How You Can Fix a Slow Flushing Toilet

A slow-flushing toilet is a major pain. If the flush is weak or your toilet seems to be draining excessively slow, you know there’s something wrong. A slow flush is something that will aggravate over time. At first, the slow flush may not be immediately noticeable, but the problem will get worse until you have it fixed. Eventually, the toilet becomes so slow to flush that it results in the need for professional intervention.Enter your text here...

The best way to fix a slow flushing toilet is to contact a plumber for help. However, you may also be able to fix a slow flushing toilet yourself. It all depends on the cause and how far along the issue is. Either way, tackling a slow flushing toilet early on will potentially save you a major expense. Don't delay repairing a toilet for too long, as it could end up increasing your sewage and water bills in a significant way.

Here is a guide on how you can fix a slow flushing toilet in your bathroom:

Check your Water Levels in the Tank

Before you check anywhere, look at how much water is in the toilet tank. If the water is low, it’s likely a water supply issue. A lack of water means less force in the flush, which is why a toilet would flush so slowly. The toilet's low water levels likely stems from general wear-and-tear breaking down toilet parts.

A broken fill tube is common, as well as a damaged valve. You may also have a cracked tank. It could also be more serious, such as a low water pressure issue you’re experiencing house-wide.

Replace the Damaged Parts

The fill tube is black, made of rubber, and transfers water from the tank to the bowl. As with anything, it can exhibit signs of wear-and-tear and eventually unclip. If you notice the tube has broken, you can either try to attach it back onto the cylinder or replace it altogether. What you do relies on the status of the fill tube.

At times, it might not be the fill tube that is damaged, but rather the valve. A damaged fill valve will cause a weakened flush in the toilet. To replace it, turn off the water supply. Then, flush the toilet so the water drains out. Unscrew the nut connecting the water hose to the bottom of the fill valve. Pull the valve up and insert a new fill valve in its place. Lastly, use a wrench to secure it in place with a nut under the tank.

Check if There is a Cracked Toilet Bowl

When there are puddles around the base of the toilet, consider that a toilet may be flushing weak from a cracked toilet bowl. Sometimes we dismiss this as condensation, but it isn’t. If your toilet bowl is cracked, don’t use a sealant. Replace the toilet bowl altogether. You may need to contact a plumber for assistance if you are unfamiliar with how to install a toilet bowl.

Check for Sediment Buildup Around the Rim

Around the inner rim of the toilet bowl, mineral and sediment buildup can occur. This will reduce the amount of water pressure on each release. Fortunately, the fix is fairly easy. You remove the buildup. This can be done with a variety of tools, including just a simple brush and focusing on these areas.

Handle a Blocked Drain or Sewer Line Vent

At any given time, 1 in 5 households are dealing with a blocked drain. If it hasn’t happened yet, the blockagemay eventually occur in the future. To most people, they know a clogged toilet when they see one. It’s not always that obvious though. Blockages can be partial in design. There are also system blockages that are far harder to diagnose.

A sewer line can get clogged from tree branches, dead animals, or whatever else that could somehow find its way into your pipe. The sewer line vent is very important as it prevents toxic naturally-occurring gases from the sewer from entering your home. Susceptible to clogs, a plumber’s snake or a plunger may be able to handle some. In extreme cases, a plumber will be needed.

Seek Plumbing Help & Maintenance

If you are nervous about troubleshooting a slow flushing toilet further, don’t hesitate to call a professional. A plumber will be able to diagnose the cause quickly. This way, you know for certain that the blockage been dealt with.

Make it a point every month to give your toilet a quick inspection. If there are loose screws, tightening them can save you money. If you see leaks, repairing them today can save you additional expenses tomorrow. You don’t want to permanently damage your toilet, sewer line, or bathroom flooring if it can be helped. A monthly inspection is extremely helpful in this way.