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mez · Jun 13, 2007, 10:21 PM

Hello, hoping someone may be able to point me in the right direction!
Old aussie toilet, from the '60s. 2 nights ago when flushed, it flushed fine, then the water rose very high up in the bowl, and took ages to get back to normal level. Tried plunging it last night; same deal. The pipe goes straight into back of wall. The previous owners did internal renovations, and hardi-planked the dwelling - I can't find the pipe outside! Not much room underneath house to go looking; almost ground level here. Am on stumps. Does this sound like a blockage in the pipe, beyond the pan? Do I need a plumber seeing as I can't find the pipe outside? Should I get a plumbers snake and try... something? The shower is in another room, but seems to be fine. I'm not very technical (or confident with things like this!). Any suggestions please? I'm willing to try what I can up to a point!

speedball1 · Jun 14, 2007, 04:31 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 but if it don't click on back and we'll explore other possibilities Tom

mez · Jun 14, 2007, 03:36 PM

Thank you for your reply; I certainly will try that! We tracked the block back to the kitchen sink; must be right near the junction for the toilet pipes? With a special plunger for the loo, and some draino in the sinks, we managed to clear it, all sinks run well now and loo flushes fine... but seeing how its an old house, I certainly will try your suggestion to keep everything A-Ok! Thanks again :)