A Guide: How to fix a Rusty Toilet
A rusty toilet could occur as a result of multiple factors, factors which are vital to be aware of to avoid further problems or even permanent damage. Identifying the cause of your toilet rust and fixing the problem will increase the longevity of your toilet and prevent the necessity of a total and expensive replacement. In this guide written by GK Plumbing, we will discuss reasons why you may have a rusty toilet and the various methods you can use to treat it to keep your toilet clean and sparkling.
Why do I have a rusty toilet?
You may notice toilet rust for several reasons, but one of the most common explanations is iron. Iron naturally oxidises, which causes discolouration and creates rust, which causes orange stains around the rim of the bowl. This problem is seen far less in newer homes in locations that use soft water, but they aren’t invulnerable to it. Cases of toilet rust are most commonly found in areas that use hard water or older homes with ageing and deteriorating pipes.
- Hard Water
The difference between hard and soft water is that hard water contains more harsh minerals, including calcium and magnesium, which can be harmful to your bathroom. Although hard water isn’t hazardous to health, those who live in areas that use hard water report more plumbing problems, including limescale and scum. The higher volume of minerals and iron in hard water does increase the rate of oxidisation and cause your toilet to rust.
- Ageing pipes
If your pipes are outdated, or old, and you suspect deterioration, this may be where your toilet rust problem is coming from. As water travels down your pipes, flakes of rust will break off and travel to your toilet along with the water. Your pipes are the perfect environment for rust to thrive, so if you don’t think your toilet is to blame, there is a chance your pipes might be.
How do I remove toilet rust?
Depending on the source of your toilet rust, there are several avenues you can take to remove it. If you have determined that your pipes are causing your rusty toilet, it may be time to have a replacement. Fortunately, here at GK Plumbing, we are experienced in pipework replacement. We can identify the source of the problem and point you in the right direction so we can have your toilet looking brand new again in no time.
Alternatively, if the fault lies with your toilet itself, there are two rules to bear in mind. Do not use bleach, and avoid abrasive scrubbers. Sodium Hypochlorite, a main ingredient in household bleach, acts as an oxidising agent that will make the stain worse and abrasive scrubbers will only scratch the porcelain away. What you should do is use DIY cleaning solutions such as vinegar/ water or baking soda/ vinegar.
- Why vinegar and baking soda?
Vinegar and baking soda are brilliant toilet rust removers as they combine to create an acidic, toilet-safe and non-corrosive substance which rapidly dissolves toilet rust.
Furthermore, full fat Coca Cola is another brilliant DIY hack for removing rust from toilets. All you need to do is pour the drink along the edges of your toilet bowl, leave it overnight, and flush! The carbonation will encourage the rust to lift, the time you leave it to sit will allow it to soak in thoroughly, and the flush of the toilet will wash it away quickly and efficiently!
If you encounter a particularly stubborn stain, gentle household cleaning products should do the trick.
However, if they don’t and you decide you need a new toilet, we can help. Our team of highly-experienced and knowledgeable plumbers has installed countless toilets into existing and new bathrooms across the London counties in our 28 years of business, and aren’t stumped by anything that comes their way. Contact us today if you need plumbers in Aylesbury!
