Slow Toilet? Don't Call the Plumber Until You Try This
Is your toilet taking forever to flush or requiring multiple flushes to clear the bowl? Don't reach for the phone book just yet. Chances are you can get your toilet flushing strong again with some simple DIY troubleshooting.
Before shelling out money for a plumber, arm yourself with the knowledge you need to diagnose and potentially resolve the most common culprits behind a slow flushing toilet.
Check the Water Level in the Tank
An ideal flush requires the tank to fill completely so ample water flows into the bowl. Check that the water level aligns with the marked "full" line. If not, the float controlling refill needs adjustment. Turn the float's screw clockwise to increase water volume.
Alter the Float Set Point
The float should be set so the fill valve shuts off when water reaches about 1/2 inch below the tank rim. If set too low, functioning parts can still cause a weak flush.
Slowly bend the float rod up to increase the shut off point. Be gentle to avoid cracking the float or detaching the rod.
Inspect Refill Time
While a full tank is around 2 gallons, an aging fill valve may have reduced flow. Time how long it takes to refill after flushing. Consistently longer than 30 seconds indicates worn out parts.
If so, replace the valve. Fluidmaster is a popular universal fit kit available at hardware stores.
Use a Plunger to Clear Clogs
Like arteries narrowing with plaque, drain blockages inhibit waste removal. Using a plunger creates pressure to dislodge obstructions.
Create a Tight Seal
For optimum suction, ensure the plunger bells fully covers the hole beneath. Slowly push straight down until hitting bottom, then quickly pull up. Repeat while rotating around the bowl.
Position your body weight above the plunger to bear down with added strength when plunging.
Try Dish Soap
Squirt a few drops of dish soap into the bowl and let sit 5 minutes, which helps loosen grease clogs. Follow with 20 vigorous plunges to send chunks through the pipes.
Clear Mineral Deposits with Household Cleaners
Hard water can leave behind calcium and magnesium deposits that restrict flow. Pour a kettle of hot water to help dissolve then follow with chemical cleaners.
Break Down Deposits
Mix 1 cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and funnel down overflow tube for heavy duty mineral removal overnight before flushing.
Straight vinegar also works but may require several applications. Never combine with bleach cleaners.
Prevent Buildup
Consider installing a water softener to counteract minerals. Or wrap the float ball with plastic wrap to prevent scale adhesion.
Replace plastic every few months when cleaning the tank.
Replace a Faulty Flapper
The rubber flapper seals water in the tank between flushes. Over time, it can misalign, warp, or develop leaks robbing flow.
Detect Leaks
If you hear running water hours after flushing, a flapper leak likely exists. Also check for slight ripples in bowl water.
Confirm by adding dye tablets to the tank and waiting to see if color appears in the bowl.
Install New Flapper
Turn off the water supply line first. Lift old unit out and detach the chain. Take matching measurements to hardware store for replacement help. Reattach chain at same level.
Adjust as needed to create a tight seal preventing transfer leaks.
With some basic troubleshooting, you can likely get your toilet flushing strong again without waiting days for a plumber. Adjust the tank water level, clear clogs, remove blockages, and replace worn parts.
Stay ahead of problems through regular toilet cleaning and component inspection every 6 months. A few preventative steps will help avoid emergency repairs down the road.