Even if you are the most meticulous person when it comes to keeping your Mansfield, TX, home clean, there’s one area that can often be a source of embarrassment: the toilet. Whether it’s because of rings around the bowl or stubborn stains that won’t go away, toilets can be a major eyesore. This article will discuss everything you need to know about toilet stains, including what causes them and when you need to involve a plumbing service professional. Let’s get started!
Main Causes of Toilet Stains
Hard Water
If you have hard water, chances are your toilet is stained. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can leave behind deposits when they come into contact with surfaces like toilets. Hard water is not only problematic for your toilet, but it can also damage your plumbing fixtures and appliances. In addition, it can make your skin and hair dry and brittle.
If you suspect that hard water is the culprit behind your toilet stains, you can do a few things to confirm it. First, take a look at your faucets and showerheads. If they’re covered in mineral deposits, your toilet is likely stained. Another way to tell is if your toilet water is cloudy or has a strong odor.
The best way to prevent hard water stains is to hire a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, to install a water softener, which will remove the minerals from your water before they have a chance to cause stains.
Buildup from Cleaning Products
Over time, the buildup from cleaning products can cause toilet stains. This is because the cleaning products’ chemicals react with the water’s minerals to create a hard, white film. The film traps dirt and debris, which can darken the porcelain and cause staining. To prevent this problem, it is important to use a toilet cleaner that does not contain harsh chemicals. In addition, be sure to flush the toilet after each use to remove any remaining cleaner from the bowl. Another thing to keep in mind when using any cleaning products for your plumbing is just which products a plumbing service approves to be safe for your plumbing system.
Lack of Routine Cleaning
How often do you clean your toilet? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably not as often as you should. Even if you use a cleaning product designed to prevent buildup, cleaning your toilet regularly is still important. Urine, feces, and dirt build up over time and will eventually start to discolor your toilet bowl. Therefore, giving your toilet a good cleaning at least once a week is important.
If your toilet is still stained despite routine and proper cleaning, it may be time to call in a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX. They will be able to identify the cause of the stains and recommend the best course of action to get your toilet looking like new again.
Rust
Over time, rust can cause ugly brown stains in your toilet bowl. Rust is most likely to form in areas where there is hard water, which contains high levels of minerals such as iron. When iron comes into contact with oxygen, it forms a compound known as iron oxide or rust. Rust can also form inside your pipes if they are made of iron or metal susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, toilet stains caused by rust may be an indication of more troubles in your plumbing pipes. You’ll need to call a plumbing service professional to inspect your pipes and make the necessary repairs. Otherwise, if you ignore the problem, the rust will continue to spread and cause more damage.
Dye Transfer
Dye transfer can be a common cause of toilet stains. This happens when dye from other materials, such as colored cleaners or dyed toilet paper, is transferred onto your toilet bowl. Over time, these dyes can build up and create unsightly stains. To avoid dye transfer, it’s important to be careful about what you flush down the toilet and to regularly clean any potential stain-causing objects from your bathroom. With a little effort, you can keep your bathroom looking clean and bright – free of unsightly toilet stains.
Porosity
Porosity is another common cause of toilet stains. Porosity is the term used to describe the tiny pores in ceramic materials, including porcelain. These pores can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, which can cause staining. Toilet stains caused by porosity are most likely seen in toilets used frequently or in areas with hard water. If your toilet is stained due to porosity, you can consider replacing it with a plumbing service professional.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew love damp, dark places—like the inside of your toilet bowl! These pesky organisms can cause dark stains that are difficult to remove. In addition to being unsightly, mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Therefore, removing any mold or mildew from your bathroom and the rest of your Mansfield, TX, home as soon as you see it is important.
While most people will try to use home remedies or store-bought cleaners, it’s often best to leave mold and mildew removal to the professionals. Plumbing service professionals have the training and experience to safely and effectively remove mold and mildew from your bathroom. You should also keep your bathroom well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew from returning.
Different Types of Toilet Stains
Now that you know some of the most common causes of toilet stains, let’s take a closer look at the different types of stains that can occur:
Pink Toilet Stains
If you notice pink toilet stains, this is likely due to bacteria growing in the bowl. The good news is that pink stains are often easy to remove with a simple cleaner and some elbow grease. However, if the stains are resistant to cleaning, it’s best to call in a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, to determine if the bacteria has spread beyond just your toilet. Left untreated, pink bacteria can cause serious damage to your plumbing.
