Limescale on toilet u bend

[scarps]

Can also use some lemon juice, descale the kettle with those.

 

[alphaomega16]

Can also use some lemon juice, descale the kettle with those.

I used to as well, lot easier to dump a bit of citric acid in though after boiling then waiting five minutes

 

[scarps]

I used to as well, lot easier to dump a bit of citric acid in though after boiling then waiting five minutes

Yes though sometimes if we've squeezed lemons for juice you can just chuck the halves in the kettle overnight with a bit of water and it does the same.

 

[hornetstinger]

Got a pack of those blue cistern block things, but it lasts about 3 days before the blue goes away.

You just plonk one pf them in the cistern?

 

[arknor]

You just plonk one pf them in the cistern?

The only time I used those my toilet stopped flushing not long after.

I get the feeling syphons don't like the bits

ChatGPT kinda agrees

Potential Risks to the Siphon:​

1. Chemical Degradation: Some in-cistern blocks contain strong cleaning agents (like bleach or harsh acids). Over time, these can degrade rubber seals, washers, or plastic parts inside the cistern—including those on the siphon mechanism.
2. Blockage or Residue: If the block doesn’t fully dissolve or breaks apart into chunks, it can clog up the flush valve or get stuck near the siphon outlet.
3. Warranty Issues: Some toilet manufacturers explicitly state that using in-cistern blocks voids the warranty because of the potential for damage to internal parts.

I double checked asking about using them in a positive tone and it still said basically the same thing, so not confirmation bias

 

[hornetstinger]

yeah I noticed a bit of slime residue, the bluu bloc outside packaging degrades.

 

[Armageus]

The only time I used those my toilet stopped flushing not long after.

Our reasonably new toilet cistern had a sticker inside specifically studying not to use blue toilet blocks.

 

[alex24]

Harpic limescale remover worked really well with this for me.

 

[Werewolf]

Harpic limescale remover worked really well with this for me.

Yup

A good limescale removing cleaner, iirc they are either more acidic or have something extra in them to help with the limescale.

My dad's toilet tends to look terrible because the water is hard, and he taps his pipe out over it* with the result it's horrible stained limescale from the tar in the baccy, the only way i've found to clean it is copious amounts of limescale removing cleaner, preferably left for as long as possible.

Oh and a good, strong handled loo brush.



*Everything in his downstairs toilet is permanently stained with tar from his pipe smoke, wiping down the cistern etc leaves the cloths smeared with it.

 

[FBi7]

I used to get this when I lived in a hard water area. Made even worse when the kids were younger and they'd get up for a pee during the night and not flush, so the limescale was dyed a urine colour.

This worked a treat for me.

Use the toilet brush to plunge some water down the back of the u-bend so the water level is just below the limescale level.

Pour in a bottle of Sainsbury's dishwasher cleaner. I say Sainsbury's as that was our nearest supermarket at the time - I haven't tried any other brands.

Leave to soak for a few hours, overnight if possible. Then use your toilet brush to clean. The limescale comes off effortlessly in almost a single slimey layer.

 

[JayMax]

Citric acid and the likes did nothing for me on that bit right past the U Bend, where the loo brush won't reach - rubber gloves and an old toothbrush or green spontex pad and it comes off very easily.

 

[spile]

Can also use some lemon juice, descale the kettle with those.

A box of Citric acid powder is much cheaper. Hot water from a kettle will speed up the process.