We've been having this problem with our commode for a few years, but it has not been this severe. For the past week or so, it has gotten a lot worse. We live in my grandparents' home which is nearly 50yrs old so we just assumed the age was the problem.

(At times), we used to have to flush the commode twice in order for everything to go down. Well lately, we're having to flush 3, 4, or even 5 times just for a little toilet paper to go down and then sometimes having to resort to plunging. The commode is not having a "complete" flush. It's as if there is not enough suction to suck it all down. Before calling in the plumber, I just wanted to get somebody's input.........


By the way, the septic tank was pumped and cleaned out in 2005.

Thanks!

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

Speedball:

I just wanted to update you. No luck with your suggestion, although we were hoping that you had the solution. We ended up calling the plumber and he said he could feel something lodged in there with the snake. He wanted to charge an arm and a leg to replace the commode. So, we ended up buying a toilet from Lowe's Hardware and my husband replaced it. Everything works perfect now! Strange thing is though... my husband busted open the old toilet and there was nothing there stopping it up! Oh well... problem solved!

Thanks!

Thank you for the upodate. Tom