How to Fix a Slow Flushing Toilet 5 Different Ways

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having a slow flushing toilet? You know, the kind that takes forever to empty the bowl and refill the tank, and sometimes leaves behind some unpleasant residue.

A slow flushing toilet can be a nuisance, a waste of water, and a potential health hazard. But don’t worry, you don’t have to call a plumber or buy a new toilet just yet. There are some simple and effective ways to fix a slow flushing toilet yourself using common household items and tools.

Here, we will show you how to fix a slow flushing toilet in five different ways, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. We will also explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as provide some evidence from web search results to support our claims.

What Causes a Slow Flushing Toilet?

Before we get into the solutions, let’s first understand what causes a slow flushing toilet. A slow flushing toilet is usually caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Low water level in the tank: If the water level in the tank is too low, the toilet will not have enough water pressure to flush properly.
• Partially clogged drain: If the drain is partially blocked by debris, hair, or other objects, the water will flow out of the bowl slowly and weakly.
• Mineral build-up on the jet holes, siphon jet, vent stack, or drainpipe: If hard water deposits or other minerals accumulate on these parts of the toilet, they will restrict the water flow and pressure.
• Faulty flapper or chain: If the flapper or chain that connects it to the flush handle is damaged or misaligned, it will not seal the tank properly and allow water to leak out continuously.

How to Fix a Slow Flushing Toilet in 5 Different Ways

Now that you know what causes a slow flushing toilet, let’s see how to fix it in five different ways. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, you may need to try more than one method to achieve the best results.

Method 1: Adjusting the Water Level in the Tank

One of the easiest and most effective ways to fix a slow flushing toilet is to adjust the water level in the tank. A low water level can reduce the flushing power of the toilet and make it slow and weak. To check and adjust the water level in the tank, follow these steps:

• Remove the lid from the tank and locate the toilet float. The toilet float is a ball or cup-shaped device that floats on top of the water and controls the water level in the tank.
• If the water level is below the fill line marked on the inside of the tank, you need to raise it. To do so, adjust the screw or clip that connects the float to the fill valve. Turn the screw clockwise or move the clip up to increase the water level.
• If the water level is above the fill line, you need to lower it. To do so, adjust the screw or clip in the opposite direction. Turn the screw counterclockwise or move the clip down to decrease the water level.
• Flush the toilet and check if the water level is at the fill line. If not, repeat the adjustment until it is.
• Replace the lid on the tank.

advantages of this method:

• It is simple and quick to do.
• It does not require any special tools or products.
• It can improve the flushing performance of your toilet significantly.

READ HERE: How to Use a Plunger the Right Way

Disadvantages of this Method:

• It may not work if there are other causes for your slow flushing toilet.
• It may need to be repeated periodically if your toilet float malfunctions or gets out of alignment.

Method 2: Using Dishwashing Soap and a Drain Cleaner

Another way to fix a slow flushing toilet is to clear any partial clogs in your drain using hot water, dishwashing soap, and a drain cleaner. A partially clogged drain can slow down the water flow out of your bowl and make your flushes weak and ineffective. To clear your drain using this method, follow these steps:

• Boil some water in a kettle or pot.
• Pour half a cup of dishwashing soap into your toilet bowl.
• Pour some hot water into your toilet bowl until it is almost full. Be careful not to overflow or burn yourself.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes. The dishwashing soap and hot water will help loosen and dissolve any clogs in your drain.
• Flush your toilet and see if it flushes faster. If not, repeat steps 2 to 4 until it does.
• If your toilet still flushes slowly after several attempts, you may need to use a drain cleaner. Choose a drain cleaner that is safe for toilets and follow its instructions carefully. Usually, you will need to pour some of it into your toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing.

advantages of this method:

• It is accessible and inexpensive. You probably already have dishwashing soap and hot water at home.
• It is safe and gentle for your pipes and septic system. Unlike some harsh chemicals, dishwashing soap and hot water will not damage or corrode your pipes or septic system.
• It is environmentally friendly. Dishwashing soap and hot water are biodegradable and do not pollute the water or soil.

Disadvantages of this Method:

• It may not work if your drain is severely clogged or if there are other causes for your slow flushing toilet.
• It may take several tries to clear your drain completely.
• It may produce some unpleasant odors or bubbles in your toilet bowl.

Method 3: Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are another natural and effective way to fix a slow flushing toilet. Baking soda and vinegar can create a chemical reaction that can dissolve clogs and improve the flushing speed of your toilet. To use this method for how to fix a slow flushing toilet, follow these steps:

• Pour one cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl.
• Pour two cups of white vinegar into your toilet bowl. You will see some fizzing and bubbling as the baking soda and vinegar react.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar will help break down any clogs in your drain.
• Flush your toilet and see if it flushes faster. If not, repeat steps 1 to 3 until it does.

advantages of this method:

• It is natural and eco-friendly. Baking soda and vinegar are non-toxic and biodegradable and do not harm the environment or your pipes or septic system.
• It is effective and powerful. Baking soda and vinegar can dissolve many types of clogs, such as hair, grease, soap scum, and organic matter.
• It is deodorizing and sanitizing. Baking soda and vinegar can eliminate bad smells and kill germs in your toilet bowl.

