Thinking about trying that viral toilet hack? Think again! Discover the hidden dangers lurking behind popular DIY toilet tricks and save yourself from costly repairs.
DIY Toilet Do’s and Don’ts
When it comes to your toilet, adding foreign objects or chemicals to the tank can lead to significant issues, void warranties, and even result in costly repairs or replacements. There are many myths about enhancing water conservation, cleaning, and performance by tinkering with your toilet’s tank. However, most of these "hacks" do more harm than good.
What Not to Do
Avoid adding anything to your toilet tank that wasn't designed to be there. While the internet is full of DIY tricks promising to save water or improve cleaning, it's crucial to approach these with caution. Just because something is popular on YouTube, TikTok, or Pinterest doesn't mean it's a good idea. Influencers won't be the ones paying for repairs when their advice leads to damage.
Here are some of the unusual items our plumbers have recently found in toilet tanks:
Soda Cans (Full): Supposedly to save water, but these cans often get stuck on the float, causing the toilet to run continuously. This wastes both water and money, as you’ll likely need a plumber to fix it.
Rubber Bands: Sometimes used to hold internal components together, rubber bands can break and interfere with the flapper, preventing it from sealing properly and leading to water wastage.
Bricks: A popular 90s water-saving trick, but bricks can damage the porcelain and cause poor flushing, often requiring multiple flushes and wasting more water.
Water Bottles with Bleach: Intended to clean the bowl, but bleach degrades rubber components in the tank, shortening their lifespan.
Scented Cleaning Products: These may make your bathroom smell nice temporarily, but they can be highly corrosive, damaging tank components or congealing in the waterways, potentially leading to expensive replacements.
Soap Bars: Placed in the tank or bowl, soap can cause serious issues, including clogging the trapway or building up residue that requires a complete replacement of the toilet.
Fabric Softener: Popular on social media, but fabric softener destroys tank components and congeals in the bowl’s ports, making it impossible to clean and requiring a new toilet.
Surprising Tips
Think twice before reaching for that plunger. If a clog is near or beyond the wax seal under the toilet, plunging can damage the seal, leading to leaks and long-term damage to your floors and walls.
What You Can Do
Water quality is crucial for maintaining your toilet. Installing a quality water treatment system can prolong the life of your toilet by preventing scale buildup that can clog internal components.
Vinegar: Depending on your water quality, add a cup of vinegar to the tank weekly or monthly to reduce scale buildup.
Proper Cleaning Products: Use non-abrasive cleaners to maintain the porcelain glaze. Scratched surfaces can quickly become rough, making it harder to keep the bowl clean.
Products that hang from the side of the bowl are generally safer than those placed in the tank, but still, be cautious. We’ve had to retrieve plastic hangers that were accidentally flushed.
And remember, those disposable cleaning wand heads are not flushable! They often lead to blockages that require professional removal.
Final Thoughts
While it’s tempting to use DIY tricks to keep your toilet clean or conserve water, these hacks can often lead to more problems and higher costs. If you’re looking to upgrade your toilet, consider investing in one of the many modern models designed to flush effectively with less water, resist buildup, and reduce clogs. The average quality toilet has a lifespan of 15-20 years, so choose a model with features you'll appreciate for years to come.
For more advice on choosing the right toilet for your home, check out our other blog posts! And if you’re ready to upgrade your “Porcelain Throne,” we’re here to help.
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