How to De-Lime a Toilet

Hard water can leave calcium carbonate deposits, or limescale, inside your toilet. Appearances aside, these deposits can also completely block the flush holes inside your toilet. Located beneath the toilet rim, these holes allow water to flow into the bowl from the tank. Holes blocked by limescale prevent the toilet from flushing correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Water
• Plumber's putty
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Rotate the water shutoff valve fully to the right to cut off water to the toilet. This valve protrudes from the wall beneath the toilet. With the valve closed, flush the toilet to empty the tank.

2. Dampen a paper towel with water and press the paper towel against the flush holes beneath the toilet rim. Before applying the towel to the rim cover both hands with protective rubber gloves. Use plumber's putty along the edge of the towel to hold it in place. Dampen enough paper towels to cover all flush holes.

3. Remove the tank lid. Lift the flapper inside the tank, which is a circular rubber piece at the bottom of the tank. Holding the flapper open, pour hydrogen peroxide directly into the flush valve. Allow the flapper to close and replace the tank lid.

4. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to work for at least 8 hours.

5. Remove the towels and plumber's putty from the toilet rim. As before, wear protective rubber gloves during this process.

6. Open the water shutoff valve to resume the flow of water to the toilet.

Tips & Warnings

• To lessen the inconvenience, allow your toilet to de-lime overnight or while you're away at work.

• If the walls of the toilet bowl also contain limescale cover the stains with vinegar-soaked paper towels. Allow the paper towels to remain in place during de-liming of the flush holes.

References

• "Modular Science for AQA"; Keith Hirst, et al.; 2001
• "The Family Handyman Helpful Hints: Quick and Easy Solutions, Timesaving Tips, Tricks of the Trade"; Don Earnest, ed.; 1995