Business restrooms see a lot of traffic. With high use comes high risk of health hazards. As a business owner, you can reduce the risk with frequent sanitization, including cleaning each toilet tank at least twice a year. Commercial plumbing services can make this a non-thought for you, so you can run your business while plumbers provide rooter service behind the scenes to keep your plumbing running.
However, if you like to get down and personal with keeping your business in top shape, you can follow the steps below to clean your tanks, which could be a common reason your restrooms smell bad every so often.
First, grab your tools
You’ll need white vinegar (enough to fill the tank to the overflow valve, which could be up to 3 gallons per tank), rubber gloves, a disinfectant cleaner safe for plastic and metal, a sponge, and a scrub brush.
Second, clean the tank
- Wearing your gloves, remove the tank cover and set it aside.
- Pour white vinegar into the tank, stopping an inch below the rim and leave it for 12 hours.
- Flush the toilet several times to clear the vinegar.
- Turn off the water valve, located near the floor, then flush the toilet one last time.
- Run the scrub brush along the tank’s interior and wipe the metal parts with the sponge.
- For stubborn tank walls, use the disinfectant cleaner onto the inside walls per the manufacturer’s instructions, then scrub the walls with the brush.
- Turn the water on and flush the toilet until water is clear in both the tank and the bowl.
- Replace the tank cover and you’re done!
Important notes about maintaining your tanks:
To prolong the cleanliness, consider putting tank tablets in the toilet to fight off mildew, minerals, and contaminants. Don’t use tablets with bleach as that will corrode metal. For the least damage to your plumbing, use tablets that are “natural” or “chemical-free.”
If you don’t want to use tablets, fill your tanks with vinegar and drain on a regular basis. This makes your twice-a-year cleaning easier. For this maintenance, leave vinegar in the tank overnight and flush it out in the morning.
If your tanks haven’t been cleaned in a long time, they’re likely harboring bacteria and hardened deposits. Too much buildup will damage your plumbing and require commercial plumbing services. Keep your tanks clean to keep your business running without a hitch, because even the smallest mishap can overthrow your routine.
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating — Commercial Plumbing Services
To get the best cleaning and repairs for your commercial toilet tanks, contact Ehret. Co Plumbing & Heating through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292. We work with all brands, and power through all issues.