Toilets are one of the few modern conveniences that many people tend to overlook—until the toilet starts malfunctioning. Such a problem can easily lead to costly water damage, or worse, sewage backups that “flush down” the contents of your wallet and expose your family to a bevy of health risks.

Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure your toilet works perfectly for the entirety of its service life. Whether you just had a new toilet installed by plumbing professionals in Edmonton or you simply want to make sure you get the most out of your existing toilet, here are a few maintenance tips to help you out:

Hydrogen Peroxide Over Harsh Chemicals

When it comes to disinfecting toilets, many people immediately reach for cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, these chemicals may erode the pipes connected to your toilet with repeated and extended use. For a gentler approach that is just as effective, you may want to consider switching to hydrogen peroxide. Simply let it set for roughly 30 minutes and your toilet is good to go.

Be Careful of What You Flush

Toilets tend to impart an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality in many people. However, this doesn’t mean that you can flush anything you want. Flushing down the wrong things can lead to clogged pipes, resulting in an inevitable sewage backup. With that in mind, avoid flushing down any of the following:

• Cigarette butts
• Cotton balls
• Disposable diapers
• “Flushable” wipes
• Sanitary napkins
• Cooking oil
• Dental floss
• Cat litter

Replace Faulty Flappers

Worn-out or ill-fitting flappers can allow a large amount of water to seep through and into the bowl of your toilet slowly. It can be difficult to notice at first, but you’ll often hear your tank refilling itself even if no one has flushed the toilet recently. These “phantom flushes” can tack several hundred dollars on your water bill if you don’t replace a faulty flapper ASAP.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you detect any problems as soon as possible. Be on the lookout for any gurgling sounds coming from the drain of your toilet, as well as any leaks coming from the base or the tank. If you notice any issues, be sure to call a trusted plumbing company, such as Capital Plumbing & Heating Ltd., as soon as possible. Prompt repairs can save you thousands of dollars in water damage restoration.