Hello, Aurora residents! Your toilet might not be the most glamorous topic of conversation, but it’s certainly one of the most essential fixtures in your home. Here in Colorado’s unique climate, with our particular water conditions and seasonal challenges, proper toilet maintenance isn’t just about preventing inconvenience—it’s about protecting your home and your wallet.
Regular toilet maintenance can save you hundreds of dollars in emergency repairs and prevent those always-untimely plumbing disasters. With Aurora’s mineral-rich water and our distinct seasonal shifts, your toilet faces specific challenges that require attention. Let’s explore how you can keep this essential fixture functioning properly throughout the year.
Basic Toilet Maintenance Anyone Can Do
Regular Cleaning for Aurora’s Water Conditions
Aurora’s water contains minerals that can build up in your toilet over time, causing staining and potentially affecting performance. To combat this:
- Clean your toilet bowl weekly using a non-abrasive cleaner designed for hard water
- Pay special attention to the water jets under the rim where mineral deposits often form
- Consider using a pumice stone for stubborn mineral deposits, but use gently to avoid scratching porcelain
Leak Detection Made Simple
A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily—a serious concern in our water-conscious region. Here’s a simple test:
- Remove the tank lid
- Add several drops of food coloring to the tank water
- Wait 30 minutes without flushing
- Check the bowl—if colored water appears, you have a leak
Proper Flush Handle Maintenance
The flush handle is often overlooked but critical to proper function:
- Ensure the chain has proper slack—too tight or too loose causes problems
- Occasionally tighten the mounting nut if the handle feels loose
- Clean buildup around the handle assembly to prevent sticking
If you notice water constantly running, see discoloration, or hear unusual noises, these are early warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. While many toilet issues can be handled DIY-style, persistent problems, significant leaks, or anything involving your home’s actual plumbing lines should be addressed by professionals.
The Three Most Common Toilet Services in Aurora
1. Fixing Running Toilets
Running toilets are the number one toilet-related service call in Aurora. With Colorado’s focus on water conservation and Aurora’s tiered water pricing structure, a running toilet isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive.
Aurora’s municipal water contains minerals that can accelerate wear on toilet components, particularly the flapper valve that seals the tank after flushing. When this rubber seal deteriorates, water continuously leaks from the tank into the bowl.
How to identify the problem:
- Listen for water running when the toilet hasn’t been used
- Watch the water level in the tank to see if it continuously drains and refills
- Perform the dye test mentioned earlier
You can try replacing the flapper valve yourself—it’s an inexpensive part available at any hardware store and requires no special tools. However, if replacing the flapper doesn’t solve the issue, or if your toilet continues running despite adjustments, it’s time to call a professional. The problem might be related to the fill valve or other components that require expert attention.
A running toilet can add $100+ to your monthly water bill in Aurora, so addressing this problem promptly pays for itself.
2. Clog Prevention and Removal
Toilet clogs rank as the second most common service call in Aurora homes. Our older neighborhoods like Aurora Hills and Hoffman Heights often have aging plumbing systems that are more prone to clogs.
Prevention is your best strategy:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste
- Never flush “flushable” wipes (despite the name, they don’t break down properly)
- Be mindful that low-flow toilets, while great for conservation, may be more susceptible to clogs
When a clog occurs, try these steps first:
- Use a plunger designed specifically for toilets (with an extension flange)
- Apply firm pressure in a straight up-and-down motion
- Maintain the seal and plunge several times
For stubborn clogs, an auger (toilet snake) can be effective. However, if your toilet clogs frequently or the clog won’t budge with DIY methods, there might be a more serious issue within your plumbing system. Aurora’s older homes sometimes develop pipe scale buildup or tree root intrusion that requires professional attention.
During winter months, basement toilets in unheated areas may experience additional issues due to freezing temperatures—another reason to have a reliable plumber’s number handy.
3. Tank Components Replacement
The third most common toilet service in Aurora involves replacing internal tank components. Our water’s mineral content is particularly hard on rubber and plastic toilet parts.
Signs you need component replacement:
- Water level in the tank changes without flushing
- Incomplete flushes or needing to hold down the handle
- Hissing sounds coming from the tank
- Periodic automatic refilling when no one has used the toilet
The average lifespan of internal components in Aurora conditions is:
- Flapper valves: 3-5 years
- Fill valves: 4-7 years
- Flush handles: 5-10 years
You can extend the life of these components by:
- Performing bi-annual vinegar treatments to dissolve mineral buildup (add a cup of white vinegar to the tank, let sit for an hour, then flush)
- Inspecting components twice yearly for signs of wear
- Adjusting water levels to manufacturer specifications (usually marked inside the tank)
While replacing these components is often within the capabilities of a handy homeowner, a professional can ensure proper installation and identify any additional concerns that might not be immediately obvious. Many Aurora plumbers offer maintenance packages that include replacing these components before they fail.
Seasonal Considerations for Aurora Residents
Aurora’s climate presents unique challenges for toilet maintenance throughout the year.
Winter Preparation:
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Keep your home adequately heated, especially during extreme cold snaps
- If you’ll be away during winter, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F
- Consider letting faucets drip during severe cold to prevent freezing
Summer Water Conservation:
- Check for leaks more frequently during high water usage months
- Adjust the water level in your toilet tank to use less water per flush if possible
- Consider upgrading older toilets to WaterSense-certified models that use less water
A seasonal maintenance schedule that works well for Aurora homes includes:
- Spring: Deep cleaning and checking for winter damage
- Fall: Preparing plumbing for winter conditions
- Bi-annually: Checking all tank components for wear
Keeping Your Aurora Home Flowing Smoothly
Proper toilet maintenance isn’t complicated, but it is essential—especially in our unique Colorado climate. By following these simple maintenance steps, you’ll extend the life of your toilet, save money on water bills, and avoid those emergency plumbing calls that always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times.
Remember that while DIY maintenance can address many issues, having a relationship with a trusted local plumber is invaluable. Aurora’s plumbing systems face specific challenges from our climate, water composition, and in many neighborhoods, the age of our infrastructure.
If you’re uncertain about any toilet maintenance task or encounter issues that persist despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to call a professional. The cost of preventative maintenance is always less than emergency repairs—especially when water damage is involved.
Keep this guide handy, and your toilet will thank you with years of reliable service!