READ MORE: Why Is My Toilet Overflowing? Cause and Prevention

Disadvantages of this Method:

• It may not work if your drain is severely clogged or if there are other causes for your slow flushing toilet.
• It may take several tries to clear your drain completely.
• It may produce some unpleasant odors or bubbles in your toilet bowl.

Method 4: Unclogging the Toilet Rim Holes, Siphon Jet, Vent Stack, and Drainpipe

Sometimes, the cause of a slow flushing toilet is not in the drain, but in the toilet itself. Mineral build-up on the jet holes, siphon jet, vent stack, or drainpipe can restrict the water flow and pressure in the toilet and make it flush slowly. To unclog these parts of the toilet, you will need a wire hanger, a brush, or a hose. Follow these steps for how to fix a slow flushing toilet:

• To unclog the jet holes, straighten a wire hanger and insert it into each hole under the rim of the toilet bowl. Gently poke and twist the wire to dislodge any mineral deposits or debris that may be blocking the holes.
• To unclog the siphon jet, locate the small hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Use the wire hanger to poke and twist it into the hole until you feel some resistance. Then pull it out slowly and repeat until you clear the obstruction.
• To unclog the vent stack, go to your roof and find the pipe that sticks out of it. This is the vent stack that allows air to flow into your plumbing system. Use a brush or a hose to clean any dirt, leaves, or nests that may be clogging it.
• To unclog the drainpipe, go to your basement or crawl space and find the pipe that connects your toilet to the main sewer line. Use a hose to flush water through it until you clear any clogs.

advantages of this method:

• It is thorough and comprehensive. It addresses all possible sources of water flow restriction in your toilet.
• It does not require any chemicals or products. You only need some basic tools that you probably already have at home.
• It can improve the overall performance and efficiency of your plumbing system.

ALSO READ: Why Does Your Toilet Keeps Clogging? and How to Fix It

Disadvantages of this Method:

• It is difficult and time-consuming. You may need to access hard-to-reach places or climb up to your roof to unclog some parts of your toilet.
• It may require some professional help. If you are not comfortable or confident with doing this yourself, you may need to hire a plumber to do it for you.

Method 5: Using Muriatic (Hydrochloric) Acid

Muriatic acid is a strong acid that can dissolve hard water deposits and other obstructions in your toilet. It is one of the most potent ways to fix a slow flushing toilet,

but it is also very dangerous and should be used with extreme caution and care. Muriatic acid can cause severe burns, eye damage, respiratory problems, and even death if not handled properly. To use this method, follow these steps:

• Wear protective gear, including acid-resistant eye goggles, a dual-cartridge respirator, face shield, acid-resistant rubber gloves, rubber boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirt. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using muriatic acid.
• Dilute the muriatic acid with water in a plastic bucket. Never use metal containers or pour water into acid, as this can cause violent reactions. The recommended ratio of acid to water varies depending on the application, but generally ranges from 1:10 to 1:20.
• Pour the diluted acid solution into your toilet bowl slowly and carefully. Avoid splashing or spilling the acid on yourself or other surfaces. Let the acid sit in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes. The acid will dissolve any mineral deposits or clogs in your toilet.
• Flush your toilet several times to rinse out the acid. You may need to repeat the process if your toilet is still slow.
• Dispose of the leftover acid solution safely. Do not pour it down the drain or into the sewer system. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility for proper disposal methods.

advantages of this method:

• It is potent and effective. Muriatic acid can dissolve almost any kind of clog or deposit in your toilet.
• It is fast and easy to use. You only need to pour the acid solution into your toilet bowl and wait for a few minutes.

RELATED ARTICLE: Toilet Gurgling: Cause and How to Fix It

Disadvantages of this Method:

• It is dangerous and hazardous. Muriatic acid can cause serious harm to your health and the environment if not used correctly.
• It is expensive and hard to find. Muriatic acid is not readily available in most stores and may require a special permit or license to purchase.
• It can damage your toilet and pipes. Muriatic acid can corrode or etch your toilet bowl, tank, flapper, chain, and pipes if used too often or too concentrated.

FAQs

Conclusion

Dealing with a slow-flushing toilet can be frustrating, but armed with the knowledge from this comprehensive guide, you can now fix this issue with confidence.

Remember to start with simple troubleshooting, such as adjusting the water level and clearing clogs, before considering more significant repairs or upgrades. Regular maintenance and responsible flushing habits will go a long way in preventing future problems.

If you ever find yourself overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified plumber. Now go forth, fix that slow-flushing toilet, and enjoy the satisfaction of restoring its smooth flow!