Has your slow-flushing toilet become a nuisance in your home? Not only is this problem annoying, but a slow-flushing toilet could be a sign of a bigger issue lurking within your home’s plumbing.

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Plumbing issues can go from bad to worse pretty quickly, so it’s important to get to the bottom of any plumbing problem right away.

3 Ways to Fix a Slow Flushing Toilet

Here are some of the most common issues that may be causing your toilet to flush slowly and what you can do to fix them:

1. Blocked Sewer Line

The problem: Toilets often flush slowly due to a blockage in the sewer line that impedes the flow of water to the toilet. As the obstruction hinders water from reaching the toilet, there is a significant decrease in pressure, which results in a toilet that is slow to flush or doesn’t flush at all.

The solution: If you suspect this is the problem, try running water from a fixture that is higher than the position of the toilet. If possible, try running water from a bathtub on the second floor or from a sink in the same bathroom. Once you begin running water, pay close attention to the toilet bowl. If you notice that the toilet bowl is shaking, the water is getting higher or the water is bubbling, the sewer line is most likely the culprit.
If you think there is an issue with the sewer line, it’s best to call the professionals at Performance to diagnose and assess the situation.

2. Faulty Flush Valve

The problem: If your toilet is flushing slowly, there may be an issue with the flush valve. If the water level is lower than it should be, then the flapper on the flush valve is probably not sealing as it’s supposed to.

The solution: Luckily, this is usually a simple fix. Start by checking the water level inside of the toilet tank and check to see if it’s warped. If the flapper is warped or more than five years old, then replace the part and your toilet should have a stronger flush.

3. Dirty Jets

The problem: Another common issue toilets face is dirty jets. Over time, it’s possible for calcium to build up in the jets at the rim of the bowl, which can inhibit water delivery to the toilet bowl.

The solution: Cleaning the jets is relatively easy and can be done by using a calcium and lime solution or a homemade cleaner composed of baking soda and vinegar. If you choose to use baking soda and vinegar, then empty the water from the toilet bowl and place a large sponge into a plastic bag and stuff it in the trap mouth of the toilet’this will act as a makeshift plug. Fill the toilet bowl to the rim with the baking soda and vinegar and allow the jets to soak for a couple of hours or overnight if possible.

During this time, use a funnel to pour vinegar into the overflow tube from the inside of the tank on the toilet and allow the vinegar to sit for a few hours. This will help soften calcium or other buildup from the jets. When it’s time, remove the makeshift plug from the toilet and flush the toilet a few times and that should fix the problem.

Turn to the Professional Plumbers at Performance for Service

If your toilet is slow to flush and you’re not sure why, call the professionals plumbers at Performance. Our team will quickly diagnose and assess any plumbing issue in your home and stop a potentially big problem in its tracks.To learn more about Performance and what we can do for your home, contact us today.