ᐅ Inlet pipe for water flush to the toilet is completely clogged with limescale buildup!
Created on: 10 Mar 2024 16:36
L
Luise Müller
Hello everyone,
I am looking for an affordable and neat solution to repair a new concealed (in-wall) toilet cistern.
… and first, a bit about the building conditions.
We moved into our detached house almost 25 years ago. Water hardness is 24 dH. During 2023, the water flow when flushing the toilet gradually decreased. In late autumn, I spoke to the plumber, who said the problem was with the toilet, as it was heavily scaled under the toilet rim and needed to be replaced. However, the toilet had already been replaced once before. I insisted that he should first check the concealed cistern.
Since now almost no water is flowing for flushing, the plumber finally checked the setup last Friday. He removed the toilet (which is only slightly scaled).
Cause: the water supply pipe to the cistern behind the wall is completely scaled, with fresh water only passing through a tiny opening to flush the toilet.
Removing the limescale from the pipe was not possible – it is rock solid.
We want to apply descaling agent through the cistern into the pipe tomorrow and let it work for several days.
What should we do if the limescale does not dissolve?
Are there any solutions available?
The supply pipe and the concealed cistern are entirely installed inside a stud wall, similar to what is shown in the attached file.
Does any expert know a clean, inexpensive solution?
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Luise Müller
I am looking for an affordable and neat solution to repair a new concealed (in-wall) toilet cistern.
… and first, a bit about the building conditions.
We moved into our detached house almost 25 years ago. Water hardness is 24 dH. During 2023, the water flow when flushing the toilet gradually decreased. In late autumn, I spoke to the plumber, who said the problem was with the toilet, as it was heavily scaled under the toilet rim and needed to be replaced. However, the toilet had already been replaced once before. I insisted that he should first check the concealed cistern.
Since now almost no water is flowing for flushing, the plumber finally checked the setup last Friday. He removed the toilet (which is only slightly scaled).
Cause: the water supply pipe to the cistern behind the wall is completely scaled, with fresh water only passing through a tiny opening to flush the toilet.
Removing the limescale from the pipe was not possible – it is rock solid.
We want to apply descaling agent through the cistern into the pipe tomorrow and let it work for several days.
What should we do if the limescale does not dissolve?
Are there any solutions available?
The supply pipe and the concealed cistern are entirely installed inside a stud wall, similar to what is shown in the attached file.
Does any expert know a clean, inexpensive solution?
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Luise Müller
J
Jesse Custer11 Mar 2024 17:21Thanks for the two pictures.
Based on my approach:
- Grab a wet/dry vacuum and start by vacuuming the inside first – you obviously have a lot of debris inside, which can also prevent your drain stopper (the pipe that comes from above into the drain to block the flow at the end of flushing) from sealing the drain completely. It looks like only a thin trickle has been flowing for a very long time.
- Then completely close the lower outlet and fill it up to the pipe’s upper edge with descaler.
- Repeatedly vacuum out the descaler (or let it drain and then reseal it fresh) and refill it with new descaler – with the amount of limescale present, it will quickly become neutralized again and again.
I’m personally cautious with the motorized drain snake – after all, it’s just a plastic pipe...
It’s a lengthy process – but still better than breaking up the floor...
Based on my approach:
- Grab a wet/dry vacuum and start by vacuuming the inside first – you obviously have a lot of debris inside, which can also prevent your drain stopper (the pipe that comes from above into the drain to block the flow at the end of flushing) from sealing the drain completely. It looks like only a thin trickle has been flowing for a very long time.
- Then completely close the lower outlet and fill it up to the pipe’s upper edge with descaler.
- Repeatedly vacuum out the descaler (or let it drain and then reseal it fresh) and refill it with new descaler – with the amount of limescale present, it will quickly become neutralized again and again.
I’m personally cautious with the motorized drain snake – after all, it’s just a plastic pipe...
It’s a lengthy process – but still better than breaking up the floor...
L
Luise Müller11 Mar 2024 18:58@Jesse Custer
Thanks for the information.
This morning the water was drained, the pipe was sealed, and descaler was added to the pipe. Now we are waiting to see what happens.
Thanks for the information.
This morning the water was drained, the pipe was sealed, and descaler was added to the pipe. Now we are waiting to see what happens.