It can be very annoying to have a toilet that is slow to flush or fill. Having the water in your toilet flow quickly is what helps to create the suction in the pipe, and without this suction, the waste is not going to end up in the sewer.
There are several issues that can cause a sluggish toilet, and you may be able to solve some of these problems yourself. We will discuss some possible solutions for your sluggish toilet in this article.
Plunge the Toilet
If you find your toilet making a gurgling noise once you flush it, your drain line is most likely clogged. You will probably be able to solve the problem simply by plunging the toilet. Although, if you fail to clear the clog by plunging the toilet, you may need to use a snake. This is often effective for more difficult clogs. However, if you find you still cannot clear the blockage, you may need to contact a plumber.
Examine the Flush Valve
Another issue that may be causing the sluggish toilet is a problem with the flapper. The flapper may not be lifting up enough to allow the water to leave the toilet tank as quickly as it should be. To check to see if this is your problem, first, remove the toilet tank cover. Then, flush the toilet and watch how quickly the water drains from the tank. If the flapper is not lifting to almost a vertical position, the water is probably not able to exit the tank at a sufficient rate. If you do have this problem, simply shorten the chain that connects the handle to the flapper.
Adjust the Float
If none of the above issues seem to be the problem, it may be that you just don’t have enough water in the toilet tank. To see if this is your problem, lift the lid of the tank and look at the water level before flushing the toilet. The water should be approximately an inch below the overflow tube. If the water is lower than this, you will need to adjust the overflow tube to ensure there is enough water in the toilet tank.
Unclog the Sewer Line
It could be your problem is not the toilet but instead the sewer line. If you find that your toilet still flushes slowly after you have plunged it and used a snake, you should listen for gurgling sounds coming from other drains in the area. Also, see if water is coming up from drains in the basement. If you do spot these signs, you may have a clogged sewer line. You could try to solve this problem with a sewer auger, or you may want to contact a plumber.
Final Thoughts
A sluggish toilet can be frustrating, and in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious plumbing issue. You may be able to solve your problem by following some of the suggestions above. However, if none of these suggestions solve your problem, it may be best to consult a professional before the problem becomes worse.
Contact Us
If you need help with a sluggish toilet, then contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our licensed plumbing team has more than 30 years of experience handling residential and commercial plumbing needs. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
