Toilet Maintenance and Inspection
by
HomeSpot HQ
Toilets required more attention than most people expect. The following maintenance checklist should keep your toilet working great:
-Toilet leak test with food coloring (consider replacing flapper or adjusting floating ballcock)
-Inspection water supply hose
-Inspect the base for water spots (check wax ring and tank for cracks in water damage is apparent)-Clean siphon jets
For more details: http://blog.homespothq.com/2012/11/toilet-maintenance-and-inspection/
-Toilet leak test with food coloring (consider replacing flapper or adjusting floating ballcock)
-Inspection water supply hose
-Inspect the base for water spots (check wax ring and tank for cracks in water damage is apparent)-Clean siphon jets
For more details: http://blog.homespothq.com/2012/11/toilet-maintenance-and-inspection/
Looking in at the "guts" of the water tank. If your toilet is running it is likely the overflow tube or flapper valve. Adjust the floating ballcock down if water is running down the overflow tube continuously. Consider replacing the flapper if water is sneaking by it.
Food coloring is a great tool for testing the flapper for leaks. Place a couple drops in the water tank just before going to bed. You will know if there is a leak in the morning by any coloring present in the bowl.
An old flapper that has slowly warped over time. A new one only costs a couple bucks.
Inspect the base of the toilet for water damage. The leak source could be from a crack in the bottom of the water tank, a gap in the wax ring, or a leak in the water supply hose.
Regular cleaning will keep most bacteria and grime out of the siphon jets, but at least once a year a deeper cleanse is helpful. Get all the details for this process on another Hometalk post: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/bathroom/keep-a-toilet-clean-much-longer-764866
Lastly, stay ahead of clogs by being cognisant of what gets flushed down. If a clog does occur, a plunger is a good first measure. Utilize a wire hanger if the clog is being stubborn.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Great post! You wouldn't believe how many people think they have leaks in their irrigation systems only to find out it is their toilets! - J
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