My toilet will not flush all the time. Sometimes, you have to flush it 2 or 3 times to get the toilet clear.?

Question

Tried plunging but it only helps for awhile. This problem seems to come and go no matter what "number" has been performed. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Have you checked the fixturing in the tank? Flapper/ water level; most important perhaps a chain to the flapper and its length?

It doesn't sound at all like a clog to me. It sounds like the flapper isn't pulling up high enough to gain an air pocket in it and allow it to FLOAT back down onto the SEAT.

Answer 2

DIY has the right idea- it doesn't sound like it's a problem with the drain...you may not be getting enough water in your tank to actually flush the toilet. The only other thing that comes to mind is that you may have had a bird build a nest in the vent pipe. Every drain needs a vent of some sort to work properly- most times it's through the roof of your house. Check that also. If that's partially blocked, that could be the reason why you have to plunge. By plunging, you're forcing air down the toilet.

Answer 3

Plunge and then pour some drain opener down it and let it set for a few hours

Then turn the water off and let the toilet set dry for a few hours. Then pour some more drain cleaner down it dry and let it set as long as possible without using it.

Sounds like you have some buildup and when you plunge it is clearing out a pathway, but there is still buildup around the edges and it is just filling up each time you use it. You need to clear the entire pipe

Answer 4

Go to home depot and buy an auger. Its a 6 ft snake that you put into the toilet and spin. If there is anything in there it will clear it out. If that doesn't work you may need to take the toilet off (buy a new wax ring) ad flush it with a hose. If that doesn't work, then the problem is below the toilet in the drain leading out to your sewer/septic. Call a drain cleaner and as a last resot a plumber.

Answer 5

Do you use those bleach tab things in the tank? I've noticed that when they disolve down to almost nothing, sometimes they go down with the water, and get stuck. This prevents good water flow from the tank into the bowl. The water will swirl around but you wont get a good flush. Every now and again it will show up in the little hole in the front of the bowl and you can break it up. Bingo! Problem solved.

Answer 6

If when you flush the water level rises & then slowly drains you have a block & need to snake out the drain. If water level does not go up, when flushing and it is not clearing away all the contents it may be water flow problem. Many new low-flow toilets drain poorly i've found...they just down have enough force.

Answer 7

You may need to have an auger run through your toilet to get anythinng you may not be able to do with a plunger. Also if you live somewhere rural you mave have a septic system that needs to be pumped proffesionally. Have a plumber or friend come look at your lines to check for blockages. About 150 bucks, around that.

Answer 8

If everything else works in the house normally you must have a foreign object stuck in your toilet. Borrow a closet snake or remove the toilet and have a look from the bottom.

Answer 9

sounds like your water pressure isnt strong enough..or perhaps there is something caught in the trap..when we removed our toilets for a bathroom renovation this past summer we had always had an issue in the guest bathroom ..there was a wet wipe stuck in the bottom..since the renovation...that toilet works as great as the other one

Answer 10

make sure your holding tank is full so you get all pressure needed and you push the lever all the way down