I have an older toilet (1984) that only seldom does a complete flush with strong vortex. I've read through previous posts and can't find the right solution. It seems to flush perfectly if I put my fist against the opening at the bottom of the bowl (a clean bowl mind you!) and leave it there until the water rises to the rim holes. With liquid-only waste, the water seems to get replaced even without a full vortex flush. The real problem is with certain solid-waste flushes (floating material just won't go down!). Suggestions?

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

Addition to Toms advice: you may have a lodged object inside the bowl or at the closet ring. Have seen it many times before...

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Originally Posted by Milo Dolezal

Addition to Toms advice: you may have a lodged object inside the bowl or at the closet ring. Have seen it many times before...

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To add to Milos post. If there's something lodged in the bowl purchase a closet auger.(see image) and auger the bowl. Good luck, Tom

I'll give the auger a try. So far a plunger hasn't helped. It's strange that it works perfectly when there's material at the drain opening, but doesn't flush right when it's just liquid. Anyway, I'll try the auger and let you know. Thanks.

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It's strange that it works perfectly when there's material at the drain opening,

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Not so strange when you think about it.

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It seems to flush perfectly if I put my fist against the opening at the bottom of the bowl (a clean bowl mind you!) and leave it there until the water rises to the rim holes

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What you're doing is building up head pressure in the bowl and gravity does the rest.
Did you check the jet and is it clear? Cheers, Tom

You may also try an acid, such as santeen. Pour it down the overflow tube and let set for fifteen or twenty minutes. Then flush the toilet a few times to wash away any left over acid. Then do as speedball says and clean your jet and rim holes with a metal clotheshanger. Water lever in tank and properly working fill valve are also very important.

Speedball,
Funny that you mention most plumbers don't check this first on a toilet that doesn't seem to be plugged but still won't flush. It was the first thing my boss showed me when I started working for him years ago.
Also a way to check if the toilet has an obstuction is to wad up some tiolet paper about the size of a good turd and see if it flushes.

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You may also try an acid, such as santeen.

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Do not, under any circumstances use this product in your bathroom. It contains sulfuric acid that can kill you. I can not advise against using muratic acid, or any acid, in a enclosed area such as a rest room strongly enough. As a young boy I would take limed up toilet bowls out in the alley behind the shop and boil the lime out of them. Over half a century later my lungs still carry the scar tissue that the acid fumes caused. A few years ago I lost a good friend when he used a commercial drain cleaner containing sulfuric acid in a unvented bathroom. Acid IS NOT A GOOD IDEA to use to clear mineral buildup. Take it from one who's paid the price. Regards, Tom

Good answer Tom ! Thanks you sharing your experiences with us. We all learn as we go...

(Wanted to post positive feedback under your post - but... :-D )

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Originally Posted by speedball1

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.

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Worked like a charm.. thanks!

Thanks for the update, Tom