Even the tiniest bit of water can rust a sink, tub, or toilet if it gets trapped inside and soaks for long enough. Here are five causes of such stains and 5 ways to prevent them.
Rust In A Sink, Toilet, Or Shower Is Very Unattractive
Have you seen rust in your sink, shower, or toilet? These unattractive orangish-brown streaks are created by mineral residue left on the surface of older, rusted galvanized pipes or, if you have hard water, this can be caused by the residue of minerals left on the surface.
These stains, however, aren’t permanent and may be readily removed. We’ll show you five non-chemical methods to get rid of them, as well as how to help avoid them – or at least keep them at away for a time.
Rust Stains: What Causes Them?
Rust is formed when iron and oxygen combine with moisture to generate iron oxide (which is why a can of shaving cream or a razor blade will frequently leave it behind). Rust stains around sink, shower, and toilet bowl drains, on the other hand, may be created by water having high quantities of iron particles or iron bacteria. Rust may also be caused by iron plumbing lines, rusted water heaters, or untreated metal components in toilet tanks.
Rust particles stick to the porcelain or enamel surfaces of bathroom fixtures in hard-water locations, where a mix of minerals and iron bacteria in the water may cause rust particles to cling to the porcelain or enamel surfaces of bathroom fixtures. GPG (grains per gallon) is the unit of measurement for water hardness, and the impacts of hard water usually begin at 7 grains of hardness. For example, the bulk of California contains hard to very hard water, and Sacramento’s hard water levels are above 9 GPG, much over the threshold where rust may appear.
Unless you filter your water or use a water softening system, the stains will return after cleaning, sometimes within a week. Fortunately, if you know what to do, temporarily eliminating them is not difficult.
Here Are 5 Ways to Remove Rust Stains Without Using Chemical Cleaners
Commercial rust removers normally work well – after all, that’s what they’re designed for. They may quickly oxidize rust without the need for elbow grease; merely apply it to the rusted area and rinse it away. Many individuals, however, are afraid to use commercial rust cleaners since they sometimes include strong chemicals that might harm the skin or respiratory system. Plus, they’re not environmentally friendly; according to Carbon Companion, certain chemical solutions may modify PH levels after they leave the plumbing system and reach nearby waterways, causing tissue damage to animals and death if swallowed before dilution. You can learn more about how hazardous substances affect your pipes, your health, and the environment. Meanwhile, here are five non-chemical methods for removing rust stains from sinks, showers, and toilets.
1. Citric Acid
Scrubbing the stain with fresh lemons, limes, grapefruits, or lemon or lime juice, which contain acids that destroy the stain, is a chemical-free technique to remove rust stains. Doesn’t seem to be working? To offer a soft abrasive for a deeper cleaning, dip the cut edge in salt or baking soda.
Powdered citric acid is also available at most supermarket shops. With a few drops of water, make a paste out of the powder and apply it immediately to the discolored area. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before scrubbing the stain away with a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.
2. Vinegar & Baking Soda
Do you have a rust stain that won’t go away? Mix three parts baking soda with one part vinegar to make a paste. Apply it with a scour sponge to the rusted area and let it rest for an hour. The rust should be gone when you rinse it off. If the stain persists, just repeat the procedure.
After the stain has been removed, you may prevent rust by putting distilled white vinegar on the affected area, cleaning it with a scrub brush, and then thoroughly rinsing it.
3. Tartare Cream
Many baking recipes, from cookies to cakes, call for this powdery, acidic residue of winemaking. It’s also a fantastic rust remover thanks to the acid! Sprinkle it over rusted spots, then make a paste with a few drops of water to use on shower walls or toilet bowls. Allow it to rest for a bit, and consider covering the area with plastic wrap to keep the paste wet while it works.
4. Pumice
Pumice stones are naturally occurring volcanic rocks that may be used to remove rust, particularly off porcelain, without scratching or damaging the surface. To remove the rust, just moisten the rusted surface and the stone, then gently massage it over the surface.
5. Shaw’s Pads
These may be a plumber’s best buddy if you do it yourself. Shaw’s Pads, which can be found at hardware shops or online, are an excellent, low-cost, and ecologically responsible solution to remove stains off porcelain and ceramic surfaces without leaving scratches. Calcium and lime buildup, gray, green, and brown water residue, algae and chemical stains on pool tiles, and toilet ring residue may all be removed with them. Simply dampen the pad and massage the spots carefully.
5 Ways To Keep Rust Out Of Your Sinks, Showers, and Toilets
Rust stains will continue to form over time, as previously stated. However, there are a few things you may do to keep them away for the time being.
1. Get A Water Filtration System Installed
Nitrates, arsenic, organic compounds, and bacteria may all be removed from your water using a water filtering system. This will not only prevent mineral deposits from coloring your pipes, but it will also produce healthier and better-tasting water. The California Water Board has further information about water filtration systems.
2. Keep Metal Out Of Contact With Surfaces
Because of the dampness in bathrooms, shaving creams, air fresheners, hair sprays, cleansers, and razors may rust fast. Your sinks and showers will corrode as a result of this corrosion. Consider keeping these goods in a cabinet, even if it isn’t as handy.
3. Clean The Surfaces
Rust stains may be avoided by thoroughly drying sinks, showers, and tubs after each use before rust particles have a chance to form on the surface.
4. Repair Leaks In The Plumbing
Even the slightest drops from a faucet may soon accumulate rust stains. So, if you have or suspect a leak, get your DIY equipment out or contact your local city plumber.
5. Examine The Insides Of The Toilet Tank
Before cleaning rust stains in the toilet bowl, flush the toilet and immediately switch off the water to prevent the bowl from filling up again. Cleaning will be simpler and your cleaner will not get diluted as a result.
Metal components in the tank of older toilets may have corroded and rusted. Replace them with PVC components that aren’t corrosive.
Are You Fed Up With Battling Stubborn Rust Stains?
Calling a local plumber can be your best solution to pesky rust stains. They can install a water softener, a water filter, or both to soften your water and prevent mineral accumulation, which causes rust.
Rust stains may become so bad that installing a new kitchen sink is the best course of action to take. In that case, you can learn some useful shopping tips in Plumbers Tips: Choosing a New Kitchen Sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the sink to back up?
A: Sinks can back up when they become clogged with food particles, grease, and oil.
Why is water coming up my bathroom sink?
A: This is because your sink has a slow drain, and it needs to be cleaned out by a plumber.
Can you switch the shower and sink?
A: Switching an item on the same plumbing platform is not a good idea. However, this can be done in certain circumstances by a trained professional.
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