View Full Version : Toilet Flushes then doesn't
asbenson0801
Nov 17, 2007, 06:49 AM
My toilet starting flushing slow then not at all then after I plunge it sometimes it flushes and sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't flush after the plunge I plunge it harder and it flushes as long as there is nothing in the bowl. If I put 2 sheets of tp in the bowl and then flush it acts like it is clogged again. So I read several tips on here already and I am going try drano before I go buy a snake. Will Drano work or should I just go for the snake? The other thing is why the screwy flushing habit. Could there be something small blocking th normal flushing routine?
Stratmando
Nov 17, 2007, 07:12 AM
Does sound like an obstruction, I would also try a drywall bucket(5 gal)full of water and pour in as fast as you can without over flowing, up a couple of feet. A snake can't hurt.
speedball1
Nov 17, 2007, 07:14 AM
Could there be something small blocking th normal flushing routine? If you had a blockage the toilet would back up and overflow. I don'tthink a snake would help. Draino won't do you any good so forget it. 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