When one flush consistently doesn't do the trick, you have a problem. Don't get stuck in the bathroom waiting for the toilet to refill so you can flush it again (and maybe again!). It's embarrassing and unnecessary. There are some things you can try to fix this problem that cost much less than replacing the toilet or assembly parts.
STEP 1: Make sure your toilet isn't clogged.
This should seem obvious, but it may be a smaller obstruction that is slowing your flush. Check your flow by pouring a gallon of water into your toilet and flushing it. If it's not flushing with the power you've been used to, then it's likely you have a clod. You can unclog a toilet with a standard plunger or snake. If the toilet seems to flush properly then it's time to try step 2.
STEP 2: Check the toilet tank fill line level.
Remove the toilet tank cover to check to see if the water level in the tank is even with the designated line. If the water level isn’t matched up, then adjust the water tank float assembly (located in your toilet tank) accordingly.
STEP #3: Clean the toilet bowl flush holes.
Check the toilet bowl flush holes located around the rim of your toilet bowl. Sometimes these small holes get blocked and clogged. When this happens, less water shoots out during a flush resulting in a weaker flush. This is dirty work, but get down on your hands and knees and try using a bobby pin, coat hanger wire or a small drill bit to clear the holes of any blockages. Flush the toilet and check for improvement in power of the flush.
STEP #4: Clean out your toilet using bleach.
The first thing you should do is turn off your toilet’s water tank supply. Look for the pipe that comes out of the wall or the floor – that's where you'll find the water supply valve. Turn the knob on the valve to shut off the water. The next thing you want to do is pour a gallon of bleach into the toilet bowl. Put a sticky note to let others know that it's being cleaned, so they don't inadvertently flush the bleach before it's has time to do its thing. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes then flush the toilet. Hopefully the bleach will clean and clear out any built up blockages that have been reducing the flushing efficiency of your toilet. After this step is complete, turn the water supply valve back on so your tank refills. Periodically flush your toilet a few more time during the next half hour. This will keep the bleach moving and the water should help clear any loosened bits.
STEP #5: Clean out your toilet using vinegar.
Similar to our bleach cleaning, the last thing to try is a vinegar soak. Instead of starting with the bowl, we want to put white vinegar into the tank. Open the lid of your toilet tank and set it aside. Remove the rubber fill hose on top of the overflow tube if you have one. Using a funnel, pour a quart or so of white vinegar though funnel into the tube. Now we wait. Again, put a sticky note on the toilet to let other know that cleaning is in process. Wait for at least 2 hours, or even better, let it soak overnight so that it can disinfect and loosen deposits that have been building up over time. Then give it a few flushes.
If you've tried everything and still have a weak flush, it's time to call in a professional. It might be time for a new toilet. Give us a call 607-777-9974 or contact us to let us know what's up.