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    prudog's Avatar
    prudog Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 17, 2007, 02:02 PM
    Toilet flushing problem
    My toilet flushes correctly sometimes, however, it doesn't other times. It acts like it is clogged, fills the bowl and slowly seeps out. When I plunge to clear the line, it flushes fine once or twice, but then clogs again and slow drains again. Any ideas? This is something that has just recently started to happen.

    Thanks.
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 17, 2007, 03:09 PM
    You have a partial clog. Something that is catching toilet paper to cause the backup... then the toilet paper "melts away" and the toilet is good for another couple flushes.

    For something like this you can either get someone with very small hands to reach up as far as they can into the hole to see if they can feel something... or pull the toilet up, turn it upside down and look in there to see what it is.
    mtnmiller's Avatar
    mtnmiller Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 17, 2007, 03:10 PM
    Check drain lines, had the same problem with mine. There was a bow in my line & it acted the same way you describe yours. If yours are under ground you may have to dig them up. Good luck
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Jan 17, 2007, 04:23 PM
    Before you tear up anything read this. 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
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