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No one wants to walk in on yellow toilet water. It’d probably gross you out thinking someone didn’t bother to flush it out properly after doing their business. But there’s more to it than meets the eye.
If keeping a spotless-looking toilet bowl makes your day, then read on.
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What are the Causes of Yellow Toilet Water?
Most of us would assume right away that yellow toilet water is caused by unflushed urine. While that may sound true in some instances (ahem *kids*), there are a couple of bigger reasons why you have one.
Hard Water Residue and Minerals
Most household water supplies worldwide aren’t as pure as we thought them to be. Hard water coming from these water supplies actually contains a wide range of minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and manganese, to name a few.
A low concentration of these said minerals does not pose any harm. However, some of these minerals build up on the walls of your pipes over time. As this buildup becomes too large, parts of it will wash away with the water every time you flush. This is the primary reason why your toilet water is yellow.
And you know what happens next – those mineral build-ups linger on the sides of your toilet, especially if you don’t clean up your toilet regularly.
Also check: 7 Best Dehumidifiers for Bathroom
Standing Water
Standing water is any size of water that doesn’t flow. Yes, you can also refer to it as stagnant water.
In this case, if you happen to leave your house unattended for months, chances are when you get back home and check your toilet, you’d see that your toilet water has gone yellow.
Not only that, but standing yellow water also gives off a foul smell due to the accumulation of bacteria. Dust accumulation also contributes to its discoloration.
Rusty Iron Pipes and Bolts
If your house’s plumbing system is old, you shouldn’t be surprised to find yellow water in your toilet bowl.
Most older homes’ main water supply lines were made of galvanized steel or iron pipes.
Galvanized steel pipes were particularly popular due to their durability and sturdiness. However, as sturdy as they are, steel or iron pipe fittings are prone to rust.
Rust develops over time. And when clean water flows through the water pipes, it also scrapes away the accumulated rust particles (even more with high-pressured water flow).
The water-rust mixture flows into your toilet bowl when you flush, giving it a nasty appearance.
This also applies to rusted steel bolts. Toilet cisterns often have several bolts. Because they are exposed to water, they rust over time.
Steel bolts are strong and durable, but their prolonged exposure to water makes them thinner over time.
You may want to check: 6 Ways How to Get Rid of Black Mold Naturally
Contaminated Water
Another possible reason why your toilet water is yellow is contamination by your local water service. There may be times when the water in your bathroom’s supply line mixes with wastewater in the building’s sewer lines. Contaminated bathroom water can also cause yellow or brown water to form in your toilet bowl.
Wear and Tear on Toilets
And last, but not least, is worn-out toilets. Daily use of your toilet bowl without proper cleaning would definitely leave an unwanted yellow ring in your toilet.
Give your toilet some love by brushing the creases thoroughly and flushing them out.
Can Yellow Toilet Water Make You Sick?
Is toilet yellow water harmful? The simple answer is no. Because yellow water contains rust and minerals, it is largely harmless. While it may not pose any health risk, water stains and discoloration in your toilet can make you feel uncomfortable. This rings true especially if that’s what you see in your bathroom every morning.
How to Get Rid of Toilet Yellow Water?
Even though the yellow water in the toilet is not harmful, it is certainly disgusting to look at. So here are the ways to solve this toilet nightmare.
- remove rusts on toilet tank bolts
- replace the pipe fittings
- scrub the mineral build-up
- flush the toilet regularly
Remove Rust on Toilet Tank Bolts
Check the bolts of your toilet tank using a flashlight to see if they are rusted. If you see enough rust on the bolts, you’ll notice the water appears reddish-yellow.
To clean it, simply brush the bolts using a stiff brush with tough bristles. You should be able to remove the rust with a brush and some elbow grease.
If the rusts are too impossible to remove with just a brush, then you might have to replace those bolts with new ones.
Replace the Pipe Fittings
Unlike rusted toilet tank bolts, getting rid of rusty pipes means you have to replace them with new pipe fittings to fix the toilet yellow water problem.
Should you hire a plumber to do it? It is advisable to hire a professional plumber to install new pipe fittings. It will probably cost you more money than simply cleaning the rusted parts, but it is totally worth it.
Scrub the Mineral Build-Up
Over time, mineral deposits can form on the bowl surface and in the cistern. Cleaning these deposits regularly will eliminate yellow water from the toilet.
Once you determine the areas with mineral build-up, just get a stiff brush and scrape them off.
Finish off your cleaning spree by flushing the toilet thrice to prevent those scraped minerals from building up again in the cistern.
As for the toilet bowl’s interior, use a bristle brush and toilet cleaning detergents to get the job done.
Below are some of our recommended toilet cleaning agents:
- Baking soda + vinegar (we swear by this eco-friendly and handy cleaning combo)
- Coca-cola
- Vinegar and borax
- Borax paste
- Lemon juice + essential oils
- WD-40
- Bleach
For complete instructions, you can check out this How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains.
Flush the Toilet Regularly
You should consider flushing your toilet regularly if the primary cause of yellow water in your toilet is standing water. Ask a trusted neighbor to complete the task if you are away from home for a long time.
FAQs
Yes, you can. Without draining out the water, pour white vinegar into the tank and stop at least an inch just below the top rim. Let the vinegar-water solution sits overnight or for 12 hours to dissolve rust or any mineral deposits.
Flush the toilet a couple of times to drain the vinegar-water solution, then turn off the toilet’s water valve. Get your trusty brush and scrub the rusty areas. Turn the water back on, and flush the toilet again or until the toilet tank and bowl water is clear.
Generously sprinkle some baking soda on the interior of the toilet bowl. Scrub and spread around the powder, and add white vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
No, you should not put bleach in the toilet tank. While it may be okay to use bleach to sanitize your toilet bowl, putting it inside the toilet tank corrodes the internal parts of your toilet.
Conclusion
The next time you see yellow toilet water, know that it’s not just about unflushed pee. It could be bigger than that like rusted pipes or bolts, mineral deposits, or contaminated water.
If you can’t get rid of those yellow stains with easy cleaning hacks, then don’t hesitate to get a professional plumber to investigate further. Although yellow water in the toilet is harmless, you certainly don’t want to start your day looking like such hideous sight.
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