Orange Toilet Stains
Orange toilet stains usually indicate a mineral buildup in your pipes. This is most commonly caused by hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up in your pipes and cause clogs. They can also cause staining. If you notice orange stains in your toilet, it’s important to have your pipes cleaned by a plumbing service professional.
Yellow Toilet Stains
Yellow toilet stains are usually the result of iron in your water supply. If you have well water, it’s not uncommon for there to be elevated levels of iron present. While iron is harmless to humans, it can cause unsightly yellow stains in your toilet bowl. If you notice yellow stains and suspect they’re due to iron in your water, you can have your water tested by a plumbing service professional. If the test returns positive for iron, a few different treatment options are available depending on the iron level present.
Brown Toilet Stains
Brown toilet stains are usually the result of flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. For example, flushing cigarettes or cigars can cause brown stains due to the tar and nicotine in tobacco products. Brown stains can also be caused by flushing feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons down the toilet. These products don’t break down easily and can cause clogs in your plumbing over time. If you have clogged your plumbing significantly, you will absolutely need a plumbing service to come correct it. In addition, products containing dyes—such as some brands of flushed-down toilet cleaner—can also cause brown-stained toilet bowls.
Green Toilet Stains
Green toilet stains generally indicate algae growth somewhere in your plumbing system. Algae thrive in moist environments, so it’s often found near leaks or other sources of moisture in bathrooms.
Black Toilet Stains
If you notice black toilet stains, this could result from a few different things. One possibility is someone has been flushing something down the toilet they shouldn’t have. For example, flushing coffee grounds or tea leaves can cause black stains due to the tannins in these products. Black stains can also be caused by mold or mildew. If you notice black stains and suspect they’re due to mold or mildew, it’s best to call a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, to take a look and determine the source of the mold in your bathroom. Left untreated, mold and mildew can cause serious damage to your bathroom and plumbing.
How to Clean the Stains
If you notice any of the above-mentioned stains in your toilet bowl, you may wonder if you should try cleaning them yourself. The following are a few things your plumbing service wants you to keep in mind when tackling those stains:
It’s a Tough Battle
If you’re pretty handy around the house, cleaning toilet stains is completely feasible. You can try a few different methods, and each has its pros and cons. For example, using a toilet brush to scrub away stains can be difficult and time-consuming. What’s more, it’s easy to miss spots, and you may not be able to reach all of the nooks and crannies where stains hide.
Be Careful Not to Damage Your Toilet
If you’re not careful, you could easily damage your toilet while trying to clean stains yourself. Scrubbing too hard or using the wrong cleaning products can leave your toilet looking worse than it did before you started. Normal wear happens over time, and at some point your toilet will reach the end of its useful lifespan, and when this happens your plumbing service can install a brand-new toilet with ease!
Sometimes It Can Take a While
Cleaning toilet stains is time-consuming work – there are no two ways about it. This is especially true if you’re dealing with stubborn stains that won’t seem to budge. If you don’t have the time (or the patience) to deal with toilet stains, hire a cleaning service in Mansfield, TX, and let them take care of it for you. They’ll have your toilet looking good as new in no time! However, if the stains are beyond the point of no return, you may need to replace your toilet entirely. A plumbing service professional will advise you on the best course of action.
You May Damage Your Septic System
If you have a septic system, you must be careful about what you put down your drain. The chemicals in toilet cleaners can break down the bacteria in your septic system that is necessary for proper operation. This can lead to septic system problems such as backups or leaks. If you notice any issues with your septic system, it’s best to call in a plumbing service professional.
It Can Be Expensive
Lastly, DIY toilet stain cleaning can be expensive. You’ll need to buy all the necessary supplies, which can add up quickly. Plus, if you damage your toilet while trying to clean it yourself, you’ll have to pay for repairs (or even a new toilet!).
When it comes to toilets, you can handle the cleaning, but leave replacing or repairing them to the plumbing service professionals. They have the experience and the knowledge to get the job done right – without damaging your plumbing or septic system. Not to mention, they’ll save you a lot of time and hassle in the process!
We Are the Plumbing Experts to Call
If you’re dealing with plumbing issues, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can help! We are a plumbing company that specializes in a wide range of plumbing services. We have the experience and the knowledge to get your plumbing looking good as new – without damaging it in the process. Plus, we’ll save you time and money!
Don’t wait another day to get your plumbing problems resolved. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today to schedule a free plumbing service consultation!