I have a LOW FLUSH commode and it won't flush or it won't flush at times. What is wrong?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Utah Price

I have a LOW FLUSH commode and it won't flush or it won't flush at times. What is wrong?

---

Let me know what brand of 1.6 gal. toilet that you have. Did you just install it? Does the water start to fill to the top and swirl around while it slowly goes down? Let me know. Tom

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Utah Price

I have a LOW FLUSH commode and it won't flush or it won't flush at times. What is wrong?

---

The toilet brand is American Standard. It was installed in 2000. The water fills to the and swirls around while it slowly goes down, as you described. But, it does not flush solid waste.
Utah

Utah, sounds like you have a clog starting. First double check to insure the tank fills to within an inch of the top of the over flow tube, adjust as necessary. If the tank fills and then drains when you flush you toilet should swirl and flush but if not then I suspect a clog. Start with the easy approach and try plunging several times. If there is no improvement then it is time to try a toilet auger, buy or borrow if you don't own one. Back to you.

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