Let’s be honest: nobody thinks about their toilet until it stops working. But as a homeowner or property manager, your toilets are some of the hardest-working fixtures in your building. With summer family gatherings, kids home from school, and hot June weather around the corner, your bathroom plumbing is about to take on some extra traffic.
Taking care of your toilet now can save you from messy, expensive emergencies down the road. Here is a quick guide on simple toilet upkeep, best practices, and how to know when it’s finally time for an upgrade.
Easy Upkeep & Best Practices
Keeping your toilet running smoothly doesn’t require a plumbing degree. A few simple habits make all the difference:
- Watch what you flush: The toilet is not a trash can. Even products labeled “flushable wipes” don’t break down properly and are a leading cause of severe pipe blockages. Stick strictly to toilet paper.
- Check for silent leaks: Drop a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Don’t flush. If color seeps into the bowl after 15–20 minutes, your flapper valve is leaking. Replacing it is a quick fix that saves thousands of gallons of wasted water.
- Skip the harsh chemical cleaners: Heavy chemical drop-in tablets might keep the bowl blue, but they corrode the plastic and rubber parts inside your tank, causing premature leaks.
When Should You Repair vs. Replace?
Most toilet components (like the fill valve or handle) can easily be repaired. However, there are a few definitive signs that you need a total replacement:
- Frequent, stubborn clogs: If you’re plunging the same toilet multiple times a week, there could be a deeper structural issue or an outdated trap design.
- A cracked bowl or tank: Even a hairline crack in the porcelain can suddenly burst, causing catastrophic water damage to your floors.
- Sky-high water bills: Older toilets use up to 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency model can dramatically lower your utility bills.
Need a Hand? We’ve Got You Covered.
Whether you have a minor leak or need a fleet of new toilets installed before summer gets into full swing, you don’t have to tackle it alone.
Since 1983, Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Air has been the trusted name for reliable home comfort across the Mid-South. From Memphis, Bartlett, and Collierville in Tennessee, down to Southaven, Oxford, and Senatobia in Mississippi, our certified technicians are ready to give you the "Wright" options for your budget.ht" options for your budget.
Give us a call today, and let’s make sure your plumbing is ready for summer!
