Toilet not flushing properly

jandtdeater · Sep 4, 2006, 11:45 AM

Got a plunger? Use it. Something, whether you just made a deposit in the tiolet or a child threw something in it then flushed it, unknowing to you, is plugging the drain and needs help going down. If you plunge for a period of time and it is still not draining as it should then there is a denser obstruction in there and you will need to contact a plummer. Until that time don't use that toilet.

salenam · Sep 4, 2006, 11:51 AM

Thanks. I actually don't, but I'm heading out to buy one now. Here's to hoping Home Depot is open.

speedball1 · Sep 4, 2006, 12:53 PM

I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH!) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps . Tom

salenam · Sep 4, 2006, 02:39 PM

Okay- either I bought a crummy plunger or I'm doing it wrong. Now the bowl is emptying more slowly and all the water's not leaving like it was.
I don't see any little hole in the bottom for a jet either. Any ideas?

speedball1 · Sep 4, 2006, 03:01 PM

I wish I had advised you before you went out and bought a plunger. Plungers just move the water around. You should have purchased a closet auger, (see image). If there's no jet then you have a washdown toilet.
Most hardware stores sell them. If you need instructions to use the auger just click back. Regards, Tom

salenam · Sep 4, 2006, 10:09 PM

Well, my fianc? Came home and the plunger worked fine for him. It's all fixed now- thanks for your help everyone.

msjayp · Apr 28, 2012, 01:06 AM

the plunging does get the water down, but i have to do it every time??? and i used the auger already nothing is coming up on it?

mps15 · Jul 4, 2012, 11:23 AM

THANK YOU! I had tried everything to get this issue figured out and was ready to call in the big guns(a plumber). Stuck my finger in that hole--gross --and it was so clogged with mineral deposits....cleaned it out and used the hanger around the rimholes per your instruction and now I have that 'healthy wooshing sound' that I love back!!

ArtDudley · Jul 23, 2012, 11:05 AM

Your solution tip saved me a bundle!!! I was ready to call a plumber ($$$) when a quick google search led me to this thread. I used a large toothpick to clear the holes around the rim and my pinkie in the hole in the bottom of the bowl. Presto, several successful flushes...thank you so much! The problem was intermittent, but was driving us nuts.

You da' best!!

Toilet not flushing properly

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