2 Effective Solutions for Toilet Stains

Posted on November 6, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to house chores, there is nothing worse than toilet duty. Cleaning the toilet is an even more frustrating experience when you have stubborn mineral stains that seem to never go away. However, you can rest assure knowing that these stains are not a result of a poor cleaning regiment, which means you are not doing anything wrong. Instead, mineral stains are caused by hard mineral ions in your water.

Fortunately, you can solve this problem with two simple solutions. Continue reading to learn them both!

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Hard Water Woes

Hard water contains mineral ions like iron, lime, calcium, and magnesium, which all work congruently to form stains inside toilet bowls. While stains like green stripes and brown rings are generally an indication of limescale, crusty orange-like stains are likely caused by rust, which forms when iron and oxygen meet. Even if you have a water softener, these hard minerals can still slip through the system and cause toilet stains.

Important Warnings!

Here is what you need to know about treating these stains: you will need to use a lot of elbow grease, and you must avoid recommendations for using muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is a high-level cleaning agent that is extremely dangerous and easily misused. It should only be handled by trained professionals, so do not attempt to use this product at home. Also, it is vital that you NEVER mix bleach and ammonia. In fact, do not use bleach in your toilet at all because it can damage the septic system.

Eliminating Mineral Stains

The first step for removing mineral stains in the toilet is to manually clean it using simple over-the-counter cleaning agents. Start at your local home improvement or grocery store and purchase an acid-based product, such as Lime-A-Way® or CLR® (Calcium-Lime-Rust). You will also need a pumice stone or nylon-bristled cleaning brush.

If you prefer a homemade, non-chemical solution, try combining distilled white vinegar and baking soda (1 to 2 cups of vinegar and a few sprinkles of baking soda), and adding it to the toilet bowl prior to scrubbing. But before you start cleaning the toilet, on the day before, add cola, such as Coke®, to the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. The acid in the soda will eat away at the stains, making it easier to scrub the next day.

The second step to eliminating pesky toilet stains is to install a whole-house water filtration system. This system will further purify your tap water, eliminating traces of hard mineral ions that are missed by the water softener. Overtime, mineral stains will reduce, and eventually, disappear. To get started, contact a trusted Indianapolis plumber for soft water and water purification assistance you can trust.

✨ Dealing with other toilet issues? See our recent blog, “3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!” to learn what you can do about them!

Indianapolis Toilet Repair and Replacement

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis toilet repair and replacement at the most competitive prices around. We have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!

Posted on October 11, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Our toilets are a modern commodity that we often take for granted. After all, most us of grew up in a time when indoor plumbing and contemporary bathrooms were the standard in residential construction. Although toilets have come a long way in terms of innovation and technology, they still have their problems from time to time.

Of all the toilet problems that we experience, there seems to be 3 in particular that are recurrent among homeowners and renters: 1) clogged toilets, 2) running toilets, and 3) stained toilet bowls. Continue reading to learn how to easily solve these 3 common toilet troubles, including what you can do to ensure quality plumbing performance and longevity.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

❶ Clogged Toilets

Nothing’s worse than a backed up toilet. No one wants to be appointed to plunger duty, but sometimes, that is exactly what it takes to combat a toilet clog. If your plunger has a rubber flange (lip), be sure it is fully flipped open for optimal sealing. Don some rubber gloves (and if needed, a full-faced gas mask) and begin by inserting the plunger into the toilet bowl at an angle. Plunge slowly at first, picking up the pace a bit after a few thrusts. The water should begin to drain after 15 to 20 plunges; if it does not drain, you will need to switch to a different tool: a toilet snake.

You have heard of drain snakes, which essentially pull out solid debris from clogged drains. Toilet snakes are basically the same thing, but for toilets. You may need one if the water does not drain after plunging it multiple times. Use the toilet snake in the same way you would a drain snake: insert it deep into the bowl, and then slowly pull it back. Do this a few times until something dislodges enough to drain the toilet water and eventually flush it again. If none of these methods work, you need an Indianapolis toilet plumber.

❷ Running Toilets

Not only are running toilets obnoxious, they give you anxiety since the sound seems like the toilet is nearing a breakdown of some kind. Fortunately, it is quite simple to solve a running toilet problem. First, try wiggling the handle back and forth a few times. This may unhinge any kinks in the flapper within the tank, and stop the running.

If this doesn’t work, open the back of the toilet tank and manually lift and release the cord that connects the flapper and flush valve. This should make the toilet flush, and then stop running. If none of these methods work, you may have a toilet leak, or you may need to replace the flapper or flush valve. In this case, you would need to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional service.

❸ Stained Toilet Bowls

Have you ever tried to scrub a toilet bowl clean, with no prevail? If so, you are just like thousands of others searching for the most effective and aggressive toilet bowl cleaner on the market. But the truth is, you can make your own toilet bowl cleaner that is just as effective, and perhaps more, than the products you can buy on the shelf. Below is a recipe to try. You will need a glass mixing bowl (plastic or metal will negatively react with essential oils), toilet brush, a wooden spoon, baking soda, some disinfecting essential oil of your choice, and 20% white vinegar.

