Dealing with stubborn toilet limescale: The overlooked flush leak and the vinegar solution

Toilet bowls are frequently subject to limescale due to their continuous exposure to water and bacteria. Usually, a descaler can efficiently get rid of the limescale. Also, regular cleaning helps to prevent such circumstances. But what happens when the scale is near the flush outlet, posing difficulties during removal?

The water filtering into the sewer system often contains substantial hardness, which includes high proportions of salts derived from calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. These salts are liable to accumulate and form scale, especially if the bowl isn't cleaned habitually. As time goes on, this scale becomes increasingly stubborn.

Regularly filling the toilet bowl with WC cleaning liquid every other day, preferably overnight, is a good practice to maintain. Doing so ensures that all pollutants and deposits are routinely eradicated, thus inhibiting future scale formation.

Occasionally, a faint yellowish residue may manifest on the back wall of the toilet bowl. These are typically longitudinal stains that extend downwards. If they persist in your toilet despite regular cleaning, it's an indication that there could be a potential leak in the flush. What could cause this?

Most likely, the scale has settled in the flush, obstructing the full closure of the valve. Alternatively, the issue might be with the gasket. If it is coated with limescale, it may not be as tight as it should be.

Fortunately, eliminating the limescale from the flush is quite a simple process. Open the flush and shut off the water intake valve. Next, combine an entire bottle of vinegar with two cups of warm water. Pour this concoction into the valve and let it sit for 20 minutes. Following that, close the flush, open the valve, and flush the toilet. The limescale and any streaks should be eradicated completely.