Most folks know how to clean their toilets with the many products available to make this mundane task easier. However, some of these products can have an adverse affect on the environment and should be used sparingly, especially those homes connected to a septic tank system. The information listed below will provide you with some tips to help keep your toilet clean longer, which will increase the time between cleanings and reduce the amount of household cleaners required. Not only will this help the environment but also avoid the potential damage household cleaners can do to your septic tank system.
Clean the Siphon Jets
When your toilets experience frequent, vertical discoloration lines in the bowl, it is a sign pointing to dirty or clogged siphon jets. Since the siphon jets are located underneath the toilet rim and out of sight, most folks would never think of cleaning them. Over time, the jets can experience build up, which causes the vertical discoloration in the toilet bowl. An experienced plumber can make quick work of this project. First, they will use a wire or brush device to open each jet by removing any buildup. Next, the water supply is shut off and the tank emptied. Duct tape or rubber stoppers are used to seal the siphon jets. About a gallon of distilled white vinegar is poured into the tank and flushed. The tape or stoppers will hold the vinegar in the siphon jets or tubes where it is allowed to sit overnight. The following day the stoppers or tape is removed, the jets are brushed once again and the toilet is returned to service.
Clean the Bowl
Distilled white vinegar has many household uses, including cleaning a toilet bowl. White vinegar poured into the toilet tank and overflow tube, the small, round pipe protruding upward from inside your toilet tank, helps to clean the siphon jets and toilet bowl. Incorporating vinegar into your toilet tank and overflow tube — about once a month — will dissolve lime and other deposits when used regularly.
Clean the Tank
The toilet tank or reservoir holds the water required to flush the bowl. Over time, the inside of the tank can experience rust, lime and scale buildup that will make its way into your toilet bowl. A periodic cleaning — about once a year — will keep these contaminates at bay, preventing them from entering and staining your toilet bowl.
Clean the Seat
Obviously, cleaning the toilet seat is the most important part of clean toilet maintenance. While the task is easy enough, sometimes you must battle rust and streaking around the toilet seat hinges. This is usually common with old toilet seats that utilize steel screws within the hinge system. These screws deteriorate over time due to bleach and other chemicals found in household cleaners. While you can certainly attempt to replace the screws, it is often cheaper, and easier to replace the seat.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
