The toilet is essential in every household. However, we don’t often think about the fact that this important part of our home also requires maintenance. One of the most overlooked parts of your toilet is the tank. This tank does all the heavy lifting: it stores water and flushes the toilet. But what if your toilet tank starts leaking, flushing poorly, or spreading bad odors? Is it time to clean it, or do you need to replace it? In this blog, we explain how to assess the situation, how to clean or replace your tank, and what you'll need to do the job yourself.
When should you clean your toilet tank?
A toilet tank can get dirty for various reasons. Over time, limescale, rust, and dirt can build up in the tank and on moving parts, like the flushing mechanism. This can cause your toilet to flush poorly, create unpleasant odors, or make noises when the tank is filling.
If you notice that your toilet tank isn’t working as well as it used to, cleaning it is the first step. Cleaning the tank can help resolve small issues like slow flushing or discoloration of the toilet water. It also prevents limescale and dirt from damaging the moving parts.
How to clean a toilet tank?
Cleaning a toilet tank is a relatively simple task that you can do in less than an hour. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What you’ll need:
Vinegar or a special descaler
A soft brush or an old toothbrush
Rubber gloves
A bucket
A cloth or sponge (optional)
Steps
Turn off the water
Before you start, turn off the water supply to the tank. You can usually do this by using a valve located under or beside the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to empty the tank.
Check the parts
Remove the lid of the tank and look for moving parts, like the float mechanism. If there’s a lot of limescale or dirt, you can address it right away.
Make a cleaning solution
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour it into the tank. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to loosen the limescale and dirt.
Scrub
Use the soft brush or toothbrush to clean the tank walls and parts. Be careful not to use hard brushes, as they can damage the parts.
Flush and rinse
Flush the tank a few times with clean water. Turn the water supply back on, let the tank fill, and flush again. Check that all dirt and limescale are gone.
Tip: Make cleaning a regular task. Cleaning the tank once a year will prevent bigger issues.
When should you replace your toilet tank?
Sometimes, cleaning isn’t enough, and you’ll need to replace your toilet tank. This might be necessary if:
There is serious damage, like cracks or leaks.
The flushing mechanism is broken and can’t be repaired.
The toilet tank is outdated and inefficient with water usage.
A broken tank can lead to water wastage and high water bills. If cleaning doesn’t help and problems keep recurring, replacing the tank is the best option.
How to replace a toilet tank?
Replacing a toilet tank is a bigger job, but with the right tools and some patience, you can do it yourself. Here's how:
What you’ll need:
A new toilet tank (make sure to get the right size and connection)
An adjustable wrench
A screwdriver
Rubber rings and sealant
Water pump pliers
Rubber gloves
Steps
Turn off the water
Just like when cleaning, first, turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
Remove the old tank
Unscrew the tank from the toilet bowl by loosening the bolts at the bottom of the tank with a wrench or water pump pliers. Be sure to disconnect the water inlet valve.
Install the new tank
Place the rubber seals in place and position the new tank on the toilet bowl. Tighten the bolts securely, but don’t over-tighten to avoid cracking.
Reconnect the water
Attach the water inlet valve and turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks by flushing a few times. If water leaks, tighten the bolts or connections a little more.
Test and adjust
Make sure the toilet flushes properly and the water level in the tank is correct. Adjust the float if needed.
Tip: When replacing, choose a tank that is water-efficient. Modern models often have a dual-flush option, which helps save water.
Should you clean or replace your toilet tank?
Whether you need to clean or replace your toilet tank depends on its condition. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will restore proper function. This not only avoids discomfort but also extends the life of your tank. Make cleaning a regular part of your annual maintenance, and you’ll be well-prepared.
If cleaning doesn’t help and problems keep recurring, replacing the tank might be the best solution. Although this takes more time and effort, with the right preparation, you can do it yourself. Follow a good guide, like ours at De Klussenbox, and choose a water-saving model to future-proof your toilet.
So, don’t wait for small problems to become big headaches. Tackle the issue today and ensure your toilet tank is in top condition! If you’re still struggling with cleaning or replacement after reading this blog, don’t worry. You don’t have to do it alone. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll arrange for an experienced professional to fix the problem for you. That way, you can rest assured that everything works perfectly, without stress or hassle.
Opmerkingen