Possible Reasons Your Toilet Has A Weak Flush
If your toilet seems to have a slow or weak flush, you may wonder if there's a clog in the sewer line. While that's a possibility, the problem might have another cause. Here are some things that affect how well your toilet flushes and when you might need plumbing help from a professional.
The Toilet Has Hard Water Scale Buildup
When you flush the toilet, water from the tank rushes to the bowl through small holes under the rim. If you have hard water, those holes can get clogged with scale buildup. When the holes are clogged, water flow slows down and your toilet may be slow to flush.
You can clean out scale buildup using vinegar or other scale removers. You might even do it by using the end of a wire hanger to knock the scale out of the holes. If your toilet is old and has other problems too, you might consider having a new toilet put in, but you may want to get a water softener first or the new toilet could develop the same problem.
The Tank Isn't Filling With Enough Water
Some toilets are made to empty out using a small volume of water. If you still have an old toilet, it may not flush very well if there isn't enough water draining from the tank. Check your tank when it's full to see how much water is in it.
If the level isn't near the top of the overflow tube, the parts in the tank might need to be adjusted so more water fills the tank. Sometimes, this is as simple as adjusting the float ball. Other times, you might need a plumber to replace the parts so they function properly.
The Tank Flap Closes Too Soon
Another problem that keeps the tank from draining as much water as is needed for a strong flush is when the flap in the tank closes before all the water drains out. The flap is lifted when you flush, and it should stay up long enough for water to empty the tank. If it doesn't, you might try adjusting the length of the chain or put a chain float on the chain to keep the flap open longer.
The Toilet Or Drain Has A Partial Clog
If you can't figure out why your toilet is so slow, and it hasn't always been that way, call a plumber to check your drain. You might try a few rounds of vigorous plunging first, but you might need a plumber to send a drain snake down the sewer line to get the clog moving along.
If your toilet suddenly developed a weak flush, call a plumber without too much delay or the clog might grow and clog the drain completely. Having a toilet out of service is inconvenient, so it's better to find out what's wrong with your toilet and have it repaired before it stops flushing completely.
If you have any questions, call a plumbing business, such as Travers Plumbing & Heating Inc.
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