Black ring, stain, dirty siphons – they are common to every household. And they will pop up every now and then even if you clean the toilet with a professional plumber.
But you can save a lot of money and time if you know how to clean toilet siphons in some simple easy to follow steps. In this article, we are going to look at all the factors that affect the toilet siphon and how you can keep it clean.
Step By Step Guide To Clean Toilet Siphon
There are several ways in which a siphon can get and maintain dirt. If you do not work on it, it may end up blocking or even rusting. It can be costly in the long run. So, without wasting time, get to work, and follow these steps!
- Gather Necessary Materials
Cleaning is not an ordinary job, especially if it is too stained. Some of the things you will use for this purpose include:
- The toilet brush.
- Baking soda.
- Vinegar.
- Bucket.
- Sponge.
- An Allen wrench.
- The funnel.
- Drain The Water In The Toilet
Water in the system can inhibit the effective cleaning of the siphon. It is necessary to drain it to allow the vinegar to deal directly with the mineral deposits. To prevent water from getting into the drain, you will have to switch it off from the main valve.
It is usually behind the toilet. Turn the valve in the clockwise direction. But if your model has a push and a pull valve, you will have to pull it out.
Flush the toilet and do not leave the handle to replace. Hold on to it to drain as much water as possible from the bowl.
Take off the toilet tank lid and place it in a safe place that it cannot fall or even break.
Using a sponge, soak up all the water from the tank. Squeeze the water into a bucket and mop the tank until it gets dry. Proceed to the bowl and repeat the soaking process. Remember to wear gloves when removing water from the bowl.
- Cover The Rim Jets.
Here, you will use duct tape for that purpose. It will prevent the vinegar from flowing into the toilet bowl. It will instead remain inside the ream and erode the calcium.
- Pour The Vinegar.
Remember also to clean the siphon jet and rim holes. If they are dirty, then it implies that the toilet tank has lots of minerals as well. If you don’t do so, the system will clog again soon!
Pour vinegar into the bowl, making sure that it covers all the stains. You will also do the same for the rim and the siphon jet. To the overflow tube, insert a funnel and also pour vinegar into it.
Use as much vinegar as possible to reach all the spaces in the system that needs cleaning.
When you have enough of it, then it will flow down to the bowl and settle there. That means the siphon jet will be full of vinegar. It will erode the minerals in the toilet trap and the siphon jet.
If your toilet has too many stains that are difficult to clean, then you can leave it to soak overnight.
- Clean The Rim Jets.
When the vinegar has settled for a sufficient amount of time, then you will drain it out. Using an Allen wrench, insert it into the rim holes. Rotate it to make sure that they are fully open. If you do not have an Allen wrench, then you can use an L-shaped wire instead.
- Flush The Toilet.
The action will force the vinegar in the tank to flow out through the unclogged rim jets. It will be carrying dirt and other harmful minerals. The one on the bowl will go down the drain, and the one in the tank will come in as a replacement.
Spray a bottle of disinfectant into the tank, paying close attention to where the stains are tough.
- The Baking Soda.
Take a cup of baking soda and add it slowly but gradually into the toilet bowl. You will see some fizzing reaction coming from the mixture because of the reaction between the two elements. Such a chemical reaction necessitates that you add the baking soda slowly to avoid overreaction.
Take a clean toilet brush and swirl it in the bowl, especially around the rim.
- Clean The Toilet Tank.
Using a hand brush with firm bristles, scrub off the stains in the toilet tank. Concentrate on the walls and the bottom of the tank. If there are spaces where the brush cannot reach, then you can use a toothbrush. Scrub it until it sparkles clean!
- The Rim Holes, The Bowl, And The Siphon Jet
After the tank, clean the above parts using a soft brush, especially on the delicate part. Ensure that you remove all the mineral deposits and the minerals in these toilet components. You can add some more vinegar and baking soda if the stains are still present!
Wear the hand gloves and insert your finger into the siphon jet to see if it is free from calcium deposits. Scrub it off if any is still in the system.
- Flush The Water.
At this point, you will need to flush out the water to remove dirt from the tank and other parts. After that, inspect the system for any stains and other mineral deposits. If it still exists, then you may need to redo the work!
- Open The Main Valve.
Go back to the main valve behind the tank and open it to let water into the toilet tank. Fill the tank and flush it again. Observe the water to see if it contains dirt particles and other traces. If it is clear, then the tank is clean.
You will also need to observe the water at the bottom of the toilet bowl. It should be clean and free from any minerals.
When the components are clean, water should also flow out very fast from the jets. Also, look at the time that it takes to fill the tank. If it takes a short time, then the siphon jets are clean. On the other hand, when flushing, the water should have a lot of power.
Personal Observation on Dirty Siphons
To understand how it attracts dirt and to clean it, it is best to define it first. A toilet siphon consists of jets that are beneath the ream of the toilet bowl.
Their work is to move clean water from the tank to the bowl whenever you flush after use which works differently than a bidet. Visit Bidet Guru to learn how a siphon works in bidets. However, if the water in the toilet tank is dirty, it will still take the same to the toilet bowl when it is empty.
In such cases, you will find the siphon and the tank turning color from white to brownish. For metallic ones, they even rust!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the black things below the toilet rim?
These are small holes that let water into the toilet bowl. Over time, however, mineral deposits accumulate on these ports. If you leave these deposits for some time, it will spread to the entire region around the trim. In the long run, the stains might become a permanent mark on your toilet.
I would advise you to clean your toilet components regularly, especially if you are using hard water!
How do I clean these black deposits?
The procedure for cleaning is similar to the one above. As a rule, make sure that you turn off the water from the source before you embark on the exercise. You will need to use vinegar, baking soda, and a brush to accomplish the task.
Can I use coke to clean the toilet tank?
If you do not have baking soda and vinegar, you can still use coke to clean the toilet. Such fizzy drinks can dissolve and remove the stains from your toilet tank. The procedure is to fill the tank with the coke drink and let it settle for some time. After that, use a toilet brush to scrub off the stains. Flush the toilet.
There is a limitation, however, of using coke drink because it only removes grime and stains. You cannot use it to remove tough stains. Vinegar and baking soda will come in here to rescue the situation!
Is it okay to pour coke down the drain?
Yes, it goes a long way in clearing the clogged drain. It is not a harmful product to your tank and the toilet system.
Can I leave the vinegar to stay overnight in the toilet tank?
There is no need to do so if the tank is pretty clean. However, if it has tough stains, you can leave it to soak overnight. Vinegar cannot damage the walls of the tank unless it is a metallic one.
Apart from cleaning and removing tough stains, vinegar can also prevent a bad smell in your toilet.
Can I use hot water to clean the siphons?
If you flush how to water down the toilet, it will dissolve and clear fats and soap scum. I can advise you to use it regularly.
Conclusion
Cleaning the jet siphons and the entire toilet system is not a difficult task if you know the right way of how to clean toilet siphons. If you have the right material, you can complete the job in less than half an hour.
However, if it has stains, it can take you up to twelve hours to clean. Make it a habit to clean your toilet regularly to avoid tough stains from building up.