Does your toilet have a weak flush? Here are four slow flush plumbing problems you can easily fix yourself.
A weak or incomplete toilet flush can be a result of four problems:
The water level in the tank is low
Your problem may simply be a need for the float to ride higher in the tank, allowing the water level to increase. If your tank shows a low level of water, simply adjust the float accordingly.
The flapper is closing too quickly
In order for the toilet tank to drain, the flapper needs to lift a reasonable distance. If there’s not enough lift, you can remedy the situation by checking the length of the flapper chain. You should see a slack of .6 to 1.2 cm (¼ to ½ inch) in the chain. Adjust, if necessary.
There’s a clog
Clogs can occur in the trap, the sewer pipe or the vent pipe. While clogged sewer pipes require a contractor, an inspection and possibly expensive repairs, the other two possibilities are easier to check. First, fill a bucket or waste can with water and pour one or two gallons quickly into the affected toilet. If you see a swirl but no flush or a weak flush, try a standard toilet plunger first. Try a toilet auger if that doesn’t work.
Clear the vent pipe
Next, try the vent pipe. The vent pipe is a pipe measuring about 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) in diameter and protruding from your roof by about 30 cm (a foot). You’ll find it above the location of the toilet in your home. You can either run a snake down the pipe or force water through it with an expansion nozzle or water pressure bulb to flush out the blockage.
Mineral buildup in the rim feed holes
Finally, it’s not at all unusual for a toilet’s rim feed holes to clog with calcium and/or other minerals. In that case, a good dose or two of toilet bowl cleaner should do the trick. Follow these steps:
- Shut off your water supply
- Drain the tank
- Tie the flapper open
- Pour ¼ litre (a cup) of toilet bowl cleaner down the flush valve opening
- Let sit for an hour
- Pour a mixture of 1/8 litre (1/2 cup) mixed with equal parts water down the flush valve opening
- Close the flapper immediately
- Turn on the water
- Flush two or three times to rinse
- Repeat if necessary
If these steps fail, it’s probably a good idea to call your favourite plumber being Flush Masters Plumbing & Drains for a better diagnosis and a professional solution.