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novice101 · Mar 30, 2008, 01:14 PM

I was going to put the blue cleaner into my toilet tank to make the water turn blue. Only when I took off the lid did I notice there are black/brown stuff forming on the surface of the water and the tank looks so dirty.. I don't know when this happen but last time I checked it wasn't like that. What is that black/brown stuff? And how should I go about this?

massplumber2008 · Mar 30, 2008, 01:45 PM

Hey Novice:

If you put any chemicals in the toilet tank it may increase the rate of breakdown of plumbing parts in the tank... so it is not good thing to do. In fact, maunfacturers have placed stickers in all new toilet tanks stating that cleaning products used in tank will void warranty on parts.

The dirty water you see is just a build up of sediment/minerals, etc. that occurs in any tank that holds water for a long time. Some people choose to clean the tank... but not necessary as water feeds toilet bowl only... and water is actually pretty darn clean... tank is collecting sediments.

Let me know what you think... Mark

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novice101 · Mar 30, 2008, 06:25 PM

So those brown/black sediment are nothing major? Can you tell me how to clean it than? And how do I go about changing the flabber? Also, if I want to change a new tank, do I have to buy the same brand or can it be just the same measurement? My toilet is Gerber and I can't seem to find that brand anywhere... thanks for your help

letmetellu · Mar 30, 2008, 07:18 PM

If you are going to change he tank you need to measure the exact distance between the two holes that have the bolts in it that holds it to the bowl, then buy one that same distance apart. Also one about the same size.

massplumber2008 · Mar 31, 2008, 04:25 AM

Hey Novice:

If you are dead set on cleaning, I would shut water off at toilet shutoff and take a clean sponge and wipe the inside of tank gently. I would then turn water back on and flush toilet, then refill again, wipe again, flush again, etc. until clean. Any cleaners may just weaken rubber washers/seals... so use water.

Now.. why replace the tank? Is it cracked? Is something leaking? Has flapper failed and water is leaking into toilet bowl?

If tank not cracked but tank parts are getting old you can always replace all the parts by purchasing a fluidmaster complete repair kit (see pic.).

If for some reason you need to replace the tank, you will need to measure hole to hole width at tank bolts of tank like letmetellu has suggested. A local plumbing supply house may be able to help you run down a local distributer of Gerber toilets... or you can find plenty of sites online that sell Gerber... but problem there will be finding someone to confirm hole to hole width matches your number, so I advise against it.

If just leaks past flapper, can always just take the flapper off the flush valve, bring it down to the home supply store and see if one there matches up pretty good (most universal models work pretty good).

Let me know what you decide to do... Mark

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liquidnewb · Jun 29, 2010, 07:20 PM

I dipped my hand in the tank water to fix my flush since it got disconnected, but I dipped the toilet sponge (one we use to clean that are left by the flush) in first to reach it don't know what I was thinking afterwards just dipped my hand in would it make the water dirty then? I'm really paranoid washed my hands three times with soap and detergent still concerned I've got germs on me and I am still looking for any alcohol gel to wash myself with got tempted to use my dad johnny walker blue seems to be the only thing with alcolhol. Sorry about the poor language and randomness bit of a hurry writing this down.

liquidnewb · Jun 29, 2010, 07:20 PM

I dipped my hand in the tank water to fix my flush since it got disconnected, but I dipped the toilet sponge (one we use to clean that are left by the flush) in first to reach it don't know what I was thinking afterwards just dipped my hand in would it make the water dirty then? I'm really paranoid washed my hands three times with soap and detergent still concerned I've got germs on me and I am still looking for any alcohol gel to wash myself with got tempted to use my dad johnny walker blue seems to be the only thing with alcolhol. Sorry about the poor language and randomness bit of a hurry writing this down.

massplumber2008 · Jun 30, 2010, 03:26 AM

Nothing to worry about here, Liquidnewb...

The water in the tank isn't exactly "clean", but it certainly isn't dirty like sewer water. Wash your hands with soap and water and you'll be just fine... promise!

Glad you didn't waste the Johnny Walker Blue... ;)

Mark