7 Best Toilet Maintenance Tips (2023)

In recent years, New Orleans has become a city of renters. That means that many of our homeowners aren’t used to handling maintenance problems without the help of a landlord. The good news is that with a little know-how, you can tackle all sorts of home issues yourself.

One big problem area is the bathroom. Plumbing, especially old plumbing, can be fickle. If you don’t know the warning signs, small issues can become serious in a matter of time.

Today, we’re going to talk about the basics of toilet maintenance. By learning how to take care of your toilet, you can avoid some major headaches as a homeowner.

Read on for seven of the best toilet maintenance tips for 2023.

1. Avoid Mixing Chemicals

Chances are, you’re going to want to clean your toilet on a regular basis. While cleaning exterior surfaces is usually a straightforward process, some homeowners aren’t quite sure what’s best for cleaning their toilet bowl.

One of the most important tips to remember is that you should only use one cleaning agent at a time. For example, if you use a self-cleaning product in your toilet bowl, you should remove it and all residue before adding another cleaning product to the bowl. This is because certain common cleaning agents can become toxic when mixed, including your typical toilet bowl cleaner and bleach.

2. Unclog the Right Way

Unfortunately, your toilet is bound to clog from time to time. If this happens, you may feel inclined to reach for popular drain de-cloggers—but do so with caution, especially if your plumbing is on the older side. The powerful chemicals in these products can actually eat away at your plumbing if used in large quantities.

Before you try out chemical-based products, try your good old-fashioned plunger. If this doesn’t work, you may want to call a plumber for more serious clogged toilet repair.

3. Pay Attention to Running Toilets

When you flush your toilet, you should hear the sound of running water for about 30 seconds or less. This occurs as your toilet bowl refills with fresh, clean water. If you hear that sound for minutes after flushing or at random intervals when the toilet wasn’t flushed, you may have an issue.

Believe it or not, a running toilet can lead to hundreds of gallons of water waste in as little as one month. Have a plumber investigate the source and fix your toilet to avoid high water bills.

4. Get to Know Your Shut-Off Valve

Some toilet maintenance problems require immediate action. When your toilet is overflowing, the first thing you should do is cut off the supply of water. The immediate goal is to reduce the amount of water in the toilet that can end up all over your bathroom floor.

Most toilet shut-off valves are located on the wall behind the base of the toilet. To shut off the water supply to your toilet, turn the valve as far left as you can. Then, you can call a plumber for toilet repair.

5. Know What Not to Flush

This one might seem simple, but homeowners flush the wrong things down their toilets more often than you might think. A good rule of thumb is to flush nothing but human waste and toilet tissue down your toilet. Everything else should go in the trash.

It’s a common misconception that newer plumbing can handle more objects, such as paper towels, baby wipes, or sanitary products. The reality is that many modern toilets have what’s called low-flow flushing to preserve water. While the pipes may be more durable than in the past, your toilet still isn’t equipped to flush most solid objects.

6. Troubleshoot a Low Flow

You flush your toilet and only a small trickle of water starts to refill the bowl from the tank. This is a new issue and not related to modern low-flow plumbing. What’s the problem and what can you do about it?

If you aren’t noticing a shift in water pressure in other appliances like your bathroom sink or bathtub, it’s time to check out the holes that connect your toilet tank to your toilet bowl. These holes line the upper bowl, and you may need a hand mirror to see the ones closest to you. Use a small drain snake or flattened wire hanger to remove any debris that might be clogging these holes and causing that low flow.

7. Find a Reliable Plumber

As you can see, a lot of toilet maintenance tips end in calling a plumber. While there are a few things that most homeowners can try on their own, like using a plunger, you’re bound to run into complex issues that require expert care. That’s where your local plumber comes in.

To find a reliable plumber near you, start by reading up on experience and reviews. National Economy Plumbers are proud to have served New Orleans residents since 1939 and our reviews speak to our aptitude for plumbing and great customer service. From drain cleaning to sewer line repair, we have your back.

Knowing who to call when maintaining your toilet can save you from expensive and time-consuming problems. Make sure all members of your household know which plumber to call and when.

Need Toilet Maintenance Help?

When you’re a new homeowner, one of the first things you’ll want to learn is the basics of toilet maintenance. Use this guide to tackle common toilet problems the right way.

Do you need toilet maintenance help? National Economy Plumbers is here for property owners in New Orleans and surrounding areas. To find out more, request a quote, or schedule your next appointment, contact us today.