When it comes to your toilet's plumbing, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is flushing items down the toilet that you shouldn't. But by now, most people know that you should not flush sanitary pads, paper towels, or wet wipes down the toilet. However, you may be making other mistakes with your toilet that can lead to plumbing issues. Here are a few common toilet plumbing mistakes and how you can avoid them. 

Using Cola to Clean Your Toilet

If you have stubborn stains in your toilet, you may have read on the internet that cola can be used to remove the stains. Cola is acidic, eating away those tough stains that just won't budge, no matter how much you scrub them However, if you do decide to use cola to clean your toilets, it should only be used sporadically and for the toughest of stains. In addition to eating away stains, cola can eat away at your plumbing pipes and damage them. As such, you should never pour cola in your toilets as a way of routinely cleaning them. 

Ignoring a Toilet Leak

Another common mistake that people make when it comes to their toilet's plumbing system is ignoring leaks. Obviously, if there is a puddle in front of or behind your toilet, you know you have a leak that needs to be addressed. But if your toilet is constantly running, you may not realize you have a leak and may ignore the problem. If you notice your toilet is constantly running, add some dye to the water in the tank. If the dye transfers to the bowl without you flushing the toilet, you have a leak that needs to be addressed. 

Freeing a Clog With Boiling Water

The last plumbing mistake that you may make when it comes to your toilet is attempting to free a clog with boiling water. Boiling water is a great way to free clogs in your sinks, showers, and tubs. However, toilets are made from porcelain. When you pour boiling hot water into them, the toilet may crack. And unfortunately, the crack is typically only on the inside, meaning you may not see it or realize it is there for some time. When the toilet cracks, replacing it is the only option, and that can be costly. As such, use a plunger or a snake, rather than boiling water, to free toilet clogs. 

Avoiding these plumbing mistakes can help to minimize the frequency in which you need toilet plumbing repairs. But, if it is too late and your toilet is clogged, leaking, or just not working right, a plumbing company can help you. Contact one today to get help with all of your plumbing repair needs.