My toilet flushes sometimes and other times not. Sometimes it takes 5-6 tries for it to flush. I tried using a 5 gal pale of water and that does the trick every time. Is the toilet not getting enough water to flush it down? What could be the problems. Thanks
Jon

Look inside tank and make sure the toilet fill valve tube is inside the overflow tube and dispensing water after the toilet is flushed. That is enough to cause an issue all by itself.

Then may need to check the siphon jet at the base of the interior toilet... is this clogged with deposits/minerals? (glove up and poke your finger up and in... I know... *yuck* (now you know why we charge what we do... ;) ) ).

Also, check the small holes under the toilet rim.. are these working well... each should dispense water as water swirls after flush.. if not may need to use coat hanger to unplug these.

After that... I say you purchase a closet auger and see if toilet is clogged... any kids.. Any perfume or lipstick sitting on toilet tank missing..? You know...

Anyway, look at these things and see if that helps.. if not we have a few more ideas... get back to us... good luck.

Mass plumber gave you some good advice. Let me carry it a bit farther. 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