Are Toilet Cleaning Tablets Bad for the Toilet?

Research indicates that the chemicals in these cleaner tablets will eventually damage the flush valve, flapper, and other elements in the tank.

Toilet cleaning tablets are marketed as one of the most effective and simple ways to maintain clean toilets. However, because they are synthetically made of chemicals and bleach, they can be very damaging to the toilet bowl. This blog discusses how these tablets can negatively affect toilet bowls and pipelines.

Toilet Bowl Tablets

In the 1990s, home maintenance innovations made cleaning easier, including the introduction of quick and easy toilet tank drop-in tablets. The use of in-tank toilet bowl cleanser pills led to an increase in new toilet repair calls. Research indicates that the chemicals in these cleaner tablets will eventually damage the flush valve, flapper, and other elements in the tank. These seemingly simple cleaning methods were causing major damage and costly repairs.

Weakened Toilets

Bleach and other cleaning tablets are designed to eliminate stubborn stains and microbes, but they also break down weaker materials. Some bolts that hold the tank to the toilet bowl aren't very strong. Given the alkaline nature of bleach tablets, this is understandable. When used, many parts and materials of the toilet corrode, causing rubber pieces to become brittle and other sections to age prematurely. It is advisable to consult with trusted plumbers before using any strong bleaching chemicals to clean toilets.

Additionally, the rubber gaskets between the bolts and the ceramic tank aren't very durable. While it may take a while for bleach to corrode the bolts, the rubber seals break down very quickly. A rusted bolt and a leaky toilet could occur in as little as a few months, necessitating a complete overhaul of the toilet to stop leaks.

Blocked Pipes

Cheap bleach tablets might break apart over time instead of dissolving completely. It's important not to break off a piece of the tablet. If this happens, it can get lodged in the toilet's small holes and obstruct the water flow. While it will eventually break down, the toilet may not flush properly for months at a time, potentially leading to stagnation and dripping.

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