Toilet Maintenance Tips

A toilet is one of the most-used fixtures in a typical home and one of the most commonly misused. A few simple habits will keep a quality toilet running for 20+ years; a few common mistakes will turn it into a recurring service call. For southern New Hampshire homes, here are the maintenance and troubleshooting steps our licensed plumbers wish every household knew.

At A.J. LeBlanc Heating, our plumbers install, service, and replace toilets across NH.

Only flush what is supposed to be flushed

The most common cause of toilet and drain problems is flushing items that should go in the trash. "Flushable" wipes are the worst offender. They do not break down like toilet paper and routinely cause clogs at the trap, in the building drain, and in the municipal sewer system.

Never flush:

Wipes of any kind (baby wipes, "flushable" wipes, disinfecting wipes, makeup wipes)
Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, applicators)
Cotton balls or cotton swabs
Paper towels or facial tissues (they do not dissolve like toilet paper)
Dental floss (catches on roughness inside the drain and forms snags)
Cat litter (clumps even if labeled "flushable")
Hair from brushes
Medications (drop off at a pharmacy take-back)
Cooking grease or food scraps

Only toilet paper and human waste should go down a toilet.

Keep the bowl and tank clean

Regular cleaning prevents mineral buildup, biofilm, and odor:

Use a non-abrasive toilet cleaner and a brush weekly
Clean under the rim where water spreads (a common spot for hard-water deposits)
Wipe down the outside of the toilet, seat, and base regularly
Avoid in-tank cleaning tablets that contain bleach. They degrade rubber flapper valves, gaskets, and supply line components. Chronic bleach exposure makes these parts fail years sooner.

Common toilet problems and quick fixes

Running toilet (water keeps flowing into the bowl)

The most common toilet problem. Almost always the flapper or fill valve. To diagnose:

Open the tank lid
If the water level is at or above the overflow tube, the fill valve is not shutting off. Adjust the fill valve down or replace it.
If the water level is below the overflow tube but water is still trickling, the flapper is not sealing. Lift the flapper, clean any debris, and check that it seats properly when released. Replace if the rubber is gummy or warped.

A running toilet wastes 200 to 2,000 gallons of water per day. Both flapper replacement and fill valve replacement are straightforward DIY repairs or quick plumber visits.

Weak or incomplete flush

Check the water level in the tank. It should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. Low water in the tank means a weak flush.
Check that the flapper opens fully when the handle is pressed. A short chain or a sticking handle prevents the flapper from staying open long enough for a full flush.
Look for hard-water deposits inside the rim that block water from spreading evenly around the bowl. Clean with a brush and a deposit remover.
For very old toilets (pre-1994), the design itself uses more water than current standards and may simply be tired. Replacement with a modern dual-flush or 1.28-gallon unit improves performance and reduces water use.

Clogged toilet

Start with a good flange plunger, not the cheap cup-style plungers. The flange plunger creates a proper seal in the toilet drain.
Pump firmly several times to break up the clog
If plunging does not clear it, use a toilet auger (closet auger). These are designed to navigate the toilet trap without scratching the porcelain.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They are unsafe to use, often ineffective on toilet clogs, and can damage the toilet's internal seals and the drain piping.
Persistent clogs that return frequently usually indicate a deeper issue: a partially blocked building drain, a sewer line root intrusion, or a vent stack problem. Call a plumber.

Toilet rocks or wobbles

A rocking toilet is a problem. The wax ring (the seal between the toilet base and the drain) is being stressed and will eventually leak. Movement also damages the toilet flange under the floor. Fix promptly:

Tighten the closet bolts (the bolts at the base of the toilet) gently. Do not overtighten or the porcelain can crack.
If the floor under the toilet is uneven, shims may be needed
If the closet flange is damaged or rotted, professional repair is needed before the wax ring fails

Toilet leaks at the base

Water around the base of the toilet usually means the wax ring has failed and sewer gas plus waste water is escaping. Stop using the toilet and call a plumber. This is a sanitation issue, not just a leak.

When to replace vs. repair

Repair is usually right for individual component failures (flapper, fill valve, handle, wax ring). Replacement makes more sense when:

The toilet is pre-1994 (uses 3+ gallons per flush vs. modern 1.28 gallon)
The porcelain is cracked
The toilet has chronic clogging or weak flushing that does not respond to fixes
You are remodeling the bathroom anyway

Schedule plumbing service

For toilet repair, replacement, or any other plumbing issue in southern NH, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a toilet last?

The porcelain bowl and tank typically last 20+ years. The internal components (flapper, fill valve) are wear items that get replaced individually every several years.

Are flushable wipes really not flushable?

Correct. Despite the marketing label, wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They are the most common cause of clogs we respond to in NH homes. Throw them in the trash.

How do I stop my toilet from running?

Most likely a worn flapper or a misadjusted fill valve. Open the tank, check whether water is leaking past the flapper (color the tank water with food coloring; if color appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking) or whether the fill valve is not shutting off (water level at or above the overflow tube). Replace the failed component.

Why does my toilet wobble?

Loose closet bolts or an uneven floor. Tighten gently or add shims. If the wobble continues or the closet flange itself is loose, the floor under the toilet may need repair. A plumber can diagnose.

Can I use chemical drain cleaner on a clogged toilet?

No. Drain cleaners are caustic, can damage the toilet's internal seals, and are usually ineffective on toilet clogs anyway. Use a flange plunger or a toilet auger.