Mineral Deposits

Karlton:–The following procedure for removing mineral build up involves the use of caustic materials and requires precautions that will avert any damage to property or person. If small children or those who have deminished mental accuity are present in this dwelling, this procedure is not advised. Before retiring for the evening, slowly add a gallon of Muriatic Acid to the clean water that is standing in the toilet bowl. Then cover the bowl opening with a sheet of plastic to keep the fumes from invading the room. Let this mixture stand over night in the bowl, and flush in the AM. The mineral deposits should be gone. Lots of luck..and be careful….Bud.We live in the country and use well water. The water was untreated for years and heavy mineral deposits formed at the waterline in the toilets. Now, we have a water softener system (salt treatment) but the mineral deposits still remain after 4 years. How can I get rid of these deposits without replacing the toilets?

: We live in the country and use well water. The water was untreated for years and heavy mineral deposits formed at the waterline in the toilets. Now, we have a water softener system (salt treatment) but the mineral deposits still remain after 4 years. How can I get rid of these deposits without replacing the toilets?Karlton:One of the weaknesses (there are many) of conventional water softening is that the system will not remove existing mineral scale. This is because the ion exchange process simply substitutes salt for hard water minerals. The end result is that the hardness is removed from the water but the surface tension of the water remains high. High surface tension means that the water loses it ability to be a natural solvent. Muriatic acid is a rather extreem measure and not to environmentally friendly. Had you installed a magnetic water conditioning system instead of the conventional water softener, your scale problem would have dissappeared in 3-4 months! Please review my web site for detailsDennis

Karlton, this is easier than you think. Place a small rag around the inside of the toilet where the mineral build up is. Soak the rag with straight white distilled vinegar. Repeat this process as often as it takes until the scale is removed. Vinegar has a very low pH and will dissolve the minerals safely without risk to you or your health. the secret is keeping the rag on it to keep it damp. Roger