Tips for Toilet Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair

Most home owners give very little concern to their toilet until it develops a problem. If the toilet becomes blocked or stops functioning, it is not only inconvenient but it can lead to unhygienic water flooding into your home. According to numerous plumbing experts, call outs for blogged toilets can usually be avoided with some basic care and precautions.

Avoid Obstructions Blocking the Toilet:

Toilets and waste water pipes are designed to remove bodily waste and toilet paper. However, many people use their toilet as a garbage can. By allowing diapers, sanitary napkins, cotton pads and other waste to be flushed you are likely to cause an obstruction, which can block the toilet. This can cause water to overflow and fill above the normal level. You should ensure that items are thrown in the garbage and only toilet paper is flushed down the toilet. You should also ensure that any children in the home understand that despite the potential for fun, they should not flush any items including toys down the toilet.

Care for Your Toilet Tank:

The toilet tank is an integral component of your toilet system. However, many people treat it in a very cavalier fashion, from standing or sitting on it to reach high shelves, through to dropping cleaning products into the tank. You should avoid putting pressure on the lid of the toilet tank since this can cause damage.  Additionally, carelessly dropping cleaning products into the tank can cause issues with the flush flapper which may trigger a leak.

Check for Running Leaks:

A running toilet is a common form of leak and it can waste water and money. If you suspect that you have a running toilet because your water consumption has increased, you can easily check it. Add a small amount of food coloring into the toilet. Leave it for several hours without flushing. When you return if the color is no longer present in the toilet, then you have a leak. Running toilets can often be corrected, simply by jiggling the flush handle. This may free the flapper and stop the water moving from the tank to the bowl.

Keep it Clean:

While most people consider a clean toilet to be a necessity of your home, it is also a great way to spot any potential damage or leaks. You should avoid using rough bristles for cleaning as this could cause chips or scratches. Use bleach solution or disinfectant to sanitize the bowl, lid, seat, tank and handle. While cleaning, check for indications of a leak including on the floor around the toilet. Early detection of a leak may allow a quicker and easier repair.

Toilet leaks and blockages can be an inconvenience and very disruptive to your home. Not only can they cause the inconvenience of needing to call out an emergency plumber, but the potential for germs being transferred into your home from a flooded toilet is great. Cleaning up a backed up toilet is an unpleasant and unhygienic task but the risks can be minimized. By following these basic tips and precautions, you can dramatically reduce the risk of the toilet being obstructed or damaged and causing a leak.

If you are concerned about a leak in your toilet or any other plumbing fixture, contact Scott English Plumbing. We have experience and expertise in all aspects of plumbing including leak detection and fixture repairs. We would be happy to discuss any issues you may have and will answer any of your questions or queries. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day for your emergency plumbing needs.