Is there a more aggravating situation in your day-to-day life than having a toilet that doesn’t work properly? As long as a toilet works as it should, it’s easy not to think twice. Instead of waiting for the toilet to kick in, take a proactive approach to minimizing toilet problems.

Tips to ensure a flawless wash; here’s a baker’s dozen:

1. Do not use a toilet as a garbage can or garbage disposal. Instead of listing all the items that should not be flushed down the toilet, I will list the safe ones. A toilet is designed for the purpose of disposing of human waste and toilet paper…that’s it…end of story.

2. Not all paper is the same; Toilet paper is specially designed to break down quickly in water, while many other papers, like paper towels, actually advertise how strong they are and how they hold together when cleaning liquids. Keep a trash can in the bathroom for things like facial tissues, sanitary products, paper towels, disposable wipes, etc.

3. Be kind to your bathrooms. Treat your toilet tanks and bowls like the “china bowls” they are; They can and will break if abused. BE CAREFUL with tools around a toilet, don’t aggravate the problem when making a repair in your bathroom. It is unlikely that you will be able to repair a cracked toilet bowl or tank.

4. Do not use a toilet as a ladder or stool. Do not stand or sit on the toilet tank lid. And don’t put too much pressure on a tank by leaning against it.

5. Discard the toilet bowl cleaning brush once the bristles have worn down and any metal is visible. Once the bowl is scratched, it is impossible to keep it clean and you will not be able to repair the scratches. A plastic brush is less likely to scratch porcelain.

6. Do not store small or heavy items on the toilet tank lid or on a top shelf to minimize the risk of something falling out, such as toys, brushes, combs, etc. A toothbrush that gets stuck in the inside passage of a toilet bowl that cannot be dislodged means replacing the toilet. A very heavy item hitting the porcelain bowl could chip or break it.

7. Do not pour hot liquids into the toilet bowl or tank, the bowl or tank may break.

8. Do not mix toilet bowl cleaners. Many of them contain bleach or ammonia; two ingredients that make a dangerous combination when mixed together.

9. Help the environment by not flushing old recipes down the toilet. A handful of pills is unlikely to damage a toilet, but according to Arlington (Texas) Water Utilities, significant advances in technology and processes have been made. Consequently, pharmaceutical compounds in small quantities can be detected in our waterways. Pharmaceutical compounds and personal care products are found at low levels in many of our nation’s lakes, rivers, and streams.

10. Flush the toilet after each use. A crust will begin to form at the bottom of the toilet bowl if urine is allowed to sit in the bowl for long periods of time. The bark is very difficult to remove.

11. Never use a regular drain snake in a toilet that can permanently scratch the bowl. Be sure to only use a snake known as a toilet auger designed especially for toilets.

12. During freezing weather, make sure the bathroom is hot; otherwise, the toilet tank and bowl must be emptied completely. In addition, the supply line below the tank must be disconnected and the stopcock drained.

13. Do not use tank tablets to clean a toilet. Whether they are blue, white or purple, these tablets are not good for the toilet. Some will cause a lazy flush that will force you to flush once, twice or more to completely empty the bowl. This lazy blush is also known as the blue slime phenomenon.

The above tips will help you and your toilet have a long and happy partnership. According to a survey on the life expectancy of materials conducted by the National Association of Home Builders a few years ago, a toilet can last 50 years. That is, of course, given reasonable care. To learn more about preventive care for your toilets, visit Toiletology 101.