10 Ways to Keep Your Toilet Running Smoothly

There’s nothing worse than finding that your toilet has stopped up and there’s no plunger to be found in your home! If you want to keep your toilet running smoothly and stop clogs before they start, here are 10 things you can do to keep it running smoothly throughout the year.

1.Flush with cold water

Cold water helps create a solid seal on your toilet, preventing any backups. Once cold water has run through, try flushing with hot water. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call a plumber. You may want to consider installing an anti-backup or overflow mechanism in your toilet tank if you live in an area prone to clogs.

2. Don’t use too much toilet paper

Many people don’t realize that using too much toilet paper can cause clogs. Instead of a whole roll, consider using just two sheets, or use tissues instead. You’ll save money and help your toilet run more smoothly!

3. Avoid flushing cotton swabs

Flushing just one or two cotton swabs is no big deal. But if you’re flushing multiple swabs and toilet paper, it can create a clog. Avoid doing that, and keep your pipes flowing freely. If you do have a clog, leave your toilet unflushed while you fix it! Calling a plumber may cost more than $100 an hour, which would make any sane person sick—but it will definitely save you money in the long run.

4.Remove hair from your drain once a month

Hair is a common culprit for clogged drains. You probably already know that your hair can get tangled around and stuck in your drain, but you may not realize how often it actually happens. Depending on how long your hair is, you should remove at least 12 inches of hair from your drain every month. If you don’t have time for monthly cleaning, go for a trim every few months or make a DIY detangling solution from baking soda and warm water.

5. Use gentle cleaners

Using harsh cleaners like bleach can damage your pipes and plumbing fixtures, leading to leaks and breakages. Instead, use gentle cleaning products like baking soda and vinegar, which are effective at removing stains while causing minimal damage. If you have a lot of mineral buildup in your toilet tank or pipes, add a few tablespoons of white vinegar once a week. This will help loosen buildup and keep everything running smoothly.

6. Prevent build up by using the sink trap when washing dishes

You might not think of your kitchen sink as a potential source of clogs, but they happen more often than you think. Water that collects in your sink’s trap can slowly begin to overflow into your home’s pipes—and eventually end up in your toilet tank. In order to prevent a clog, always use the trap when washing dishes and run plenty of water down it.

7.Break up large items before putting them in the bowl

If you see something that looks too big for your toilet, it probably is. If you’re flushing objects like diapers or feminine products, they should be broken up into small pieces before disposal. This reduces clogs and ultimately keeps your toilet running smoothly. Just don’t flush those number 2s! It’s gross and illegal in many areas.

8. Adjust your water pressure—if it’s too strong, it can cause clogs.

Toilets use water-based flushing systems that sometimes get backed up, especially when there’s not enough pressure. If you notice your toilet is taking longer than usual to flush, check your water pressure first; if it’s too strong, you may need to reduce it. You can typically do so using a valve near your water meter or main shutoff valve. It will look like a knob or handle sticking out of your wall.

9. Clean out the P-trap regularly

A p-trap is located under your toilet and catches any water that drains down from your sink or tub. Over time, these traps can build up with hair and lint and cause a back-up of water, which may overflow into your bathroom. If you notice that your sink is draining slower than usual, check to see if hair has gotten caught in your p-trap. (It’s also a good idea to clean out around sink drains periodically anyway.)

10 .Give it time

If your toilet stops up frequently, you’re going to want to look at how you’re using it. Are there any patterns? If you or other family members are experiencing constipation or other digestion problems, for example, that can lead to clogs. And if one person in your household is taking medications that increase bowel movements, like laxatives or anti-diarrheal medicines, that too can lead to clogs.

Also read:-toilet unclog https://www.smithsplumbingservice.com/blog/2020/october/7-ways-to-unclog-your-toilet-without-calling-a-p/