Toilets are among the most essential fixtures in bathrooms. Unfortunately, issues such as leaks, clogs, and malfunctioning components can cause odors, backups, and damage to your home. The following practices can ensure the proper function of these fixtures and prevent the need for toilet repairs.

How to Care for Your Toilets

1. Check for Leaks 

Check for leaks once or twice a year by adding a couple of drops of food coloring to the tank and letting it sit for about half an hour. If the water in the bowl takes on the food dye color, this indicates a leak that's allowing water from the tank to enter the bowl. A plumber can provide toilet repairs to stop the leak, which may involve repairing or replacing the flush or fill valves. These solutions can prevent water waste and minimize utility expenses. 

2. Inspect the Shutoff Valve

The shutoff valve, located behind your toilet, connects the fixture to your home's water supply. Turning the valve during a clog or leak can stop water from entering your toilet, which may prevent overflowing and water damage to the surrounding area of your bathroom. To check if the shutoff valve is working, you should try turning it clockwise once or twice a year. If it moves slowly or not at all, a plumber may need to replace it. 

3. Watch What You Flush

Feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, and paper towels may become stuck in toilets and pipes, causing raw sewage to flow back into your bathrooms. Medications, cat litter, and hair can form clumps deep in the sewer line, preventing your toilets from flushing properly and causing them to overflow. Avoid these issues by flushing only toilet paper. 

4. Avoid Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaning products contain corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate the inner lining of pipes, creating fissures or holes that leak raw sewage. Additionally, these chemicals may disrupt the balance of bacteria in your septic tank, preventing solids from breaking down, which can clog the system. If you encounter a stubborn blockage, avoid using drain cleaners. Instead, allow a plumber to clear it with a snake or auger to protect your pipes and septic tank. 

If you experience trouble with your toilet, contact Bradford & Sons Electrical Plumbing & Heating in Canandaigua, NY. They serve homeowners across Ontario County. These plumbers will inspect the fixture and determine the appropriate solution, whether it's clearing a blockage, repairing a part, or replacing the toilet. Call (585) 657-7309 to book an appointment for toilet repairs, or visit their website to learn more about how they can keep your plumbing system functioning correctly.