Are you looking for accurate ways to unclog a slow-draining toilet as DIY work?
Isn’t it frustrating when you are about to drain the toilet but it takes ages to get it cleared? It is mainly due to some issues that have clogged your toilet and now you are finding it hard to make your flush clear.
It is a sort of embarrassment when you have guests over and they are dealing with the same issue after using your washroom. So what should be done? This is what we will discuss below.
How can a Slow Draining Toilet be Unclogged?
- Check the venting system of your toilet which can be clogged with outside elements.
- Make sure there is no blockage or congestion between the bowl and the tank. If there is any, ask a plumber to fix it.
- The flush mechanism lies inside the toilet lid cover might be broken leading to slow draining.
- A draining issue can occur due to a clogged drain line that can be removed using white vinegar.
Causes of Slow Flushing Toilet
A clogged drain can be due to numerous reasons and you should brace yourself with each cause so that you can easily figure out when next time you face similar trouble.
A few of the main causes why toilet flushing slow include:
- Sometimes there is a clog occurs in the drain line that makes it difficult for you to clear out the mess in the toilet. With the right tools, you can easily examine it at home.
- If there is any blockage between the bowl and tank, you will face a toilet weak flush issue. It can be due to any hair or other items that you have ever inserted there.
- Venting should be one of the main concerns and if it is not done right, you will definitely deal with this complication.
- Sometimes it happens due to improper or broken flush mechanisms.
These are some common causes that you should inspect if you want to get away with this problem without anyone’s need. Now the question arises how you can resolve these issues?
Gather all the right tools and equipment needed for this purpose and by following the below-mentioned steps, you can go through them easily. Let’s have a look below.
How to Fix a Toilet that Won’t Flush?
Though I will explain step-by-step how to resolve these issues if you are not comfortable doing it or you are not confident about your skills, you can hire a professional for this purpose.
However, dealing with the clog in the drain line is the easiest of all and can be done at home.
Step 1. Clogged or Poor Venting
Good venting is crucial in every case be it installing new flooring, doing paint in a room, washing carpets, etc. Hence, when it comes to flush venting, you should be careful because sometimes the problem lies there.
There is a vent stack that you might have noticed on the roof that is usually placed there. This vent stack lets the water flow downwards through the plumbing system so that your flush drain properly.
This stack also absorbs all the toxic smell so that it doesn’t gather inside your house leaving you sick. However, it is placed outside so it can easily be clogged due to a bird’s nest or due to other outside elements.
If you are facing clogging issues in more than 1 washroom or there is some smell inside your house, the problem lies there and you better call a professional to examine this matter.
Never take venting issues lightly because they can lead to major concerns. Quickly take action so that you can resolve the issue on time.
Step 2. Blockage between Bowl and Tank
If there is no venting issue, move ahead and check if there is any blockage between the bowl and tank. The blockage can occur due to mineral deposits or human hair. If there is any congestion, the water will flow slowly resulting in a slow draining toilet.
Now the question is how you will know the problem lies there. Inspect the bowl after flushing and you will notice that the water is flowing from the top. If you see there is no water coming in or the flow is slow, you can easily detect the matter.
To deal with it, switch off the water supply and empty the toilet completely. Get your hands on a stiff wire and insert it inside the inlet hole. You can also apply white vinegar which is helpful to remove mineral deposits.
Step 3. Flush Mechanism is Destructive
You can detect this matter by removing the top lid of your toilet flush. If the mechanism attached to the handle breaks down, it is pretty much the reason for poor or slow draining.
Firstly you have to inspect the chain that connects the mechanism to the flap. It is not easy to lift it up without removing a few other links so better lift other links in order to get your hands on the flap.
If you can repair the mechanism at home, you are good to go but sometimes it is broken enough that it can’t be fixed so you have to buy a new one from stores. For installation, you can hire anyone.
Step 4. Unclog the Drain Line
A clog in the drain line usually occurs when you drop waste inside the bowl you should never include tissues, paper towels, hair, etc. However, if the problem is due to this factor, you can easily get rid of it.
Dishwasher soap and warm water is all that you need for this purpose. Make sure the water is not too hot to handle because it can make the situation worse. If you have been asking why my toilet won’t flush, check for these issues and you will better get the answer.
How to Protect Toilet from Breakage?
Proper maintenance is what you should do in order to increase the life of your toilet. Do not take small issues for granted and try to fix them as soon as you see them because, in the end, they become major. Regular cleaning is also important in this regard. If you do not pay any consideration towards cleaning, the mineral deposits can provide major harm to the flush and draining system.
You might don’t know but a small leak can lead to unbearable odors that can also harm your entire washroom. Hence, be cautious about these small details so that you can take action immediately.
Toilet Unclogging Do’s and Don’ts
It is also crucial to know which things to consider for unclogging and which things to avoid so that you do not make the situation worse. Let’s talk about them below.
Do’s
- Use dishwashing detergent to clean the toilet from the inside.
- Uncover the lid of the toilet and pres flapper valve so that no more water flows inside the tank.
- Never take maintenance of the toilet for granted.
- Vinegar and Baking soda are a perfect mixture to clean the toilet thoroughly.
Don’ts
- Never use plumber cleaner products because they are not designed to be used for this purpose. The chemicals involved in these products are harmful.
- Do not use other drains until you are sure the issue is with the toilet.
- Never drop any waste inside the toilet tank.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s check out a few commonly asked questions regarding toilet weak flush or why toilet won t flush all the way.
How Do You Fix a Slow Draining Toilet?
The better way to fix the draining issue is to call a professional who can better work in this manner. However, if there is any clog in the drain line due to waste, you can fix it using white vinegar or dishwasher soap.
Will a Slow Draining Toilet Fix Itself?
Yes, sometimes they fix themselves if the clogging is due to water-soluble that dissolve with time. If the issue is big, you have to fix it yourself otherwise, it can cause more complications.
Will Bleach Unclog a Toilet?
It might not be the best cleaner but yes, bleach helps to break out clogs so you can surely give it a try. However, keep the quantity less because overusing can cause harm to the flush and bowl.
Can Poop Clog a Toilet?
If the size of the poop is large then there is a high chance it might clog your toilet. However, you can easily get rid of it by using the right cleaner.
What is the Best Liquid to Unclog the Toilet?
You can find many liquids in this regard including Drano max gel liquid, green gobbler drain opening pacs, etc. You can also make a homemade solution using vinegar and baking soda. Applying dishwasher soap mix in warm water is also helpful.
Final Thoughts
One must know how to unclog a slow-draining toilet so that you do not need to call for someone every time you deal with this issue. Clogging is normal so you often have to fix it why not learn the basics and start doing it yourself?
I have mentioned a few common causes of slow draining and how you can easily fix them at home. With the right tools and the correct methods, you can perform this task at home quickly.
You might need assistance at the start but with practice, you will master yourself. I hope this article will help you to deal with this trouble in the future in a better way.
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