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nlg427 · Apr 9, 2011, 08:16 AM

My toilet is not flushing correctly. It will fill up with water, you can see the water swirl but it won't flush to the bottom. Now it will flush when I take the lid to the tank off. Any ideas?

ma0641 · Apr 9, 2011, 09:20 AM

Make sure the lift arm for the flapper has enough clearance so it doesn't hit the top. You may have to reseat the flush handle, sounds like it might have slipped or is worn.

nlg427 · Apr 9, 2011, 11:33 AM

Now it is doing it when the lid is off also. You can clearly see the water swirling, it just won't empty out of the toilet.

ma0641 · Apr 9, 2011, 12:18 PM

Turn the water to the toilet off. Flush the toilet. Lift the flapper and see if there is an obstruction under the flapper. I was just called to a job with similar problems and there was a bleach tablet in the tank drain. Removed the tab and flushed perfectly. If that's not the problem, you most leikely have a blockage somewhere in the drain line after the toilet. You can try a plunger but you may have to get the drain snaked.

nlg427 · Apr 9, 2011, 12:32 PM

Also, in the other toilet when it flushes bubbles come up and it seems to clog very easily. Could the two be related?

ma0641 · Apr 9, 2011, 03:31 PM

You keep giving us tidbits. The more info earlier the more help we can be. Yes they are related. The water is forcing air back through the other toilet. Have a plumber look at snaking the line and possibly the vent.

massplumber2008 · Apr 9, 2011, 04:43 PM

YUP! Drain line is partially clogged. You can snake by removiing the toilet or if you have a flat roof you can snake down the vent... ;)

Post back if you have more questions, OK?

Mark

nlg427 · Apr 9, 2011, 08:02 PM

Any idea which toilet to check first?

ma0641 · Apr 9, 2011, 09:24 PM

The one farthest downstream..

nlg427 · Apr 9, 2011, 09:49 PM

How do you figure out which one is downstream? I have replaced the wax seal once so I know how to take the toilet off and put it back on, but once I remove it, what tools will I need?

ma0641 · Apr 10, 2011, 04:51 PM

I don't know what your DWV configuration is but if both toilets are backing up, you need to take off the toilet closest to the street or to the main drain. If the water was backing up only in one, the blockage would be between them. Once you pull the toilet, you will need to get a sewer machine and use a power auger to clear the line as far as you can go, 50-75 ft.

drtom4444 · Apr 10, 2011, 10:41 PM

The chain attached to the flapper valve is too long. The handle probably became loose and needs to be tightened, as well. It tightens in reverse of normal. DrTom4444

massplumber2008 · Apr 11, 2011, 05:36 AM

Drtom...

I disagree with your assessment of the problem... if you read post#3 you will see why.

When the toilet is flushed and water rises to the top and only swirls then the toilet itself is usually clogged or it could also be a sign that the drain line is partially clogged as in this case as nlg427 said the other toilet was also having issues (post #5).

Please read the thread from start to finish before posting especially on the plumbing page as we have some very experienced individuals and also quite a few experienced, licensed plumbers answering questions, OK?

Have a good day!

Mark