When your toilet is clogged, the situation can become dire. You definitely want to make sure it is running seamlessly so you don’t have a nasty cleaning project on your hands. In addition, if you ignore a plumbing problem, it can get quite expensive over time. While it is true that clogs can pop up without much warning, there is also a lot you can do to ensure that you don’t have to deal with one in the future.
- Perform Random Inspections
Regular maintenance is essential if you want to keep your toilet in good working order. Look to see if it is filling and draining properly. Make sure there isn’t any rust or corrosion. In addition, examine your floating bar to make sure it is straight. Double check that your water connection is secure. Put the handle on “open” unless water starts to rise too high as a result of an overflow. - Don’t Let Water Run
If you notice that your water is running, take care of the situation right away. A little leak can turn into a huge problem very quickly. Not only is it a hassle to deal with at that point, but it also costs a lot of money. Look at your connections and check to see that the tank is functioning properly. Take a look at the shut off switch to ensure there isn’t any rust or leakage. - Only Put Toilet Paper In The Toilet
Toilet paper can obviously be flushed down the toilet. There are also flushable wipes that work well, too. However, some people also try and flush other items, like tampons, paper towels and even q-tips. You should never put anything like that in the toilet; it belongs in the trash instead. If you do flush them, you risk clogging up the toilet, and you will have to hire a professional to fix the issue. - Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
When you have a clog, your initial inclination may be to use a chemical drain cleaner. Don’t do that. Chemicals can create an even bigger problem than you already have, and they can also cause issues for your plumbing system. - Flanges Are Your Friend
A run of the mill plunger just does not do the trick any more. Instead, look for something that has a flange as well; they do a better job at getting rid of tricky clogs. The flange works to get a good seal, so there is much more suction when you are using the plunger. If you try to use anything different, you may wind up making a big mess and will still not see the results that you want. Make it easy on yourself by purchasing a bulb shaped plunger with a flange.
