Your Quick Guide to Caring for a Residential Toilet

Toilets are meant to last for decades. A study discovered that the average person flushes the toilet five times per day and toilet use makes up for the most water use in our homes. We have to commend the people behind creating toilets because, let's agree, we wouldn't want to go back to when we didn't have such luxury. That said, toilets don't necessarily take care of themselves if you want them to last beyond their original lifespan. Consider adding these easy to adopt toilet care do's and don'ts to your daily repertoire:

Do's of toilet care

The most important thing to consider for residential toilet care is avoiding actions that will put extra stress on your porcelain throne. For example, when cleaning the toilet, we suggest ditching abrasive cleaning products, such as chemical drain cleaners, hard-bristled brushes, and toilet fresheners. Instead, opt for a plastic toilet brush to prevent scratching the bowl. In addition to keeping abrasive items from your toilet bowl, you can also do inspections on your toilet to ensure it's functioning at its best. Here are some ways to check your toilet to avoid plumbing problems in the future:

  • If the toilet is acting up, remove the lid every so often to ensure the flapper isn't stuck or broken.

  • Get your toilet inspected for leaks or worn parts every year during an annual plumbing inspection.

  • Take toilet care seriously and contact a professional if you start to experience issues with flushing or drainage.

Keeping up with proper toilet maintenance allows one of the most used fixtures of your home to operate optimally. 

Don'ts of toilet care

Counter to the things to do with your toilet there are also a lot of actions to not take with residential toilet care. First off, only put flushable items in the bowl. Follow the three Ps of flushing: (toilet) paper, pee, and poop. If you stick to just those items, you will see your toilet and overall plumbing system requiring less upkeep and repairs throughout its lifetime. Flushable wipes may be "flushable," but those take a considerable toll on your pipes over the years. Don't even think about putting diapers down that drain! We've seen entire cities backed up from a caught diaper, so do your community a solid and put those in the garbage. Lastly, the toilet may look like a perfect stepping stool to hang a picture in the bathroom or fix the shower curtain, but you might end up with a cracked lid or a broken toilet seat. Invest in a stepping stool at home, and you won't need to jeopardize your toilet. 

Keep your toilet in its best possible shape!

Caring for your toilet and the plumbing that accompanies it is crucial for your maintenance routine. Think of the toilet as a valuable asset in your home that requires little maintenance, as small actions go a long way.


Frontier Plumbing of Las Vegas is a full-service commercial and residential plumbing company offering a full spectrum of plumbing services. We are determined to exceed your expectations! Call 702-602-6705 today!