Tastes and odors produced by
Turn off the toilet water supply and flush to drain the tank. I'd then liberally spray anti-bacterial cleaner on all the sides and let it sit. If you have a long wand brush, wouldn't be a bad idea to brush the sides either. Rinse, flush, and repeat until the water filling the tank appears clear.
Biofilms contain bacteria and fungi that have grown and multiplied on a surface. To grow, bacteria and fungi require water and a source of food. If both are present on the surface then the organisms will grow and multiply to produce a grey/black jelly-like (slime) growth or produce a pink/red staining.
If you notice a slimy layer around the average water level inside your toilet tank, this is likely caused by iron bacteria. Additional brownness or other discoloration to the tank itself isn't caused by the bacteria alone but most likely because of excess iron or manganese in the water.
If you have ever kept an aquarium, then chances are you've run into diatoms before. Diatoms are commonly referred to as “brown algae,” one of the most common forms of algae that we see in the fishkeeping hobby that usually forms within the first month of a new tank setup.
Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can actually find its way into your toilet tank. The buildup of these and minerals, depending on the type of water your home has, can actually lead to issues with the inner workings of your toilet as well as cause the toilet to malfunction quicker than it should.
Blue-green algae: This is also called slime or smear algae. It's caused by too much nitrate and phosphate in your tank water and is considered cyanobacteria. It grows rapidly and is difficult to control once it begins.
Mucus in stool isn't necessarily serious. But excess mucus could mean that something new is happening in your digestive tract. Some health conditions, including IBS or a bacterial infection, can ramp up your body's mucus production. So can anal fissures and bowel obstructions.
Clean toilet bowl according to directions on the toilet cleaning chemical of your choice. After cleaning and disinfecting, pour ¼ cup of household bleach into the toilet tank. Let sit for 20 minutes and flush several times.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of *bleach to every gallon of water you store - Bleach kills algae and prevents it from growing.
Sometimes you may notice the presence of black or grey slime, or pink staining in areas that are in constant contact with water – for example bathrooms, showers and kitchen surfaces. The slime and staining are caused by biofilms.
Iron Bacteria produce a sticky slime which is typically rusty in color, but may be yellow, brown, or grey. This slime sticks to well pipes, water treatment equipment, and plumbing fixtures. Standing water such as a toilet tank is a common place to find this “slime”.
You may want to try turning off the toilet water supply and flushing to get the water out of the tank. Then you could use an anti-bacterial cleaner such as Lysol or even a bleach/water mixture to thouroughly clean the tank walls and bottom.
It is widely claimed that adding aluminum foil to a toilet tank helps to achieve a clean and shiny toilet, but critics challenge these claims due to a lack of scientific evidence.
“Vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution for this job because the acids help break down mineral deposits, and I've repaired plenty of tanks where the flapper had cracked prematurely due to buildup,” he says.
Have you ever lifted the top of your toilet tank and been surprised by the presence of slimy strands or another odd-looking gelatinous substance? It's likely that this slime is caused by iron bacteria or related slime forming bacteria such as sulfur bacteria.
Mucus is a thick, slippery fluid that coats and moistens certain parts of the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, and urinary tract. A small amount of mucus in your urine (pee) is normal. Too much mucus may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other medical condition.
Larger amounts of mucus in stool, associated with diarrhea, may be caused by certain intestinal infections. Bloody mucus in stool or mucus along with belly pain may signal a more serious condition, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and even cancer. Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S., M.S.
Common culprits include iron and manganese. When the water enters your toilet tank and sits for some time, these minerals can precipitate and form deposits, resulting in a brown tint. Higher amounts not only make your water taste metallic but also leave a brown sticky slime inside the toilet bowl and tank.
Visible Signs of Iron Bacteria
If you see slimy or clumpy deposits, they are likely caused by Iron Bacteria. Orange/brown/red slime often accumulates in toilet tanks. Sometimes it floats in the water like “orange snot”.
Bacteria: Certain bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can produce a slimy layer in water. This can occur in water sources that have high levels of organic matter or are not properly treated. Biofilm: Biofilm is a slimy buildup of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, on surfaces in contact with water.
Iron Bacteria – These naturally occurring organisms live off the iron and can produce a rusty slime that discolors your water. Sediment and Dirt – Deposits of minerals or sediment in your water heater can mix with the water flow, resulting in a brownish color.
It's essential to clean the inside of a toilet tank to remove mineral deposits that can damage or interfere with the toilet's operation. Baking soda will absorb odors, break down stains, and dislodge fungal growth with its abrasive power.
It's recommended to clean your toilet tank at least twice a year. If you have well water or hard water, which can leave behind more mineral deposits and residue, you should aim to clean the toilet tank every other month or four times a year.