Toilet Maintenance Tips 

Toilet Maintenance Tips

Your toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home. It’s been there for you in the best of times and the worst of times. So, you want to make sure it always stays working properly and is ready to handle whatever may come its way. Here are a few tips to keep your commode in pristine condition:

 

Don’t Treat Your Toilet Like a Dumpster

There are three things that you are allowed to flush:

1) Number 1

2) Number 2

3) Toilet paper

Always avoid putting things like paper towels, feminine products, and cleaning wipes down the toilet. Even if they say they’re flushable, it will take YEARS to decompose and sit in your pipes, causing plumbing backups until then. Your pipes will thank you!  

 

Check For Leaks

Avoid a leaky latrine by checking around the base of your toilet for wet areas. If you notice any leaks, call a plumber as soon as possible. Leaks can do serious damage to your walls and flooring and even cause spikes in your water bill. (Plus, it’s pretty gross!)

Test For Leaks Using Food Coloring

A neat trick to check for leaks is to add 5-10 drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and let it sit for 30 minutes. If the water has changed color, that means the food coloring has seeped out and you’ve got a leak. As always, call a plumber ASAP as these leaks will cause expensive damage to your bathroom.

Check The Shutoff Valve

The water shutoff valve (a.k.a. stop valve) is the knob behind your toilet that cuts off its water supply. Reach back and try to give it a turn. If it won’t budge when you try to turn it, that is a sign that it has become stuck or stripped. Call a professional for a shut-off valve repair or replacement.

Make Sure the Fill Valve Is Working Properly

Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet. After the tank has refilled, the fill valve should completely stop dispensing water. If it doesn’t, give us a call! Our experienced plumbers will quickly diagnose the problem and find a solution.

Check Your Flapper

If you notice that your toilet tank is constantly running or hissing, it is most likely due to an old or ill-fitting flapper. These are cheap rubber stopper that can be purchased at any hardware store. Just make sure you have the correct size for your toilet model.