View Full Version : The toilet will not flush
pamsgene
Jul 3, 2008, 11:18 AM
My daughter has two toilets in her home that are not flushing. The septic tank has been pumped. A plumber ran a snake in both toilets and he says they are not stopped up. He says the water flow to the toilets is fine. What does she try now? Thanks
tickle
Jul 3, 2008, 12:29 PM
The last time my toilet wouldn't flush it was because I needed a new clapper inside the tank. I think Tick means a flapper. Tom
speedball1
Jul 3, 2008, 03:17 PM
My daughter has two toilets in her home that are not flushing. The septic tank has been pumped. A plumber ran a snake in both toilets and he says they are not stopped up. He says the water flow to the toilets is fine. What does she try now? Thanks
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
Milo Dolezal
Jul 3, 2008, 06:11 PM
Agree with Tom. These small holes under the inside part of the rim get calcified and eventually enclose. Have seen this many times. Take a small mirror and inspect them. Proceed with repair as Tom suggested...
treecop
Jul 4, 2008, 07:50 AM
You Can Also Take A Wire Coat Hanger, Bend The Hook Out A little So It Still Has A Curve In It. Take It And Very Carefully Insert The Opened Hook Into The Small Holes Around The Inside Top Part Of Bowl. You May Have To Wiggle The Hanger Around Some In Order To Clear Out The Buildup That Will Completely Close Off The Water. I Know This Sounds Nasty, But , It's Your Toilet.everyone Should Keep Their Toilet Clean As Possible Anyway, Right?when You Get The Holes Cleaned Out, Flush The Toilet And You Will Be Surprised The Ugh That Will Wash Down The Bowl. You May Have To Do This Several Times According To The Amount Of Build Up There. I Bet You Will See A Large Difference In The Flushing. Try It It Works!! good Luck.