Learn how to effectively remove rust stains from your toilet without damaging it.

Dawn S • February 28, 2023

There’s more to toilet maintenance in Hamilton than you may think.

Your toilet can leak, clog or experience other issues that need Hamilton plumber you can trust but what about the rust stains that need to be prevented from toilets in your home? Those unsightly rust stains need to be dealt with and that’s a task you can take care of yourself.

Rust stains in your toilet are unsightly and embarrassing if you have guests. The toilet bowl can be spotless everywhere but rust stains can appear around the bowl. Rust stains can be easily cleaned and removed with following tips you should know:

Don’t use a scrubber that is abrasive to avoid future rust stains and grime getting trapped in scratches that an abrasive
Do not use bleach as a cleaner because it’s been known to make a rust stain even worse.
Purchase a toilet scrubber and use it regularly when cleaning.

Here are the best, most natural method to clean rust stains from toilet:

In a spray bottle, combine a solution of 1-part vinegar and 1-part water. Spray on the stains, let sit or a few minutes, use your toilet brush to remove the rust stains.

OR

For really tough stains you can clean rust stains from the toilet by first turning off the water supply to the toilet then flush it clear out most of the water, then make a paste 3-parts of baking soda and 1-part vinegar, apply and let the paste sit for an hour or so before scrubbing it off.

OR

If the rust stains are very old, empty the toilet bowl, pour in undiluted vinegar and let it set as long as you can, preferably overnight. Rinse and scrub with clean water.

There are many commercial cleaners that are available that will also remove rust stains from your toilet but they can be expensive and a waste of money if they don’t do the job of removing the rust stains from the toilet.

You should think about preventing rust stains from your toilet. The most important task you can do to prevent rust stains is to regularly clean your toilet. You can use a commercial toilet cleaner or a mixture of vinegar, dish soap and water and scrub with a non-abrasive toilet brush. If you do this weekly, especially with an older toilet, rust won’t form and your basic cleaning toilet maintenance will be so much easier to handle.

If you are finding you are dealing with other toilet issues in Hamilton, A Rescue Rooter will help you 24/7. They are the Hamilton and area’s experienced plumbing service. If you are finding the rust stains in your Hamilton toilet are recurring far too much for your liking, you may have to resort to an upgrade to your toilet’s plumbing system. A call to A Rescue Rooter will help you with all your plumbing needs and toilet maintenance, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Their technicians are fully licensed, insured and most importantly…a phone call away! A Rescue Rooter is a local Hamilton plumber and with you in mind, their rates are very affordable and they don’t charge extra for emergencies.

Contact A Rescue Rooter by calling them at 905-521-8284. They are your local residential, commercial and industrial plumbers with over four decades of experience in Hamilton and Southern Ontario!

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What to Do When Your Dishwasher Won't Drain

