Toilets are essential fixtures of every home, and it’s easy to ignore subtle problems like a slow-flushing toilet. However, these problems are often precursors to larger issues that you could avoid by dealing with them early. Consider these nine possible causes of a slow-flushing toilet and what you can do about it.
1. Partially Clogged Toilet
Toilets can experience a partial clog where there’s an obstruction that still allows some water to pass. It may not allow water to flush as quickly as it should and may prevent solids from passing. Partial clogs can result from feces, toilet paper, or other things getting stuck in the pipe.
In addition to slow flushing, a partial clog may cause the toilet to gurgle at the end of its flush. If you suspect a partial clog, you can attempt to plunge the toilet. Depending on how bad the partial clog is, plunging it may not resolve the problem. In these cases, you may want to contact a plumber to snake the toilet drain. Attempting to snake it on your own can damage the porcelain. Depending on the situation, a plumber may need to conduct a camera inspection to identify the cause and determine the right solution.
2. Insufficient Tank Water
Every toilet relies on water pressure to flush the waste from the toilet down the sewage line. Most residential toilets rely on a water reservoir that uses gravity to provide pressure and rotation to move everything along. However, if there’s insufficient water in the tank, it can’t produce enough pressure to move everything through.
The water in the tank is controlled by a float attached to a valve. When the float is down in the tank, it opens the valve and fills the tank. There’s an adjustment on the valve that determines at what level the valve shuts off. If this isn’t adjusted properly, the water will shut off prematurely.
3. Excessive Mineral Buildup
Water quality can wreak havoc on all of your water appliances, including your toilet. Whether you have well or municipal water, minerals can build up in your system and can contribute to slow flushing toilets. If it builds up in your pipes, it can cause partial clogs.
More commonly, however, mineral deposits form in the under-rim water jets. The water jets help create the swirling motion that helps create the pressure to push waste through the drain. There are several ways to clear buildups in these jets. You can use hard water stain remover, pour white vinegar down the overflow tube or manually clean the jets with a wire or toilet brush.
4. Clogged Drain Vent
Aside from the drains and water supply, your plumbing system also has vents to allow the system to draw air as fluid moves through the drains. Without this exchange, the system will form a vacuum, slowing how it moves, especially the toilets. Clogs in the drain vents often come from outside the house from things like leaves, branches, and rodents. Birds may also build a nest in the vent pipe, which can create a partial or complete clog. You may notice other issues with clogged drain vents, such as bathtub, shower or sink traps that seem to dry out or toilets that seem to drain slowly even with a new flush valve flap.
5. Mechanical Defect
While a toilet is mainly a water supply and drain system, it also has some mechanical components that may wear out, all located in the supply tank. There’s a rubber flapper or seal that can become damaged, such as with mineral buildup, allowing water to leak out. Additionally, there can be problems with the flush valve, closing the flap too soon and preventing sufficient water to flush completely. The valve connected to the float device can wear out over time, preventing water from filling the tank.
6. Blocked Sewer Line
A more substantial problem is when there’s a restriction in the primary sewage line, either leading to the municipal sewer or the septic tank. Things you put down the sewage line can cause restrictions, especially grease and oils that build up over time. These combine with hair and other contaminants that get flushed and restrict the line.
Additionally, roots from trees can grow into sewage lines. Once this happens, those roots can catch all sorts of things that come through the drain lines and cause backups. If this is a problem, you will likely see slow draining in sinks, showers and other drains around your home. Contact a plumber to diagnose the problem and determine if they can clear out the roots or you need new drain lines.
7. Lift Chain Issues
The lift chain connects the flush lever to the flush valve flapper. When you activate the lever, the chain pulls the flush valve flapper up so that it can flush the toilet. This chain adjusts to allow the flapper to operate properly. When you install a chain, it may take a few attempts to get the correct adjustment.
One of the issues that can happen with the chain over time is corrosion on the chain or mounting link. If the chain breaks, it can prevent flushing altogether. The mounting link can open, increasing the length of the chain enough to prevent the flap from fully opening.
8. Old Toilet Design
Modern toilets are designed to get the most power in your flush while minimizing the water it requires. This is why you may see toilets advertise that they can flush billiard balls with their power. However, older toilets have a different design that uses more water but produces less flushing power.
If you’re used to your home’s toilet, you may not notice this as much. However, if you visit someone else’s home and then return and notice your toilet seems to flush slowly compared to the one elsewhere, this could be the cause. Fortunately, replacing a toilet isn’t difficult, but it does require professional skill to ensure that you don’t have inadvertent leaks allowing sewage to ruin your floor or subfloor.
9. Faulty or Closed Supply Valve
The supply valve connects your toilet to your home’s water supply. When someone performs work on a toilet, they’ll often close this valve to prevent making a mess. However, the valve may not have been reopened fully after the work was complete. Additionally, minerals can also build up in the valve, restricting the water flow through it. You can easily check to make sure the valve is fully open. If you believe there is another issue with the valve, it’s best to have a licensed plumber evaluate it. Additional evaluation or repair requires shutting your home’s water off at the main supply valve.
People in and around Boca Raton, FL trust the award-winning team at Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration to keep their homes’ plumbing flowing well and the temperature comfortable. Our expert team provides a wide range of residential services including toilet repair and installation, water heater installation and repair, water treatment, leak detection, drain and sewer inspection and cleaning, restoration services plus AC installation, maintenance and repair.
Call Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration now to schedule a service call with one of our licensed plumbers to evaluate your slow-flushing toilet.
