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

    Oct 30, 2012, 01:49 PM
    One toilet won't flush and drains slow following a major rain storm
    Three out of four toilets in house work fine, but basement toilet will not flush and drains very slow after blow fills up almost to the rim. Toilet appears to be functioning OK. It is as if the line (beyond the toilet is clogged or filled with water) and will not allow additional water in the pipe. Remember other three toilets are working fine. Also, I am on county sewage --- no septic system. Lastly, we are just getting over some major rainfall (not sure if or why this would matter). Any thoughts on problem would be appreciated...
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Oct 30, 2012, 03:08 PM
    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

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