In your glass bowl, combine 2 cups baking soda and 1 teaspoon of disinfecting essential oil (tea tree, lavender, orange, etc.), and use your wooden spoon to mix them together until lumps are gone. Then just add a spoonful of your powder to the bottom of the bowl, and sprinkle more around the inside of the bowl. Next, pour the vinegar over all of the powder, allow it to fizz up, and then scrub it with your toilet brush. Last, let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, and then flush your toilet clean!

Indianapolis Plumbing Service You Can Trust!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. We have been in business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

How to Get Rid of Mineral Stains in Toilet Bowls

Posted on January 3, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

No one enjoys cleaning the bathroom. But it is a chore that must be done. So it only makes sense to do it right of you are going to do it at all. One of the most irksome bathroom chores homemakers complain about involves cleaning stained toilet bowls. Of course you don’t want to put in the extra time and energy to scrub a toilet bowl clean if there is no guarantee it will help. Instead, it is easier to learn how to rid your toilet bowl of pesky, lingering mineral stains, so that you never waste another valuable minute of your time
attempting to do so in the future!

Continue reading to learn the secret to getting rid of toilet bowl mineral stains, and who to call for trusted toilet repair and replacement.

Toilet Bowl Stains

After sometime, a toilet bowl may start to show signs of staining, such as limescale, greenish stripes, brown rings, and even rust formation. So where do these stains come from? Are you doing something wrong in your cleaning regime? The answer is, “no.” It is something in your home’s water that is causing the stains to appear and then linger. Local water supplies contain hard mineral ions, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals, upon temperature changes and overtime, accumulate in and on plumbing fixtures in solid form called sediment.

Hard Water Removal

Hard water has several negative effects on home life, plumbing, finances, and hygiene. Water softening is the most effective method for eliminate hard mineral ions in your home’s water supply. Start by purchasing an at-home hard water test kit to measure the level of hardness in your home’s water supply. If it is high, contact a licensed plumber that specializes in soft water services. They can provide professional hard water removal services at an affordable price. By installing a quality water softener, and possibly a reverse osmosis system, you can easily eliminate your hard water problems for good, and enjoy life with soft water! In the meantime, learn how to clean toilet bowl mineral stains.

How to Clean Toilet Stains

Green and brown stains are usually limescale. Rust stains are caused by air exposure to the iron in the limescale. To get rid of both, gather up these supplies:

➙ Lime-Away® or CRL®
➙ Nylon-Bristled Scrubbing Brush
➙ Rubber Gloves
➙ Face Mask
➙ Bucket

Organic Cleanser:

➙ Baking Soda, White Distilled Vinegar, and Coca-Cola®

NOTE: DO NOT use bleach, and NEVER mix bleach with ammonia!

Standard Cleaning Method:

⑴ Start by donning your protective cleaning gear. Products like Lime-Away® or CRL® are acid-based, and contain strong chemicals that can agitate your senses and skin. Once you are geared-up, move onto step 2.

⑵ Turn off the main water shut off valve that is located behind the toilet. Just turn it clockwise until it stops. You don’t want to accidentally flush while scrubbing!

⑶ Use your bucket to collect and remove as much water from the toilet as possible.

⑶ Apply your cleaner of choice to the inside walls of the toilet bowl. Then using your natural-given elbow grease, scrub away! Use enough pressure to break down sediment buildup and wipe the porcelain clean.

⑸ You may need to repeat Step 4 more than once to finish the job.

⑹ Last, turn your water shut off valve back on and flush the bowl clean. You may need to flush more than once, but be sure to give your toilet a few minutes in between each one.

Organic Cleaning Method:

➊ Turn off the main water shut off valve for the toilet.

➋ Pour 2 cups of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by a teaspoon of baking soda.

➌ Next, brush the water around the basin with your toilet wand. If the stains do not seem to be releasing, try adding a few tablespoons of lemon juice. The acidity should help dissolve the sediment.

➍ Allow the soapy water to sit for 15 minutes. Then turn the water back on.

➎ Flush the toilet a few times to rinse it clean. You may need to repeat Steps 2 through 4 again.

➏ Once this is done, pour a can of Coca-Cola® into the bowl. The acid will also help further release the stains.

➐ Allow the cola to sit overnight. Then repeat Step 5 to finish.

Toilet Repair and Installation

If your toilet has seen better days, it may be time for a model upgrade. Or perhaps it just needs a little maintenance. Either way, contact a licensed plumber for help with toilet repair, service, and installation you can trust. They have the skills, knowledge, and resources to service or replace your toilet, as well as all other plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home, safely and efficiently.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis toilet repair and service you can trust. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to provide affordable and convenient solutions to your toilet plumbing problems. We offer a wide range of bathroom plumbing services, including repairs, replacements, maintenance, installation, and even sales. Choose a TOTO® Toilet as an upgrade and we’ll provide it for you! Call 317-787-1870 to request a free estimate for toilet repair service in Indianapolis, Indiana today.