Most people do not have the courage to mess with drain cleaning problems at home. Indeed, drain cleaning can be a bit scary if you know nothing about it. A mistake during a repair could flood the entire house. Though you can’t prevent all drain cleaning problems, there are a number of things you can do to fend them off through regular maintenance.
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The toilet is one of the most frequently used home fixtures. Toilet problems can be big, messy, and expensive to fix. To avoid toilet issues, take the following steps:
- Clean your toilet regularly – A toilet is made of porcelain. You can use baking soda, vinegar, or mild soap to clean it. Cleaning your toilet facilitates a better smelling and hygienic bathroom. When your toilet is clean, it makes it easier to spot problems, such as leaks.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners for clogged toilets – These cleaners are harmful to your skin and the environment. They can damage older pipes and fixtures. They can also kill the good bacteria in the septic system, causing big troubles down the line.
- Inspect your toilet every six months – Make sure the components of your toilet are in good condition and working properly. Remove the lid of the tank and flush the toilet, observing how the components work. Make sure that the flapper seals properly and that the fill valve stops at the appropriate water level.
- Fix a running toilet immediately – Running toilets can lead to more significant problems. Keep a close eye on your water bill. If it spikes for some reason, you may have a running or leaky toilet.
- Avoid bricks in your water tank – Some people place heavy objects, such as bricks, in their tank,because it reduces the amount of water used for flushing. Bricks, however, will break down slowly over time and clog your water pipes.
- Teach children how to care for the toilet – Children must understand what can be flushed and what can’t. Take time to educate them about basic toilet care, including how much toilet paper is acceptable to flush.
- Do not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet – The toilet is not a garbage disposal, and it won’t hold up long if you aren’t careful about what you use it for.
- Buy the right kind of toilet paper – Not all toilet paper is the same. Make sure to use only toilet paper that will break down easily in the septic system, otherwise you take the risk of a clogged toilet. Avoid flushing tissues and paper towels.
- Keep a flange plunger nearby – Your toilet will inevitably get clogged from time to time. If you have a flange plunger and know how to use it properly, you can relieve basic clogs.
- Call a professional when needed – If a toilet problem seems out of your league, err on the side of caution and call a licensed drain cleaner and rooter.
It doesn’t take long to take good care of your toilet. A little proactive treatment can avoid costly problems in the future.