Green Tip: Maintaining the toilet is important for flushing to avoid replacing it

David Goldstein | Especially for Ventura County Star

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As more people learn online at home and at school, the bathrooms in residential areas are getting sportier. In many parts of Ventura County, more water means more hard water deposits.

Worse, cleaning schedules may not have increased to keep up. Many of the lucky ones who hired professional cleaners before the pandemic no longer have these housekeeping workers, and buildup of debris can limit flow.

During this time, home improvement has also increased. However, before considering replacing a toilet due to poor or incomplete flushes, consider basic maintenance and repair.

A helpful online guide provided by a major Minnesota-based plumbing company suggests a few steps that can be taken to troubleshoot discharge problems unrelated to objects clogging pipes or blocking flanges.

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I f puffs are insufficient to determine whether the water rises inside the tank fill line. Years ago toilets used too much water to flush the toilet. Some people used objects to move the water in the tank or to adjust the water level. However, modern 1.6 gallon per flush toilets require a full tank to flush solids.

Next, examine the valve at the bottom of the flush mechanism in the reservoir. Pressing the toilet handle lifts the flap and draws water into the bowl. Replace the check valve if it doesn't close tightly, preventing your tank from filling up completely.

Another possible cause of bad discharges is clogged intake ports. The inlet holes are located under the edge of the toilet and direct water into the toilet as it flushes. They must be free of hard water, dirt, sediment, and scale for the water to flow with sufficient force.

An extreme measure of cleaning a hole is to use a pointed object like an awl or the pointed end of a clothes hanger. However, pushing too hard can damage the toilet.

Dennis Stanley, owner of Steve's Plumbing & Hardware in Ventura, said he wouldn't recommend using an awl or shed. His house has extremely hard water from a well, so he uses hydrochloric acid to clear clogged entry holes.

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This harsh and strong acid, also known as hydrochloric acid and commonly used for pool maintenance, may not pose a risk to toilet china, but it can harm those who use it incorrectly. Open the windows, dilute the acid in a bucket, and wear safety glasses and rubber gloves. If acid comes in contact with you, quickly cover the area with baking soda.

Murian acid also removes debris from the bottom of the container. Much safer than acid, and just as effective, you can scrape the bowl off with a pumice stone. Just rinse the water out to lower the water level, put on long rubber gloves and scratch. The pumice stone will peel off without damaging the porcelain.

For those who don't want to scratch but are concerned about hydrochloric acid, less toxic cleaners are also available. Zep, an acidic toilet bowl cleaner sold in local "big box" stores, costs just $ 4.48 for a 32-ounce bottle with a curved spout, which makes it easier to inject into sinks and the inner rim of the toilet . Cup. Toilets.

The packaging says it "removes dirt, rust, hard water and stains," but also includes a warning: "Hazard. Causes burns to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Harmful if swallowed."

Kaboom also advertises its product as "non-exfoliating". For $ 24.44, each pouch is designed to last three months and offers "continuous cleaning" by flushing with each flush. There is a warning on the packaging, "Danger: Corrosive. Causes eye and skin burns. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. ""

Sewage treatment plants can handle the minor adjustments needed when a small number of households use or stop using these products. However, these products pollute pipelines, pose risks to users and must be treated as hazardous waste. at your service.

Instead, vinegar and baking soda are reliable, non-toxic cleaners, but they are less effective. As a result, it may take additional friction, more applications, and more time for the vinegar to soak into deposits. .

David Goldstein is an Environmental Analyst at Ventura County Public Works and can be reached at 805-658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org .

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