Toilets, or water closets, are the most used fixture in a home, so proper maintenance is crucial in avoiding costly repairs. Just as there are things to consider when installing a new toilet, or shut off your toilets water supply, there are helpful tips to keep your toilet working well and for a long time. Overall, these tips should be useful for your home or business in the Austin and San Antonio areas.
Step 1
Check The Inner Workings
Check the inner workings on your toilet, preferably every 6 months to ensure everything is functioning properly.
- Take the tank lid off and flush the toilet.
- Make sure the flapper, connected by a small chain to the toilet handle, is sealing fully.
- Assure that the fill valve stops running at an appropriate water level.
- Check the angle stops, turning it off and on, to make sure there’s no struggle.
Step 2
Replace the Wax Ring or Wax Free Rubber Ring
Replace the ring around the toilet every 4 to 5 years. A wax ring can go bad, which can cause sewer smell to come up. A wax free ring can also come loose resulting in foul smells. Avoid sewer smells and other sewer issues by contacting Reliant Plumbing.
Step 3
Check For Leaks in the Tank
If you have food coloring at your home, there is a simple test you can perform to determine if a leak is present. Place two to three drops of food coloring in the tank and wait up to 30 mins to see if there is colored water in the toilet bowl. If there is, that means there is a tank leak. This can cause a spike in the water bill and it’s best to call a professional plumber, such as Reliant Plumbing, to get that fixed.
Step 4
Listen for any Noises After Flushing
Watch out for any squealing or humming in the pipes. If you’re hearing any type of squealing after flushing could mean there’s high water pressure in the home. High water pressure can cause damage to the toilet as well as other surrounding plumbing fixtures. Your water pressure should sit between 55 and 60 PSI, and if it does not please contact Reliant Plumbing. We can repair the water pressure in your home with one simple call.
Step 5
Consider a Water Softener
Water softeners help by reducing or removing unwanted calcium, magnesium, and other debris. When the water is soft, it helps avoid corroding of the water pipes and gaskets in the toilet. One of the biggest things we see in the plumbing world is corroded gaskets which can lead to a tank rebuild.