How to Fix Slow Flush Toilet

[Cypress]

My toilet is slow flushing some times. Sometimes it works perfectly, other times it won't flush everything down the drain. What is going on?

I have replaced the toilet handle along with the mechanism that opens the tank to allow water to flow from the tank into the toilet. It's almost a best fit but from time to time, seeps water causing the tank to refill. I don't think that is the problem here.

Tips on line say it may be a clogged drain and to try a plunger, or enzyme overnight to clear the clog. As I have a septic tank, I thought I'd try the enzyme tonight. But, how do you get the waste in the toilet out?

Sorry, toilet problems are a pain.

[SteveinMN]

I'm guessing there are no other slow-draining lines in your house? If the toilet line is clogged enough to not let waste be flushed down, then a plunger (a decent one; this is a case in which you get what you pay for) should generate enough force to move fairly simple clogs through the line. If that fails, you might want to get/rent a toilet auger (or "snake") which can travel down the line much further than plunged water and can break up thicker clogs. Having a septic tank should not be a problem with either approach.

We do use enzymes on our (city water) drains when they start slowing down; sometimes it takes a few days of applications before all is well again.

[ETA] Another question: is the TP you use "septic-safe"? The recycled stuff we use dissolves pretty readily in water, so it's no issue. But some of the brands out there (the ones that more closely resemble washcloths on a roll) are notorious for not breaking up soon enough and either wadding up or getting stuck on obstructions in the pipe and creating their own obstructions. Does the clogging seem to correspond to a new roll of TP?

[Cypress]

Yes, it is the only drain in the house that is slow. The advice column I read had the plunger method first. The weird thing is it is typically only in the morning. And, no other time of day. Sometimes the water just rises and than suddenly it will flush in a normal way. The TP is store brand. Since most towns in my area have septic tanks, I assume it's okay to use. I do not use the pricey, fancy thick towels.

[goldensmom]

We had the same problem with our shop toilet which is on a separate septic system. End of story, it was tree roots. Roebic Foaming Root Killer worked. It cleared the line and killed roots. Works fine now.

[nswef]

When our toilet doesn't flush completely it seems to be when the pump from the well is just ready to turn on- so the water pressure is not as strong.

[Rogar]

I think if it were me I would make sure the water tank is filled to the correct level before each flush and the rubber flapper or plunger in the tank is staying up for most of the flush to empty all the water into the toilet. I had some scale that was clogging my supply line not long ago and the tank was filling very slowly, so sometimes there was not enough water in tank for a full flush. Since you already replaced the flush mechanism, maybe those things are not the most likely, but are probably a lot easier to fix than downstream problems.

[Cypress]

I just went in the bath with plunger ready to go. I flushed once more making sure the flapper was up long enough to do as the last poster said. The water filled bowl to the very rim swirled around and after maybe a minute all the water went down the drain. It's not a clog. It's either tank water release or water pressure?

[SteveinMN]

Cypress, did you check the water level in the tank before the flush? And is it your sense that the toilet is filling slower than it used to?

[Cypress]

I found some guidelines for setting water level in the tank. I made a small adjustment to the flow of water into the tank and raised the water level. There is a line around the inner tank showing where it normally is. It's been below that line. So, with those small changes, I have had a regular flush so far.

The joys of toilets!

[Cypress]

Now I have the source of the problem. It's the valve letting water into the tank. When I open it to the correct position it leaks! Can I replace or is there a gasket inside that valve I can repair?

[ToomuchStuff]

Are you talking the float? If so, I know Fluidmaster style valves, have a replaceable rubber gasket/bladder, that can get gunk buildup, or eat up by chemical's thrown in the tank (like bleach tablets). The bulb style, I know you used to be able to get replacement bulbs and the gasket that goes to the tank for it (the gasket where it goes through the tank to the supply line, should be available for all styles).
I am not sure about the small, fill pro style valves (normally used in small toilets).
Also the flappers are replaceable, if the water is leaking into the bowl from the tank.
Shutoff valves, are either a ball valve (replace, not fixable, but lasts longer and quicker shutoff), or the traditional style (with a rubber gasket).

[Cypress]

I mean the water valve outside the toilet on the floor. The water pipe that feeds water into the tank. That shut off valve has a minor leak. I tried to tighten the nut but there's a small leak if the valve is too far in the open position. It's set almost to closed to stop the minor leak. I put a cup under the leak but this may require a plumber. The pipe has some green corrosion on it.

[SteveinMN]

The water pipe that feeds water into the tank. That shut off valve has a minor leak. I tried to tighten the nut but there's a small leak if the valve is too far in the open position.
Here (http://www.handymanhowto.com/how-to-fix-a-leaky-toilet-water-shutoff-valve/) you go. I haven't used these instructions personally, but they look right. It's at least a starting point for figuring out the parts you need to look at. Note the author's conclusion at the bottom of the instructions...

[Cypress]

Thanks Steve, I am considering calling a plumber for this task. I find that the area to work in is very cramped and I am not that strong. If I broke or bent something wrong, it would cost more. I can shut the water on and off when I need to flush. I live alone and it's only an inconvenience for me. In the meantime, I'll try and save up for the cost.