Seasonal Toilet Maintenance Checklist
Updated February 20, 2026
Toilets don't ask for much maintenance, but what they do need prevents expensive problems. A quick check every few months catches running flappers, slow leaks, loose connections, and wobbling bases before they turn into water damage or a high utility bill. Here's what to check and when.
Overview
Toilets don't ask for much maintenance, but what they do need prevents expensive problems. A quick check every few months catches running flappers, slow leaks, loose connections, and wobbling bases before they turn into water damage or a high utility bill. Here's what to check and when.
What to Know
Pro Tips
- The food coloring test is the fastest way to check for a leaking flapper.
- Wiggle the toilet gently each season -- any movement means bolts are loosening or the wax ring is compressing.
- A hissing sound that stops when you jiggle the handle means the fill valve isn't shutting off properly.
- Keep a maintenance log for each toilet to track part replacements.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a toilet is fine because it flushes -- a slow flapper leak wastes water 24/7.
- Ignoring a toilet in a guest bathroom -- seals dry out from inactivity, flush unused toilets monthly.
- Forgetting to winterize toilets in seasonal properties.
- Waiting until something breaks to inspect.
When to Call a Pro
If you notice water damage on the ceiling below a second-floor bathroom, the wax ring or supply line may be leaking. Shut off the water and call a plumber. If multiple toilets have fill issues simultaneously, the problem may be water pressure or supply-related.
Bottom Line
Ten minutes per toilet, four times a year. Check the flapper, test the fill valve, wiggle the base, inspect the supply line. Simple and cheap.