Is It Beneficial To Clean The Toilet Tank?
You might clean the bowl every now and then and you may even go as far as cleaning the floor around the bowl. Trust us when we tell you that’s certainly a good idea — but when was the last time you cleaned the tank component of your toilet? Probably never, right? It’s one of the most overlooked spots when it comes to cleaning a bathroom, but it can certainly use a good cleaning every now and then. Why? Find out below!
Why Clean The Toilet Tank?
The water in the tank should generally be clean, right? This is not an absurd thought and quite frankly, you’re not so far off in thinking that. After all, the water in the tank is covered by a heavy duty lid and that is obviously not where human waste is deposited, so all is good right?
Well, not so fast. While the lid works to keep bacterial and mineral buildup out of the tank and therefore, out of the water, the metal components inside the tank are still subject to whatever can be found in your city’s water supply. This usually includes minerals in some form and even dirt or other debris in some cases. The result? Anything made of metal in the tank can corrode or rust over time if you pay no attention to it.
Not only can all of this cut down on your toilet’s overall lifespan, it can have detrimental effects on your home’s plumbing system as a whole. So, what can you do to clean the tank and prevent major disasters from occurring? Read on below:
How To Clean A Toilet Tank
When it comes to cleaning the tank, there are a few supplies you should have on hand. You’ll want to wear a reliable pair of rubber gloves and have access to a long-handled scrub brush, a sponge, disinfectant spray and white vinegar.
Here are the steps when it comes to cleaning:
Turn off the water supply to the tank. It can usually be found on the wall behind or near the base of the toilet. Once you turn off the valve, remove the lid from the tank and flush the toilet until all of the water drains out.
If you notice dirt and/or grime right away, now is the time to start scrubbing. Use the sponge and the scrub brush for stubborn spots — just be sure not to scrub too hard in order to avoid damaging any of the components.
There may be some discoloration present as a result of the caked on residue and if this is the case, you’ll want to fill the tank with vinegar. You can typically fit about 3 gallons worth of vinegar in the tank, up to the overflow valve, and you’ll want to let it sit for roughly 12 hours. Once that amount of time has been reached, you can simply flush the toilet and you’ll likely watch the residue and discoloration disappear down the drain.
Now it’s time to put on the rubber gloves and spray the inside of the tank with a disinfectant. We suggest avoiding the use of bleach and this chemical is corrosive and can cause even more damage to the tank and the toilet’s components. Let the spray sit for about 15 minutes and then use the sponge and the scrub brush to clean out any remaining dirt or debris.
Once the inside is clean, it’s time to turn the water supply valve back to the open position to allow the tank to fill with water. Go ahead and flush the toilet a few more times to wash out the remnants and voila! You now have a clean tank!
Toilet Repair and Installation in Middle Tennessee County
Griffin Mechanical is a leading mechanical contractor with nearly 20 years in the business. We are available weekdays and weekends to service your commercial and residential plumbing, air, or heating needs. We are committed to providing respectful and timely service that you can count on. Give us a call today at (615) 502-3030.