How to remove toilet stains-Ask the home expert

How to remove toilet stains

Question:

I have ugly water stains in my toilet. Can you suggest a solution for removing them? 

- Michelle Stewart

Answer:

Sure Michelle.

There are several commercial, products that would do the trick. However, there are other, eco-friendly solutions that can be done with simple, inexpensive products rather than harsh chemicals. Follow the steps below.

Steps to clean stains from a toilet-

1. Drain the water from your toilet bowl
2. Pour a 2 liter of cola the affected area and allow it to set for 4-6 hours
3. Use a pumice stone to scrub away the loosened deposits. The pumice stone should not scratch the surface as long as you do not scrub too hard.

If deposits or stains remain, simply repeat these simple steps until they are gone.

Good luck!

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Tips on conserving water-Indianapolis home advice-Gettum Associates

Using Water Wisely

There are many ways to save water and they all start with you. Make these small changes, either regularly or at least occasionally, and you can make a big difference. Also, less water use can mean BIG savings, especially if your on a city water system!

INDOORS:

Levels of indoor water use tend to remain relatively constant throughout the year, and by far the highest percentage of indoor water use occurs in the bathroom, due to toilet flushing and bathing.

• Take a five-minute shower. Saves up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Turning off the water while brushing your teeth, saves up to 200 gallons a week for a family of 4.

• Wash only full laundry loads and dishwasher loads. Saves up to 600 gallons a month.

• Install a low-flow showerhead; they’re inexpensive and easy to install. You and your family could save more than 500 gallons a week.

• Fix a leaky toilet. Find leaks by putting food coloring in the toilet tank; if the color seeps into the toilet bowl, you’ve got a leak. Saves more than 100 gallons a week.

OUTDOORS:

Watering lawns and gardens accounts for a major percentage of outdoor water use.

• When you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a plant that requires little water. Saves up to 550 gallons a year.

• Sweep your driveway or sidewalk, rather than hosing it down and get exercise, too. Saves up to 80 gallons each time.

• Use a hose nozzle when washing your car, and turn off water when it’s not needed. Saves more than 100 gallons each time.

For more info on ways to save water, visit www.wateruseitwisely.com

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Having trouble flushing your toilet? | Indianapolis house advice

Are you having trouble flushing your toilet?

Indianapolis home questions answered by the experts

Question:

Help! I am having trouble with my toilet flushing.  The water is high in the bowl and I have to use a plunger everytime we flush

-Lauren

Answer from the Indianapolis home exerts:

If you have other toilets in the house that are not experiencing the same problem, then the problem is likely with that particular toilet. If the toilet is older than 10 years old, there could be lime build-up in the passageway, restricting the flow of water, or there could be an object (such as a child's toy, bottle cap, toothbrush, etc.) lodged in the trap of the toilet. In order to remove an object from a toilet it usually has to be taken out and turned upside down in order to get access to the obstruction. If the problem came on suddenly, it’s probably an object in the toilet. If the problem came on slowly, it is more likely lime build-up.

You can try and find a product to "clean out" the lime build-up, or you may wish to consult with a plumber.  If you have an aging toilet that is slowly becoming hard to operate a toilet replacement may be a wise choice. If your handy, you can even install the toilet yourself!

Good luck Lauren!

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