Can you tell me what would cause rusty colored stains down the inside of a toilet bowl? The rust stains are in all the places where the water rinses down. This toilet is over 20 years old, but is otherwise in excellent working condition. The water in the tank and in the bowl is clear water. The toilet in the other bathroom does not have this problem.
- Anonymous
20 Years!! This toilet is crying to be replaced! Chances are a new toilet will also save you money with less wasted water. But, getting to your question; since you are not having this problem in the other toilet, this will rule out a high iron content in the water supply. The most likely culprit is bits of old chain at the bottom of the tank leaching rust into the tank water. Since this is an old toilet, the flush valve assemble may leak into the bowl. Combined with bits of rusty metal in the tank, the water will leave a residue of rust on the porcelain. This would be a good time to remove the toilet tank and replace the flush valve at the bottom of the tank. While the tank is off, look for anything that would cause rust such as metal bits, old chain, etc and thoroughly clean the tank. Reassemble the tank to the toilet using new bolts and rubber washers and a new spud gasket between the tank and bowl. To clean the rust stains from the bowl, you can use a pummice stone and bowl cleaner. If that does not work, soak the deposits with some clear vinegar and then use the pummice stone or green scrub pad.
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Dear Anonymous:
Source:WWW.JLE1.COM
First published in "the Operator", January 2008
