Blue toilet water—the vibrant hue that turns your ordinary porcelain toilet bowl into a whimsical underwater paradise. It’s like having a tiny swimming pool for your bathroom!
But hold on just a moment. This is not the way everyone feels about blue toilet water! Some people would rather have their water clear.
We’ll get into all that so keep reading.
What’s the Importance of Blue Toilet Water?
First and foremost, blue toilet water acts as a visual indicator of cleanliness. Picture a pristine, untouched toilet bowl—gleaming, spotless, and void of any unsightly residue. The transparent water may not immediately convey this cleanliness to the naked eye.
However, when you introduce a blue tint into the equation, it works as a visual enhancer, making it easier to perceive the absence of dirt or stains. It’s like an optical boost for your peace of mind, reassuring you that your porcelain throne is indeed clean and ready for action.
In addition to its cleanliness-boosting capabilities, blue toilet water can help tackle an age-old issue: unpleasant odors. Let’s face it—when nature calls, sometimes the ensuing smells aren’t exactly pleasant.
Here’s where blue toilet water comes in as a scent superhero. Many blue toilet water products come equipped with deodorizing agents that work diligently to mask or neutralize those less-than-desirable aromas.
So, as you flush away your business, the blue water not only visually reassures you, but it also leaves behind a fresher, more pleasant fragrance, ensuring your bathroom experience remains a fragrant delight.
Furthermore, blue toilet water can serve as a water-saving mechanism. Some toilet systems are designed with a dual-flush feature which means a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste.
The blue water in these systems serves as a visual cue to differentiate between the two flushing options. The blue hue reminds you that you can conserve water by opting for the reduced flush when appropriate, which is not only environmentally friendly but can also save you a few pennies on your water bill.
What Causes Blue Toilet Water?
Copper Pipe Corrosion
Yes, you read that right. Copper pipe corrosion can indeed cause blue discoloration in toilet water. While it may sound peculiar, it’s a real occurrence that can happen due to certain factors related to copper plumbing systems.
The blue color in the water is a result of copper ions leaking into your water supply. When copper pipes corrode or deteriorate over time, small amounts of copper can dissolve into the water flowing through them. This is more likely to happen with older or poorly maintained plumbing systems.
The dissolved copper ions can react with other compounds in the water, such as dissolved oxygen or certain chemicals, forming copper hydroxide or copper sulfate. Consequently, these compounds can impart a blue or bluish-green tint to the water, especially when the water sits in the toilet bowl for an extended period.
Misuse of Toilet Tablets
Toilet tablets are easy to use and resourceful for disinfecting your toilet as well as keeping it smelling fresh. However, excessive use of toilet tablets can cause blue water in your toilet bowl.
Toilet tablets are designed to dissolve slowly in water, releasing cleaning agents and/or coloring agents. Some toilet tablets are specifically formulated to provide a blue color to the water, giving the appearance of a clean and fresh toilet bowl.
However, when used excessively or not as directed, toilet tablets can release an excessive amount of coloring agents into the water, resulting in an overly intense or persistent blue color.
This can happen if multiple tablets are used simultaneously or if the tablets are not designed to dissolve gradually over time.
How to Get Rid of Blue Toilet Water
Use Vinegar and Sodium Borate
Using vinegar and sodium borate can be effective in eliminating blue toilet water caused by certain additives or coloring agents. To use this solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and sodium borate (borax) in a bowl or container. You can start with about 1/2 cup of each, but you can adjust the amounts based on the severity of the blue color.
Next, you want to pour the vinegar and sodium borate mixture into the toilet tank. Allow it to sit for a while to break down any residual coloring agents and scrub away, before rinsing.
Filter your Water
The chemical composition of the water flowing through your pipes can influence corrosion. As previously mentioned, corrosion may contribute to turning your toilet water blue. Filtering your water can help you mitigate the issue of having blue toilet water.
Flush and Clean your Toilet
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as flushing your toilet multiple times to help dilute and remove any residual coloring agents in the water. You can also use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and remove any stains or remnants of the blue color. Regular cleaning will help restore the toilet bowl to its original appearance.
Fix your Plumbing
If the blue color persists even after stopping the use of coloring agents and thorough cleaning, it’s advisable to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system. They can identify any potential issues such as copper pipe corrosion or other underlying problems that may be causing the blue water.
Is Blue Toilet Water Safe?
Blue toilet water, when used as intended and in accordance with product instructions, is generally considered safe. The blue color is typically achieved through the use of water-soluble and non-toxic coloring agents that are specifically formulated for toilet use.
These coloring agents are designed to dissolve in water and pose minimal risk to human health when used in the recommended amounts.
However, it’s important to note that not all blue water in toilets is the result of the intentional use of coloring agents. If you encounter persistent or unexplained blue water in your toilet, it could be a sign of other issues such as copper pipe corrosion or water contamination.
In such cases, it’s advisable to investigate the underlying cause and seek appropriate professional assistance.