5 Tips for Good Toilet Maintenance

Step 1

Check The Inner Workings

Check the inner workings on your toilet 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

Replace the wax ring around the toilet every 4 to 5 years. The wax ring can go bad, which can cause sewer smell to come up. 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 us 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 at 55/60, 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

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 is corroded gaskets which lead to a tank rebuild.