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    RedRoman's Avatar
    RedRoman Posts: 2, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 11, 2012, 06:38 PM
    Problems with a toilet flushing
    The bowl fills but will not empty. My Dad actually removed the toilet and there was no blockage in the commode itself or in the pipe in the floor. We are on public sewer and the second toilet works fine. What could be the problem?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 11, 2012, 06:49 PM
    Hi RR

    How exactly did your Dad confirm there was no blockage in the toilet once it was removed? Did he run a closet auger tool (see image) through the toilet? Did he use a mirror and a flashlight to look up inside the toilet trapway? What happens when you guys dump a 5 gallon bucket of water into the toilet...on and off the drain pipe? Let me know, OK?

    Otherwise, I'm left questioning the drain or maybe even the VENT through the roof, but the vent gets a little far-fetched as it is rare for a blocked vent to totally stop up a drain line like you describe, so that kind of leads me back to the toilet or the drain line... ;)

    How did you guys determine that the, "pipe in the floor" was clear?

    Back to you?

    Mark
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    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 11, 2012, 08:17 PM
    What exactly happens when you flush this toilet? The tank holds at least 1.6 gallons or double that if older. Does the bowl overfill or what. What did dad do to insure the pipe is clear, did he dump a bucket of water down the pipe or what?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Apr 12, 2012, 07:03 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by RedRoman View Post
    The bowl fills but will not empty. My Dad actually removed the toilet and there was no blockage in the commode itself or in the pipe in the floor. We are on public sewer and the second toilet works fine. What could be the problem?

    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
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