How to Clean Your Toilet Tank

A rooter service company also handles other types of sewer repair, but you can avoid some costs by doing small things yourself, such as cleaning your toilet tank semi-annually. The process takes quite a bit of time, but it does not require a great deal of work or preparation. As you will see, doing the job properly has a long wait period but only a little handwork.

Shut Off Water Flow

Cleaning the toilet tank does not require any of the special equipment used by a rooter service, because this task is much simpler than sewer replacement services. Instead, toilets have their own valves, usually located behind and beneath the tank, but occasionally positioned on the floor behind the toilet instead. Turn this valve clockwise to turn off the water line going to the toilet.

Clean the Bowl

Before you empty the tank, take advantage of the water in your tank and bowl. Using a household bowl cleaner and your toilet brush, give the bowl a good scrubbing. With that part of the job out of the way, flush the toilet until the tank is as empty as it will get. This usually requires a couple of flushes. The water remaining after iut will not drain anymore will not be a problem.

Soak With Vinegar

Fill the tank with white vinegar. Vinegar is able to tackle a wide assortment of household stains, including mold, mildew, and hard water deposits like calcium or rust. The trick is to let the vinegar soak in long enough to loosen hard water stains and deposits, usually around 12 hours. If you only have one toilet available, this step is best left for a period when you know that no one will be home. Flush the toilet a few times to remove the vinegar.

Scrub With Disinfectant Cleaner

Using the same disinfectant cleaner you use on your toilet bowl, clean the tank. Use a different brush, because the brush for a toilet bowl is too large to effectively clean the tank. Use a smaller brush and wear protective gloves, because removing the residue loosened by vinegar and a chemical cleaner can stain your hands.

Restore Water and Rinse

Before you replace the top of your toilet tank, turn the valve on and allow it to fill. Flush the toilet one time, and hold the float up afterward. While holding the float, use the brush for the tank to quickly give the tank interior a quick rinsing scrub. Release the float and flush the toilet with clean water a few times to complete the job.

Cleaning your toilet tank removes buildup and corrosion and keeps the moving parts working as they were designed. It should be done at least once a year to avoid needing a rooter service or sewer repairs, and if you have hard water it’s best to clean the tank 2 or 3 times a year.