It can be confusing, frustrating, and even somewhat embarrassing. We’re talking about a toilet that has a flush so wimpy, it can’t push all of its contents down the drain in one attempt.
There’s no such thing as steroids to make your toilet stronger, but there are some simple ways to improve the flush’s power. Here are the top six tips from our plumbing pros.
Clean The Rim Jets
The rim jets are holes in the toilet’s base where water comes from when you flush. We assume you keep your toilet bowl sparkling clean – but you may not be scrubbing the rim jets. If mineral deposits or bacteria build up in the holes, it will affect the water pressure that’s important for pushing the contents of the toilet down the drain. Luckily, this is a pretty simple fix. Take some vinegar and an old toothbrush – then reach up into the rim jets to clean out all the holes.
Fix Any Clogs
Toilet clogs are a very common problem – and one that homeowners can often ignore if it’s minor and not causing a complete backup. But the truth is even a small clog in the toilet trap or drainpipe can disrupt the flow enough to weaken the flush of the toilet. If you think you might have a partial clog, take a plunger or plumber’s snake and try to clear it. Give the toilet a test flush and see if you notice a difference in the strength of the flush.
Adjust The Water Refill Tube
Located in the tank, the refill tube’s job is to regulate the amount of water that fills the tank after each flush. The refill tube is connected to the float, which rises with the water until it reaches a set level. At this point, the refill tube is triggered to turn off. The problem is when the refill line is set too low, so there’s not enough water in the tank to perform a successful flush. Adjusting the refill tube or fixing a stuck float arm could do the trick and allow enough water in the tank.
Reposition or Replace The Flapper
Moving farther down the toilet tank, you’ll find a rubber flapper that covers the opening where water transfers from the tank to the base. When you push down the handle of the toilet, it pulls the flapper up to initiate a flush. Once the tank is empty, the flapper goes back down to seal the tank so it can be refilled. A few things can happen to the flapper. The chain could be tangled or too tight, and simply needs to be adjusted. Or, the rubber material could be cracked or worn out, which would require you to replace the flapper.
Open The Water Valve
The water valve can sometimes be the cause of a weak flush, especially if it’s been adjusted too low or is just plain old. A slow water refill could lead to a weaker flush – so level up the valve and see if that helps your toilet power. The valve is located in the wall just where the water supply pipe reaches the toilet tank. The valve helps to shut off the water when needed (like during a repair) and is easily adjusted by turning the knob or lever. When there’s no need for water supply restriction, the valve should be wide open, so the tank can fill up with enough water for a strong flush.
Adjust The Float
Immediately after you flush the toilet, the float will rise as the tank refills with water. The purpose of the float is to shut off the water flow when it reaches a certain level in the tank. If your toilet’s flush isn’t powerful enough, it could be that the float is not set properly and is cutting off even before enough water accumulates in the tank. To determine if the float is causing the problem, find the refill line marked inside the tank and check if it is set above or below. If it’s too low, you need to adjust it by moving the float up higher until the water level is where it should be for a powerful flush.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your toilet flush back up to its full strength. If you’ve tried all these steps but still aren’t satisfied with your toilet flush, it may be time to call a professional plumber. An experienced technician can help diagnose and fix any plumbing issues that could be causing a weak flush.
How to Prevent Toilet Problems
To avoid having weak flushes in the future, focus on prevention. Make sure to check your toilet regularly and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible so you can avoid bigger problems down the line. And if you do notice an issue with a clog or slow drainpipe, take care of it immediately before it causes serious damage to your plumbing system. Regularly maintaining your toilet and being aware of any potential problems can help keep your toilet in good condition for years to come.
You should avoid flushing any items other than toilet paper down the drain, as this can cause clogs and blockages that will lead to a weak flush. Over time, sediment and debris can accumulate in the pipes so it’s important to have a professional plumber clean them regularly.
Finally, make sure that your home’s water pressure is adequate and that every tank has enough water for a strong flush. If you don’t have good water pressure, it could impact the toilet’s ability to flush properly. Check with your local municipality or contact a plumber to ensure that your home has an adequate water pressure level.
With the right attention and care, you’ll be able to keep the flush of your toilet up to strength. No one wants a weak flush! Follow these steps and enjoy strong flushes all year round.
Toilet Repair And Unclogging Service in Northwest Houston
There are other more-complicated issues that could cause a weak flush in a toilet. So if the above tips don’t fix the problem, then it’s time to call in the professionals at Rooter-Man Plumbers. Whether it’s clearing a clog or any other cause, we can get your toilet flushing like new in no time. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 281.351.4422.
