your household members and guests about what can and cannot be flushed, and provide a waste basket in the bathroom for disposing of non-flushable items.

Check the Water Level

The water level in the toilet tank should be set at the appropriate level for proper flushing. Too high or too low water level can affect the toilet’s performance. You can adjust the water level by adjusting the fill valve, which is usually located on the left-hand side of the toilet tank. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you set the water level correctly.

Inspect the Wax Ring

The wax ring is a seal between the toilet base and the floor that prevents water from leaking out. Over time, the wax ring can deteriorate or become misaligned, leading to leaks or foul odors. Regularly inspect the wax ring for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or water stains around the base of the toilet. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace the wax ring promptly to avoid further damage.

Keep the Toilet Tank Insides Clean

The inside of the toilet tank can accumulate mineral deposits and debris over time, which can affect the performance of the toilet. To clean the toilet tank, turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to drain the tank, and then use a scrub brush or a cloth to clean the inside surfaces, including the flush valve, fill valve, and overflow tube. Be careful not to damage any parts.

These are just a few maintenance tips any homeowner should be able to handle when it comes to their toilets. You treat the appliance right, and it’ll treat you right for years to come! But sometimes it’s not up to DIY maintenance – sometimes an appliance needs a more skilled hand to get it back in the running. When that happens, you call us!

Call Economy Plumbing Service. Our family-owned and operated business has over 27 years of experience helping Tucson residents with all their plumbing needs.

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