My toilet downstairs has always had good suction. Then the water would rise then slowly drain down. It started to leak out the side of the bottom so I figured it was the gasket. I replaced the gasket and there is no leaking but that did not fix the suction problem. What is causing the change in suction and how do I fix 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 and thank you for rating my reply.. Tom

Thanks Tom you've been a big help today. How do I rate your reply? This is new to me.

How do I rate your reply? If my answer helped click on the "helpful" button. If not click back and we'll explore other possibilities. Good luck, Tom