[jwilshire]

I have read with much interest the flushing problems.I have been doing some plumbing for many years now.But I had not heard of the HCL for mineral build up.I am eager to try it as I thought I was going to have to replace two commodes.On another note.Zep makes a product that is a urnial cleaner but it will clean fiberglass wonderfully well.It contains phospforic acid(sp) so keep off metal.:)janet

[ballengerb1]

HCL is hydrochloric acid, also called muriatic acid, avoid using acid inside the home if at all possible. The fumes can be very dangerous. Tell us more about your problem and we might be able to help.

[jwilshire]

Thank you.New user and may have messed up inmy message.I work in a chem lab and I understand HCL hazzards.Just didn't know of use in home.My toliets do not empty well( 2 flushes usually)I have very hard water.So I am betting that is what the problem is.Sorry if I was inapporaite.
Janet

[ballengerb1]

You are doing fine but we stay away from using HCL because a toilet needs 2 flushes. A few questions and we will get this figured out. How long has it been like this and is it getting progressively wosre. Remove the tank lid and tell me how close does the water level come to reaching the top of the over flow tube.

[speedball1]

I can not advise against using muratic acid, or any acid, in a enclosed area such as a rest room strongly enough. As a young boy I would take limed up toilet bowls out in the alley behind the shop and boil the lime out of them. Over half a century later my lungs still carry the scar tissue that the acid fumes caused. A few years ago I lost a good friend when he used a commercial drain cleaner containing sulfuric acid in a unvented bathroom. Acid IS NOT A GOOD IDEA to use to clear mineral buildup. Take it from one who's paid the price.
As for those ;lazy toilets of yours I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply.. Tom