Why does it take three flushes to completely flush my toilet? It takes a long time to fill up again too.

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Originally Posted by ecomom

Why does it take three flushes to completly flush my toilet? It takes a long time to fill up again too.

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The two problems, most likely, aren't related. Let5's take your flush problem first. 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.
As for the slow tank fill tell me which ballcock that you have,(see images). Regards, Tom

The second diagram was the one like my tank.

What's the water pressure in your home? Did this slow fill just start or has it been ongoing? Shut the water off under the tank and remove the three screws on top of the ballcock and lift the float ball and stem assembly up and out. Hold your hamd over the open ballcock and have someone turn on the water to flush out the supply and open ballcock. If you have a strong stream coming out then reassemble and if it's a weak stream replace the ballcock. Let me know what you find. Regards, Tom

Make sure the water level is to the highest level available. Also, some flappers limit the flush by dropping too soon and inhibiting the flush.