Maintaining and cleaning home toilets are low on the list of homeowner’s tasks, but giving your toilet regular attention is essential to its smooth operation. Used multiple times daily, toilets experience a lot of wear and tear.
Toilet issues can range in severity, but when you perform these tasks at least once a month, you can reduce the chances of minor issues turning into major ones. The items on this checklist are easy and only take a little time and effort, saving you money in the long run.
Slow-draining bowls are one of the most common toilet problems. Thoroughly clean your toilet by wiping it down and paying attention to the rim jets located under the bowl’s rim. When these jets become clogged, your bowl will have a tougher time remaining clean. Take a stiff wire brush to remove rim clogs.
Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning as they can damage the toilet’s internal components or pipes in your plumbing. If the bowl still drains slowly, the problem is further down the line. Get a plunger and create a good seal to push the clog down the pipes. If that still doesn’t do the trick, buy a toilet auger or snake to root out the clog.
Familiarize yourself with your toilet’s basic components, including the bowl, tank, base, seal, lid, handle, and chain, as well as the float, flange, ballcock, refill tube, and valves. Even the mounting bolts at the toilet base are essential. Periodically check these to ensure that your toilet is stable.
Also, inspect the tank-to-bowl bolts if you have a two-piece unit to look for rust, which can make the seat wobbly. Inspect caulk or silicone and replace broken, dried, or missing seals. During your monthly cleaning, inspect the inside of the tank to look for visibly deteriorating components like rubber flappers.
Leaks can occur in many places, leading to significant fixture failure if not fixed. Look for wet areas around the base. Place food coloring in the tank and let it sit for 30 minutes to check for tank leaks. If the bowl water changes color, you need the help of a plumber.
Located inside the tank, the fill valve stops dispensing water when the tank fills. If it continues to dispense water once the proper level is reached, repair or toilet replacement may be necessary. The shut-off valve, found under or behind the toilet, should always turn easily. If it resists or doesn’t turn at all, it needs replacement.
Eventually, your toilet may develop issues beyond the maintenance most homeowners can do on their own. Call Crocker Refrigeration Heating and Air at (805) 965-6326 for reliable toilet service and other plumbing help in Santa Barbara, CA or the surrounding area.
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