Toilet Flushes Slow but not Clogged
Question: Toilet constantly flushes slow and will not fully empty solids. We have never had this problem before and we do not know how to fix a toilet. Even if we flush the toilet multiple times it does the same thing and solids do not empty properly. Can you give us some tips and advice?
The problem is most likely not from your actual toilet. You probably have a partial blockage in the pipe. The easiest way to fix this is to first try a toilet plunger. (Get this type of plunger as it works better with toilets) Use the plunger in the toilet and push down and pull up and push down and pull up making sure the plunger has an air seal. You want to only push the water down into the pipe not any air. So position the plunger properly so you are only moving the water up and down. This will force the blockage (piece of plastic or something that was accidentally flushed into the toilet) to move back and forth and back and forth and will eventually get it loose. If the plunger method works, it will let your toilet flush normally again. If this does not work, try the process one more time. If your toilet still drains slow and won’t fully empty, read on below.
(Note: Some toilets have air pipes that go out the roof, if this air pipe is clogged, this toilet flushing issue will occur, check roof pipe if applicable)
Inspect the toilet for proper operation. Remove the tank lid and look inside. Be sure the toilet flapper assembly is properly connected to the flushing handle. The small metal or plastic chain should not be long enough to let it get stuck or hung up. Move the chain onto a different hole on the handle flush bar if necessary to fix this. If the chain has too much play in it, it can hang up and the flapper will not seal and the toilet will constantly run water. Flush the toilet to be sure the flapper works and positions properly. Make sure the water exits the tank with no problems. If the water drains very slow then the air pipe or the sewer pipe may be clogged. This may involve a professional plumber with a plumbing snake to fix it.
Another issue that can cause this type of problem is the toilet wax ring under the toilet. The wax rings purpose is to make an airtight seal between the sewer pipe and the toilet. (See image above for wax ring location) This airtight seal makes it so the water leaving the toilet makes a vacuum which pulls any solids down and into the pipe. You can usually tell if the wax ring is not sealing if you smell the odor from the sewer line under the toilet. That air will find its way in between the toilet and wax ring if there is a problem with the wax ring. If you suspect the wax ring under the toilet to be the issue, you can replace it yourself. Here is how to replace the wax ring on your toilet.
Toilet Flushes Slow but not Clogged
If after replacing the wax ring the toilet still drains slowly, then the sewer pipe is clogged. It will be your responsibility to pay for cleaning it out if it is between the main sewer line and your house. Somewhere, there should be a clean out opening near the main line. From the clean out opening, your water company or your County takes over from there. If you have tried everything and you are sure your toilet is operational, there is no issue with the toilet wax ring, and the pipes you are responsible for are cleaned and free of any blockage, call your water company. Tell them the issue and see if they can send someone to check. If you are not sure if the issue is on your side or the water companies, it may be best to call a professional plumber even before calling the water company. Tell them the issue in detail and see what they recommend for Toilet Flushes Slow but not Clogged.
If calling a plumber and spending about $150 to have them come out and snake your pipes is too much money for your budget, you can do it yourself if you buy your own plumbing snake or toilet auger. They are easy to use and are a good investment as any other plumbing clogs or blockages you have in the future you can repair yourself.
If you know of other ways to fix a toilet that drains slow and will not completely empty when flushed, please leave a comment below to assist our other readers.
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