Slow-draining toilets are not a problem if you don’t notice that they are taking a long time to flush. However, if you flush your toilet repeatedly and it doesn’t seem to be going, then you may have a slow-draining toilet that needs repair. There are a number of issues that can cause a slow-draining toilet, including a build-up of sediments in the toilet bowl, a faulty flush valve, or an improperly sized trap. If you think that your toilet may be slow-draining, here are some potential causes and solutions so you can get it going again as quickly as possible.
What is a slow-draining toilet?
A slow-draining toilet is one that takes an excessive amount of time to refill after it has been flushed. This can be particularly problematic in households that have young children who may not be able to wait for the toilet to fill up before using it again. Toilets that flush slowly are frustrating for everyone, and can even lead to accidents if you don’t have time to get to the toilet in time.A slow-draining toilet is usually caused by the build-up of small particles and sediments that are left behind after every flush. These are often referred to as “scum” because they can make the toilet look like it has a layer of scum on top of it. It’s important to note that these scum build-ups are normal and are completely harmless. However, if they get out of hand, they can cause a toilet to flush slower than normal.
Build-up of Sediments
The most common culprit for a slow-draining toilet is build-up of sediments. Over time, toilets tend to accumulate a layer of minerals and other materials as they flush waste into the sewer system. These sediments can build up on the inside of your toilet bowl, creating a layer of scum that may take a long time to break down. To flush these scum build-ups away, you may need to use a toilet cleaner. These cleaners are designed to dissolve the scum and make it easier for your toilet to flush it down the drain. If you notice that your toilet is taking longer than normal to flush, it may be time to clean your toilet to remove these build-ups. While cleaning your toilet may seem like an extreme measure, it is actually the best way to remove scum build-up.
Faulty flush valve
Another common cause of a slow-draining toilet is a faulty flush valve. This is a small device found near the toilet’s main pipe and is responsible for sending water to the toilet bowl. Over time, the flush valve can wear out and become loose, causing it to take longer to flush waste down the toilet. If you notice that your toilet is taking longer than normal to flush, it may be time to repair or replace your flush valve.While repairing or replacing your flush valve may seem like a difficult and time-consuming task, it will make a significant difference in how quickly your toilet flushes. In addition to repairing or replacing your flush valve, it’s important to make sure that you don’t use too much water by adjusting the flush height of your toilet. It’s also important to make sure that you are only flushing what you need to, as this can have a significant impact on how quickly your toilet flushes.
Improperly sized trap
Another potential cause for a slow-draining toilet is an improperly sized trap. This is the device that is responsible for catching waste before it enters the main sewer pipe. Unfortunately, some people replace their toilet without replacing their trap, which can cause a slow-draining toilet. If you notice that your toilet is taking longer than normal to flush, it may be time to replace your trap.There are a number of ways to replace your trap. You can either remove the bowl and replace it with a new trap or replace just the trap. If you decide to replace the bowl, make sure you are aware of any differences in bowl size. This can make it difficult to find a new trap that will fit your toilet.
Problems with your water supply
A third potential cause for a slow-draining toilet is issues with your water supply. While this may seem like an unlikely culprit, it can be particularly problematic if you are using a well as your primary water source. If your water supply is low, it can take longer for the water to reach your main sewer line.This can cause toilets in your home to flush slower than normal. Toilets are often flushed during periods of low water pressure, which means that they often flush at a slower rate. If you notice that you are having trouble flushing your toilet, it may be time to have your water supply checked. While you may be able to flush your toilet at the same rate, it may take longer to fill because of lower water pressure.
Summing up
If you notice that your toilet is taking a long time to flush, it may be time to get it checked out. A slow-draining toilet can be frustrating and can lead to a number of issues, including the spread of germs and messes from toilet paper that gets stuck in the toilet bowl. It’s important to not only get your toilet fixed but also to make sure that you flush responsibly so that you don’t cause further damage.