4 Reasons Why Your Toilet Flushes Slow
A toilet flush works using gravity. It’s good to remember this when you’re looking for reasons why your toilet flushes slowly.
The problem could be something that only the best plumber could fix, or it could be a lot simpler. So before you consider toilet renovation services, read this guide first.
Your drain could be clogged
The first thing you need to do is look for plumbing leaks in your toilet. This is especially important if you live in an older home with original pipes and plumbing.
If you can’t detect any leaks, move on to the next step of a household plumbing inspection guide. It could be that your drain is clogged, although only partially since you can still flush the toilet (albeit slowly).
The solution can be as simple as using a toilet plunger or a drain snake to dislodge whatever it is that’s causing the obstruction. If you’ve tried unclogging and flushing several times to check but to no avail, that’s when it’s time to call in a professional.
Your flush valve needs to be replaced
We previously posted a guide on how to save water at home. In it, we emphasized the use of a water-efficient toilet for less water consumption each time you flush.
But a slow-flushing toilet can wreak havoc on all of your attempts at water conservation. And the culprits could be found inside the water tank.
It might be a matter of a misplaced flush valve or a broken flapper. These parts are simple enough to move back into their rightful place or be replaced completely without needing to consult a plumbing installation and repair guide.
But if you aren’t confident about your DIY plumbing skills, it’s perfectly fine to get a real plumber to fix or install them.
Your drain lines are blocked
An obstruction in your drain or vent lines is one of the signs to call the plumber. This is not something you can attempt to repair on your own or try to fix with amateur remedies.
For starters, this problem can get steadily worse if not addressed by a professional ASAP. The slow flushing may just be a symptom of something bigger, like wastewater getting stuck in pipes because the drain vent is blocked.
So forget about putting clogged drain lines into your list of DIY plumbing projects. Unless you have sufficient plumbing know-how, this one’s best left to the experts.
There’s a mineral buildup in the jet holes
If you live in an area where water pressure isn’t a problem but your toilet still flushes slowly, the answer might simply be a good toilet disinfectant or even a couple of Lysol wipes.
Mineral buildup in your toilet is possible especially if your toilet hasn’t been upgraded to a newer model for decades. Calcium or magnesium from hard water may also be clogging the small jet holes beneath the toilet bowl’s rim and slowing down the flow of water.
So even if it’s not a commonly listed plumbing problem, the solution can be as easy as making sure to thoroughly clean under the rim when you’re disinfecting your toilet.