View Full Version : Toilets not flushing properly - swirling action in bowl double time
sherm616
Nov 13, 2010, 11:13 AM
We are on a well and septic system. Have not noted any water pressure issues, but our toilets in both bathrooms seem to be taking longer to flush. Toilet tanks fill fine (to normal level) and have been checked for leaks (not leaking or constantlyrunning as dye test recently performed and no dye appears in the toilet bowl until toilet is actually flushed), but the swirling action when the toilet is flushed seems to be about double the time than is normal. I suspected water pressure issuessince it is occurring in both toilets but not sure that would affect the flushing as the tanks are already fully filled with water when this happens.
speedball1
Nov 14, 2010, 06:50 AM
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 and thank you for rating my reply.. Tom