October 29, 2025

Finding a pool of murky, stagnant water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle is a frustrating discovery. Not only is it unsanitary, but it also means your dishes are far from clean. The good news is that a dishwasher that won't drain is a common household problem, and you can often fix it yourself with a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through the most frequent causes of a clogged dishwasher and how to resolve them safely. We'll also help you identify when the issue requires a professional touch. Safety First: Turn Off the Power Before you begin any inspection or repair work, your top priority is safety. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. To avoid any risk of electric shock, you must disconnect the dishwasher from its power source. You can do this by either unplugging the unit from the wall outlet, which is often located under the sink, or by switching off the dedicated circuit breaker for the dishwasher in your home's electrical panel. Once the power is off, you can safely proceed with your investigation. Common Causes for a Dishwasher Not Draining Most drainage issues stem from a simple blockage. By checking a few key areas, you can usually locate and clear the obstruction without needing special tools. 1. Check for a Clogged Filter Your dishwasher's filter is designed to catch food particles, debris, and other small objects to prevent them from clogging the drain system. Over time, this filter can become blocked, stopping water from draining properly. Locate the Filter: The filter is typically a cylindrical component found on the floor of the dishwasher, usually beneath the lower spray arm. You may need to remove the bottom rack to access it. Remove and Clean: Most filters can be removed by twisting them counter-clockwise. Once removed, take it to the sink and wash it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any stubborn food residue. Inspect the Sump: With the filter removed, check the area underneath it (the sump) for any larger pieces of debris that might be causing a blockage. Reinstall: Once clean, securely place the filter back into its housing. Running the dishwasher without the filter can lead to more serious damage to the pump and drain lines. After cleaning the filter, run a short rinse cycle to see if the problem is resolved. 2. Inspect the Drain Hose The drain hose is a flexible, ribbed tube that carries wastewater from your dishwasher to the garbage disposal or the main drain pipe under your sink. Kinks or clogs in this hose are another frequent reason for drainage failure. Look for Kinks: Visually inspect the entire length of the hose that runs from the dishwasher to the sink's plumbing. Ensure it isn't bent, twisted, or pinched behind the appliance or under the sink. Straightening out a kink is often all it takes to fix the issue. Check for Clogs: If there are no visible kinks, the hose itself may be clogged. Place a bucket or pan under the connection point at the sink, and disconnect the hose. Allow any trapped water to drain into the bucket. Clear the Hose: Carefully inspect both ends of the hose for blockages. You can try to dislodge any clogs by gently blowing through the hose or by using a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction. Once clear, reattach it securely. 3. Clear the Garbage Disposal Many dishwashers drain directly into the garbage disposal. If the disposal is clogged with food waste, it will prevent water from the dishwasher from draining away. Run the Disposal: Before starting a dishwasher cycle, always run your garbage disposal with cold water for about 30 seconds to ensure it's clear. Check the Knockout Plug: If your dishwasher is newly installed, the installer may have forgotten to remove the knockout plug inside the disposal's dishwasher connection nipple. To check this, you'll need to disconnect the drain hose from the disposal and feel inside the nipple for a plastic plug. If it's there, carefully knock it out with a screwdriver and hammer, then retrieve the plastic piece from the disposal. 4. Examine the Air Gap Some plumbing codes require an air gap, which is a small cylinder-shaped fixture located on your countertop near the sink. Its purpose is to prevent contaminated drain water from siphoning back into your dishwasher. Like other components, it can get clogged. Remove the Cover: Pull off the metal or plastic cover of the air gap. Clean Inside: Underneath, you'll see a smaller plastic cap. Remove it and clean out any food particles or grime that have built up inside. A small brush or pipe cleaner can be very effective. Test the Drain: Once clean, reassemble the air gap and run a rinse cycle on your dishwasher. When to Call a Professional Plumber While these DIY steps can solve many drainage problems, some issues are more complex and require professional expertise. You should consider calling a plumber if: You've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and the dishwasher still won't drain. You suspect the problem lies with the dishwasher's drain pump or motor, which are more difficult and risky to repair. The issue appears to be related to your home's main plumbing lines rather than just the dishwasher. You are not comfortable performing any of the inspection or cleaning steps yourself. Attempting complex repairs without the proper knowledge can lead to further damage to your appliance or even cause water damage to your kitchen. Get Expert Help from A Rescue Rooter Don't let a clogged dishwasher disrupt your routine. If you're facing a stubborn drainage issue or prefer to leave the work to an expert, the team at A Rescue Rooter is here to help. Our professional plumbers have the tools and experience to quickly diagnose and resolve any plumbing problem, from a simple clog to a complex repair. We ensure the job is done right, so you can get back to enjoying the convenience of a fully functional dishwasher.

How to Conserve Water at Home

September 23, 2025

An unexpectedly high water bill can be a shock. While water rates can fluctuate, a sudden spike often points to a different problem: excess water usage. The good news is that you have significant control over how much water your household consumes. By adopting a few mindful habits and making smart upgrades, you can lower your environmental impact and save money. This guide will walk you through practical ways to conserve water at home, from simple behavioral changes to identifying hidden leaks. We will explore how to make your kitchen and bathroom more efficient, how to handle outdoor water use, and what to do when you suspect a bigger problem.