About Those Unused Toilets

How frequently do you use that toilet in the basement or the guest bathroom? If you have not had guests for a while, then it might be time to take a look under the lid. Those unused toilet tanks are holding standing water, which is the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Mold can cause foul odors and spread to other areas in the bathroom. Eliminate these before they have a chance to advance.

Frequently Used Toilets Are Not Safe Either

Frequently flushing can eliminate the threat of mold and mildew growth, but this is not enough to prevent other common issues. If your water line is corroded or if your water source has a high mineral content, then there is the risk of dirt, rust, debris, and mineral buildup in your toilet tank. These contaminants can take over the crucial components within the toilet tank. They can corrode or rust metal fixtures inside of the tank and the dirt can clog the flush valve. Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of such issues.

Cleaning the Toilet Tank

We have established the importance of regularly cleaning the toilet tank, but how do you properly clean it? First, you should steer clear of bleach and chemical cleaners as these can damage the toilet tank and its components further. Instead, we recommend a mixture of a quarter cup of vinegar for every cup of water. Once you have your mixture prepared, follow these steps:

• Safely remove the toilet tank’s lid and place it somewhere stable.
• Turn off the water supply to your toilet by turning counterclockwise the valve behind the toilet. Then, give the toilet a solid couple of flushes to empty the tank.
• Put on some gloves and grab your mixture of vinegar and water.
• Spray down every part of the inside of the toilet tank and components. Let it sit for about five to ten minutes.
• Scrub stubborn stains and spray again if necessary.
• Turn the water supply back on and allow the toilet tank to fill with water before giving it a flush to rinse away the debris.

We recommend that you perform this cleaning about twice a year. Again, stay away from bleach and chemical cleaners as these can harm your toilet and pipes.

Toilet Problems? Call Rooter Hero Plumbing

If your toilet is more than just dirty and giving you problems, then call Rooter Hero Plumbing to have a trusted plumber take a look. We are happy to give you a free price estimate and schedule a flexible appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch.