Why Your Toilet Flushes Slow
A functioning toilet is one of the most essential systems in your home or property. On the other hand, a slow-draining toilet can be a hassle, especially if you have guests coming over.
If you’re wondering why your toilet flushes slowly, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of factors to explain it, including quick tips to solve this issue.
Clogged Drain
Clogged drains affect all the water-using appliances such as toilets, faucets, dishwashers, and washing machines. While clogged toilets are easy to spot, a partial clog can be challenging.
A partial clog can still let a toilet flush but with significantly reduced efficacy. If you think that a partially clogged drain is causing your toilet to flush slowly, there are several steps that you can try.
First, you can plunge the toilet, but if that doesn’t work, use a drain snake. If the clog is tough to remove, you should contact a plumber to clear the clogging.
Low Water Level
Another cause of a slow flushing toilet is the low water level. If the water inside the tank is too low, the toilet’s flushing power will also reduce.
One way to address this is to change the level of the toilet flow in the toilet tank.
A toilet float turns off the fill valve when the water reaches a particular point. Adjusting this before you turn off the valve can fix the problem.
Damaged Flapper or Flush Valve
The flapper or the flush valve creates the watertight seal in the toilet tank, which holds water for flushing. A damaged flapper or flush valve may result in reduced toilet flushing efficacy.
If you don’t know what a flush valve is, it is made from an overflow tube, lever, chain, flapper, and flush valve opening. In comparison, the flapper is a simple rubber plug or ball that blocks the toilet bowl’s opening.
We recommend that you completely replace the flush valve. Although you can do this yourself, it is better to contact a professional plumber to avoid damaging the part.
Clogged Drain Vent
Lastly, a clogged drain vent is also one of the reasons for a slow flushing toilet. Plumbing drain lines that control wastewater flow are installed inside the ducts.
A clogged drain vent can cause your toilet to flush slowly and should be cleared so it does not cause further damage. However, cleaning the drain vent can be challenging.
You need to climb up to the roof to reach the vents to do this. Hence, it is essential not to DIY but instead, contact a professional plumber immediately.
Takeaway
You can usually fix a slow flushing toilet if you have experience in do-it-yourself house repairs. However, if the problems are complicated, we advise that you contact a professional plumber right away to avoid hazards or further damage.
Moreover, maintaining your house or property regularly by conducting household plumbing inspections is essential. This way, you can avoid further problems or damages.
And that concludes our list of reasons why your toilet flushes slow.