How to Fix a Slow Flushing Toilet

If your toilet is flushing slowly, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many homeowners face. In this guide, we will discuss some tips that will help you fix the problem quickly and easily.

We will also cover some of the causes of slow flushing toilets so that you can troubleshoot the issue properly. So, if your toilet has been giving you trouble lately, be sure to read on for helpful advice.

Causes of a Slow Flushing Toilet

There are several reasons why your toilet may be flushing slowly. There are many different types of toilet flush systems. Here are some of the most common:

Not enough water in the tank. If your toilet tank doesn't have enough water, it won't be able to flush waste properly.
Over time, your toilet pipes can become clogged with sediment and other debris. This can potentially restrict waterflow and result in a slow flushing toilet.
Similarly, leaking pipes can also cause your toilet to flush slowly by decreasing water pressure. If you notice water leaking from the bottom of your toilet, you may wish to call a professional plumber.
Mineral build-up around the jet holes of your toilet can also cause slow flushing. These holes are located under the rim of your toilet bowl and they help to move water into the bowl when you flush.
The flapper valve is the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank that allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If this valve is worn or damaged, it can slow the flow of your toilet when flushing.
Clogged drains are also something to consider. If your toilet drain is clogged, it won't be able to flush waste properly.

Step By Step Guide: How To Fix a Slow Flushing Toilet

Now that we’ve covered some of the common causes of slow flushing toilets, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to fix the problem. Follow these steps and you’ll have your toilet drain working like new in no time.

Step One:
Check Toilet Tank

Take a look at your toilet tank. Is the water level low? If so, you’ll need to add more water. The ideal water level is just below the overflow pipe. This pipe is usually located near the center of the tank and is attached to the fill valve.

If your water level is low, you can simply adjust the float arm to lower the water level. The float arm is connected to a rod that goes down into the fill valve. By adjusting the float arm, you can control how much water enters the tank.

Step Two:
Check the Flapper

The flapper is a rubber seal that covers the hole at the bottom of the tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper lifts up and allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl.

If the flapper is worn out, it might not be sealing properly. This can cause water to leak from the tank and result in a weaker and slower flush. To check the flapper, lift it up and look at the bottom to check for any noticeable damage or flaws. If you need to change it, you’ll need to turn off the toilet water.

Step Three:
Check the Drain

A clogged drain will either slow the rate and force of the flush or completely prevent the toilet from flushing, causing the toilet to overflow. The easiest fix is to use a plunger to try and force the clog to clear. When a plunger will not work, a plumbing snake may be used.

Step Four:
Check the Vent Stack

The vent stack is a pipe that connects the sewer line to open air, exiting through the roof. It allows air to enter the drain so that water can flow freely throughout the waste water pipes in a building. If the vent stack is blocked, it can cause a slow flush.

To check the vent stack, remove the cap and look inside. If you see any blockages, you’ll need to clear them out. You can use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to do this.

Step Five:
Check the Sewer Line

The sewer line is a series of pipes that carry wastewater from your home to the septic system. A blockage can form in these pipes even a large distance away from a toilet and still affect it. Kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, showers, dishwashers, etc are all essentially connected to the same sewer line. Is the slow flushing toilet the only plumbing fixture that is not functioning properly? Observing those fixtures that work and those that do not and then the proximity to one another on the sewer line will help you to locate the blockage if still within the building.

Step Six:
Check the Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank, it’s important to check it regularly. In the case of a slow flushing or potentially clogged toilet, the blockage may be outside of the building. It is important to check and see if the inflowing pipe to your tank is functioning. If able, letting water run within the building should send water to the tank in moments, allowing you to gauge the location of a possible blockage.

Step Seven: Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the steps above and you’re still having problems, the next step is to call a plumber. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.

How to Prevent a Slow Flush

There are a few things you can do to prevent a slow draining toilet in the future. The first thing you can do is make sure that there’s nothing blocking the drain. This includes things like hair, soap scum, and food particles.

You can also use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear out the drain on a regular basis. This will help to prevent any blockages from forming. Lastly, you can have your septic tank pumped every few years to prevent it from becoming full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toilet Paper Bad for the Toilet?

No, toilet paper is not bad for the toilet. However, if it’s used excessively, it can cause a blockage. Some cleaning wipes, paper towels and other hygiene products should never be flushed in a toilet as they can severely damage your septic system.

How to Clean Mineral Deposits

The best way to clean mineral deposits from the toilet bowl is to use a toilet brush with a combination of vinegar and baking soda. This will help to remove any build-up that has formed on the sides of the bowl without introducing harmful chemicals to your septic tanks.

Fixing a slow flushing toilet is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the steps above, you can fix the problem quickly and easily. If all else fails, please contact a professional for help.