When flushing the toilet downstairs, the water only leisurely spins and never fully flushes.?
Question:If I dump a bucket of water down the toilet it seems to flush just fine. I checked the flush valve and it opens fully when flushing. This happens even when I make sure the water tank level is up to the top of the overflow drain. It seems to me if it was a problem with the toilet drain tubing, dumping a bucket into the tank would also flush leisurely but it seems to flush just fine. There just doesn't seem to be enough pressure from the water in the tank to give a good flush, what should I check/do? Thanks.
Answers:
With a mirror, check the holes under the rim. They can get clogged with mineral deposits and slow the flow of water down. You can clear these with a bent metal coat hanger. You can also shut off the water valve, flush the toilet and then pour a couple cups of vinegar down the hole under the flapper. Let it sit as long as possible and then turn the water back on and flush.
Toilets these days are made with a much smaller tank. This is a common problem, one that I have encountered. Try holding the flusher handle down until the tank is fully flushed.
If the toilet has been in service for a few years, it could be that the holes under the rim are partially clogged with deposits and not letting the water through fast enough.
if there are no clogs, you may have a poorly designed toilet. When laws first came out requiring reduced flush volumes some models weren't that great.
If this is the case you could replace the whole toilet. It is a simple DIY job and can cost <$150. if you do this, just be careful not to overtighten bolts from floor to toilet and watch out for damaged connection under toilet. If you do have clogs and hard water, your problem won't be fixed for long with a new toilet.
This sounds like a calcium build up. Purchase some Muriatic Acid, it is used to also clean pools so it might be in gardening area. MAKE SURE ROOM IS WELL VENTILATED AND DO NOT BREATH FUMES!!! Pour into full tank, about a cup at a time, and flush. Repeat. Pour in bowl, flush, and repeat.
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