Although your toilet is an essential plumbing fixture, you likely don't think about it when outside of the bathroom. However, like most other water-connected systems in your home, the toilet requires regular maintenance to avoid wear and tear that could lead to working malfunctions and costly repairs. Follow these simple tips to ensure your toilet continues to run normally and doesn't cause your water bill to skyrocket.

How to Maintain Your Toilet

1. Only Add Toilet Paper

A toilet is designed to only handle waste and quick-dissolving toilet paper. Adding any other materials—like feminine hygiene products, cat litter, and cotton balls—will eventually produce a plumbing clog. Also, avoid flushing wet wipes; while they are marketed as flushable, they don't dissolve very fast and are known to be major contributors of clogs. Additionally, if you have small children, instruct them that the fixture is not a play-thing and their toys shouldn't go in it.

2. Use Safe Cleaning Products

Regular cleaning will help to keep your toilet in good shape. However, certain chemicals in cleaning products could be more harmful than helpful. In-tank cleaners, for instance, contain bleach and other harsh chemicals that corrode the rubber pieces, causing them to become brittle and ineffective. Also, as using these products could void your toilet warranty, it's better to clean your bowl and tank with a brush and a porcelain-safe liquid cleaner. However, don't let any products sit for too long.

3. Perform Regular Inspections

A leaking toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. Avoid this by regularly inspecting its parts, particularly the flapper. Check if it's not sealing properly by adding colored food drops to the tank and waiting to see if it moves into the bowl. During your inspection, look for cracks on the bowl or tank. Also, flush it to see how long it takes to flush and fill up. If it takes a long time, it could indicate a plumbing clog, hard water, or a malfunctioning float.

If your toilet is having repetitive problems, contact the professional plumbers at Rooter One for same-day repair. For over 30 years, this plumbing company has provided effective solutions to Port Saint Lucie, FL, and surrounding areas. They offer video line inspections and 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs to homeowners and businesses. They also offer military, police and fire rescue, and senior citizen discounts. Call them today at (877) 500-0046 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.