Blue Water = Bad, Very Bad Water
- Tim Friedrich
- Oct 19, 2016
- 2 min read
For those who love the idea of fancy blue (or green) water in the toilet bowl, consider this: over time, the cleaning chemicals in drop-in tank tablets can cause your toilet gaskets to slowly rot. While that colored water looks pretty in the toilet bowl, it can do a number on your budget if it's slowly leaking into your floor. Are Drop-In Tablets Really That Bad? Yes, they are. With long-term use, the bleach and other chemicals in the tablets will damage the flush valve, flapper, plastic and rubber parts (e.g., gaskets and washers). A few notes: • Toilets that are seldom flushed (such as in a guest room or basement) are the worst candidates for drop-in tablets. Without flushing, the tank water becomes chemical-laden, which eats away the rubber and plastic in your toilet parts. • Review the manufacturer's warning label on a new toilet tank. The label typically indicates that "damage caused by in-tank tablets will not be covered under product warranties. These products can seriously corrode the fittings in the tank. This damage can cause leakage and property damage." • When the tablets become partially dissolved, they can float into the flushing mechanism and restrict water flow, which can lead to flushing problems. What's the Best Way to Clean a Toilet? The old-fashioned way – put on the big yellow plastic gloves, cover yourself in plastic and grab a scrub brush. Haha, just kidding (except about the gloves). Plumbers are generally pro-chemicals (THANKS, DuPont!) when heavy cleaning is required. Below is a list of the five best toilet cleaners, according to About.com. Our personal favorite is #5. 1 Best Disposable Toilet Cleaner: Clorox Toilet Wand • Easy to use • Reaches under the rim • Disposable pads are pre-loaded with cleaner • NOTE: Do not flush the pads or detachable heads. 2 Best Liquid Toilet Cleaner: Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner • Gel formula provides good coverage • Gel "stickiness" doesn't run off when applied under the rim • Heavy duty cleaning power 3 Best Natural Toilet Cleaner: Seventh Generation Natural Toilet Cleaner • Environmentally friendly 4 Best Maintenance Toilet Cleaner: Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel • Easy to use gel "stamps" • Stamps dissolve over a period of about 5-7 days, depending on the number of flushes • Prevents toilet residue buildup 5 Best Last Chance Toilet Cleaner: Lime-A-Way Toilet Bowl Cleaner • Most powerful – do not let this cleaner remain on your toilet (or tub/shower) porcelain for more than 2 minutes (it will erode the glaze) • Use in a well-ventilated area; avoid breathing in the fumes • Caustic • Awesome for getting the J-O-B done Water You Waiting For? If you are having toilet troubles – leaks, slow flushes or clogs, Allied Reddi-Rooter is available to assist 24/7. Ray's team will have your water flowing in a jiffy. Call or Contact for a free quote: (513) 396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.