Sometimes, you don’t appreciate the efficiency of things around your home until they stop working as they should. One of these things is your toilet, which can be the most used fixture in your home. To avoid serious problems, there are several simple things you can do to keep your toilet running properly. For the past 15 years, our trained and licensed professionals at Steele Plumbing has been a trusted plumber serving the San Diego area, and we have the experience to know the best tips for maintaining your toilet. We would like to share these maintenance tips with you to help you keep your toilet working at its best.
Watch What You Flush
One of the most common reasons toilets stop working properly has to do with people flushing things other than toilet paper and human waste. Steele Plumbing has seen firsthand the damage caused by flushing wipes and other items. Even though wipes may be called “flushable,” they never dissolve completely like toilet paper does. This can clog up not only the sewage pipes in your home, but also the main sewer line that connects you to the city line. By remembering to never flush things that will not dissolve, you can prevent major problems that can lead to expensive repairs. Do not forget to teach your kids to be mindful of what they are flushing as well.
Never Use Chemical Cleaners
According to The Plumber, using a chemical drain cleaner to unclog your toilet can be more harmful than helpful. If you live in an older home with its original pipes, the chemicals in these cleaners can cause serious damage. And, if your home has a septic system, you will end up killing the good bacteria as well. You also could burn yourself if you accidentally spill any of the cleaner on your skin, and the fumes can be harmful to your respiratory health.
Be Prepared
Steele Plumbing recommends checking out the inner components of your toilets twice a year as a great way to be prepared for potential problems. All you have to do is remove the lid of the tank and flush the toilet to see if the flapper is sealing properly and if the fill valve stops at the right water level. Being prepared also means to have the right tools. You should always have a good quality flange plumber near your toilet in case of a clog. Most toilet clogs can be easily removed when you properly use a plunger. You may also want to have an auger or snake on hand for harder-to-remove clogs.
While some toilet issues may be a simple fix that you can do yourself, certain circumstances, such as constant clogging and backing up of brown water into your sink or bathtub whenever the toilet is flushed, are serious enough to require professional help. Never hesitate to contact us at Steele Plumbing, and one of our licensed expert plumbers will take care of whatever your toilet problem may be. We also provide 24-hour emergency plumbing services every day of the year to the San Diego area, so give us a call whenever you may need our help.
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