The Problem With Using Toilet Cleaning Tablets

Toilet cleaning tablets, also known as drop-in tablets, are a convenient way to keep your toilet clean and smelling good. They’re seen as an alternative to using gloves, brushes and cleaners, and have chlorine as their active agent. However, they can eventually cause damage, not just to your toilet, but to your home’s plumbing lines, as well. R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc., your local contractor for  new air conditioner needs, discusses more here.

A Corrosive Cleaner

The chemicals found in toilet-cleaning tablets are caustic, which means they can break down weaker materials over time. As they dissolve, the sitting water inside the toilet tank interacts with the gaskets, washers and other plastic and rubber components. The longer these chemicals sit in your tank, the more likely it is that the toilet tank parts will corrode and wear down. Eventually, the toilet will begin to leak.

In some cases, a drop-in tablet, particularly a cheaper one, doesn’t dissolve right away. Instead, it breaks into pieces that get sucked into the tiny passages inside the toilet tank and block water flow. Soon, you’ll notice that the toilet doesn’t flush like it should, which will require a thorough inspection by a  plumbing repair  professional.

Taking Care of Your Toilet

If you’re thinking about using drop-in tablets, you’d better check your toilet first. It could have a warning label telling you that damage caused by these cleaning agents won’t be covered under product warranties. This means that the manufacturer won’t cover the replacement of parts and components that have worn down prematurely due to long-term exposure to the chemicals in drop-in tablets.

The best way to take care of your toilet is to clean it manually. Be sure to use the appropriate cleaner and brush for this chore to prevent leaving scratches on the surfaces of your toilet bowl. Consider an anti-lime cleaner if the bowl has a dark ring around it.

At R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we offer a wide variety of plumbing services, including toilet repair, leak detection and septic system service. You can count on us for your  new heating system installation  and cooling unit replacement needs as well. Call (505) 278-5112 or fill out our  contact form  to schedule an appointment.