Fluidmaster Flush n Sparkle: the pinnacle of engineering

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

Behold the Fluidmaster Flush n Sparkle automatic toilet cleaning system:

It consists of a housing, a cartridge (with bleach tablets) and inlet and outlet tubing. It "splices" inline between the fill valve and overflow tube so that the bleach solution goes straight to the bowl and does not damage the rubber components in the tank. While the tank and bowl are refilling, water also goes through the housing and bleach cartridge and the bleach solution goes to the bowl. A little bit of water remains in the housing to dissolve the bleach tablets.

The cartridge contains three 1" bleach tablets that supposedly last up to three months. You can buy two replacement cartridges for $11, or you could replace the actual tablets by prying the bottom cap off of the cartridge. Interestingly, the cartridge's packaging lists the contents as mostly chlorine and boric acid, while the online SDS for the bleach cartridge lists a blend of chlorine and bromine. The chlorine scent is noticeable, which is the only downside, but I plan to replace them with bromine tablets in the future.

All this engineering can be yours for a mere $13 at Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fluidma...oilet-Cleaning-System-Bleach-8300P8/203545740

 

[CleanSump]

Ah! It's hooked up so most goes in the bowl and not down the pipe. That's got to be better than the old bar or bottle in the tank things. The hang on the side under the seat things never did anything but smell.

 

[repairman54]

If you have high iron in your water it will not work well. Chlorine causes the iron in water to ''rust'', get brown.
Experience there.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

Ah! It's hooked up so most goes in the bowl and not down the pipe. That's got to be better than the old bar or bottle in the tank things. The hang on the side under the seat things never did anything but smell.

Correct. Placing bleach tablets directly into the tank is no bueno as the chlorine damages the rubber seals and flap. My Toto tank actually has a warning inside stating not to use any chlorine cleaning tablets in the tank.

 

[Mazomopar]

Ran one in my boys bathroom thru out their teen years. Seemed to keep ahead of any problems.

 

[y_p_w]

Correct. Placing bleach tablets directly into the tank is no bueno as the chlorine damages the rubber seals and flap. My Toto tank actually has a warning inside stating not to use any chlorine cleaning tablets in the tank.

There’s still a rubber seal between an overflow tube and a tank. I’ve also heard plumbers recommend adding nothing since it affects the viscosity of the water flowing g through the bowl.

 

[Wylie6G72]

Clearly somebody was thinking about a solution, but I have found over the decades that nothing replaces a toilet brush. Mine's got a reservoir and I keep it full of green Mr. Clean. Ahhhh....fresh.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

There’s still a rubber seal between an overflow tube and a tank. I’ve also heard plumbers recommend adding nothing since it affects the viscosity of the water flowing g through the bowl.

I'm not familiar with all set ups but on my Toto, that rubber seal is only on the exterior of the flush valve assembly and won't come in contact with the bleach solution:

 

[Mazomopar]

Who ever thought we'd see the days of direct injection toilets. Maybe marvel mystery oil start selling tablets to keep it running up to snuff.

 

[MCompact]

We have been using the Fluidmaster system for several years; it's a godsend for homes with a cistern or well water supply.

 

[incognito_2u]

I have this unit installed in all 3 of my Bathrooms. The main floor Bathroom gets the Bleach tabs, and the other 2 get the “Blue water” tabs.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

It's been just over 3 months and the original chlorine tablets have completely dissolved. I haven't had to clean my toilet since I installed the Flush n Sparkle. Sounds gross but I promise you my toilet is clean.

The refill cartridges are not readily available in my area, so I modified the holder to accept three 1.2" 20g bromine tablets (64% bromine, 28% chlorine). The bromine tablets are much cheaper (~40c each) and should work just as well. Hopefully they last longer too (3x20g vs 3x11g).

 

[pezzy84]

I use the Kaboom system which is functionally similar to the Fluidmaster but no proprietary cartridges, just a screw off top and 2 bromine tablets dropped inside. Seems you can skip the expensive Kaboom bromine tablets and just get the 1" ones you would get for a hot tub, have not tried that as I still have a couple packs of refills to go through first.

Works pretty well and our two toilets only need new tablets every 4-5 months.

Kaboom Toilet Bowl Cleaner

 

[ripcord]

Ran one in my boys bathroom thru out their teen years. Seemed to keep ahead of any problems.

Wow! It raises lowers the seat and removes overspray?

 

[Mazomopar]

Wow! It raises lowers the seat and removes overspray?

Should have just put in a urinal when we built the place.