A toilet that flushes slowly might be very annoying. Homeowners may be concerned that it indicates a plumbing issue.
The good news is that you can frequently DIY a fix before you need to call a plumber. However, if you’ve attempted to clear a clog and enhance the water flow but been unable, you might want the assistance of a specialist.
The toilet may flush slowly for one of three reasons. To fix a toilet that flushes slowly, you must identify the cause.
The following are the most typical causes of this flushing issue:
The toilet tank’s water level is too low. You have clogged drains leading to the sewage line or clogged toilets. Over time, hard water mineral deposits cause a buildup of minerals. 1. CHECK THE LEVEL OF YOUR WATER Issues with flushing the toilet are frequently caused by issues with the water level. To get the proper flushing force, the tank must contain a enough amount of water.
Low water levels make it difficult to flush the toilet bowl, which can cause obstructions.
Look inside the tank by opening the lid. Is the water supply bringing in enough water?
Fill your tank up till the overflow tube is 1/2 inch below the surface. It shouldn’t open the flapper valve until it is almost at overflow.
You probably need to adjust the fill valve if the flapper is opening. Lengthen the chain if your valve employs a float ball so that it can float to the top of the tank.
Adjust the position of the metal arm attached if it employs a float cup.
2. CHECK FOR CLOGS
The problem may occasionally be brought on by a blockage in the drainpipe. Although the blockage may not be severe enough to completely block the toilet drain, it could develop worse with time.
If the obstruction is not cleared, solid waste may linger at the bottom of the toilet.
But how can you tell whether a clog is present? There is, in fact, a fairly easy trick.
Just fill the bowl with a gallon of water. Does the water level rise swiftly?
That suggests that there is a blockage in the drain somewhere.
When you are aware of a clog, a plunger can generally clear it. But you might need to use a toilet snake if your plunger isn’t working.
These gadgets can penetrate further inside the pipes to clear out difficult clogs that have built up there.
Another approach is to flush the pipes with hot water. Sometimes, doing this will clear light soap scum clogs.
But it frequently performs less well than a plunger.
3. VERIFY ANY MINERAL BUILDUP Even if this problem is less frequent, it still occurs! If you discover that there is no clog or tank problem, you may be dealing with calcium accumulation.
You inquire, “Where is this calcium?” In the jet holes surrounding your toilet seat, it has accumulated.
Minerals are carried into the toilet bowl with the water. They may accumulate around the jet apertures to the point that the water pressure is significantly reduced.
Your toilet’s power is reduced as a result.
Your best option if you find that you have this issue is to use a screwdriver and a mineral-removing solution. With the screwdriver, you may break apart the deposits and scrape them out.
LAST THOUGHTS It’s not always a symptom of something serious when a toilet flushes slowly. In actuality, the problem usually has a straightforward answer.
But it’s a good idea to call a plumber if you’ve tried these three troubleshooting techniques without result. They’ll be able to locate the problem’s origin and resolve it.