Many homeowners may not understand their toilet’s inner workings and its maintenance needs. Understanding a few simple maintenance tips will allow them to identify and address issues as soon as they arise.
Leaks in toilet seals can leave homes vulnerable to water damage. Regularly checking for leaks can help identify and address their sources in order to safeguard against these problems. For extra information, you can most likely find it online. Your why is my toilet backing up into my shower article is an example.
1. Insulate
Insulation can help you keep your home warm with an efficient heater by keeping cold air outside while trapping hot air inside, which allows the system to perform at its optimal levels and keeping utility bills down. Homes without insulation always end up being less efficient than the alternative.
Clogged toilets are an all-too-common plumbing issue. To keep the health of your system intact and prevent further complications from developing, avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners as these can be damaging to pipes and can destroy healthy bacteria that keep septic tanks functioning optimally.
Leaks on your toilet can come from multiple places, making regular leak checks essential. Look out for wet areas around and under your toilet as well as tank leaks (add food coloring to your tank and wait 30 minutes – if the color of your bowl changes within that time, this indicates an issue). In addition, check to make sure your fill valve dispenses water when your tank is fully refilled.
2. Install a Water Softener
Water softeners remove harsh minerals like calcium from your home’s pipes, helping reduce corrosion and maintaining more reliable fixtures such as toilets. Furthermore, these devices help avoid other plumbing issues like hard water buildup which could accelerate their demise over time.
Toilet leaks often go undetected due to their multiple sources. By adding food coloring to your tank, food dye can quickly reveal any possible leaks that need repairs.
Checking the shut-off valve located either under or behind your toilet should be part of a routine maintenance routine. If resistance or difficulty turning is experienced when turning it, repair or replacement should be carried out as soon as possible.
3. Install a Water Filter
Even rarely-used toilets should be thoroughly cleansed every week in order to prevent hard water stains and deposits from building up in their tank handles, seats, hardware attachments and bases. Beginning with disinfectant wipes for external surfaces like tank handles and bases a disinfecting spray or wipe may also help.
First, flush the toilet to empty its water tank completely using rubber gloves and closing its lid, turning off water flow at its source and switching off its valve to completely drain its contents. Next, add four cups of vinegar to soak for 12 hours in your tank before scrubbing with a scrub brush inside to clean and rinse. Afterward, turn back on water flow at its source to refill. Finally, turn it back on again and flush a few times as a final step!