Common Causes of a Slow-Flushing Toilet

flushing toilet

Some of us may not think about our toilet past our everyday use, but the truth is your toilet is a powerful machine. Aside from delivering waste to wastewater treatment plants and to a complex sewer system, the mechanisms of a toilet are elegant yet simple. It may not seem like it, but to Blue Star, the commode is the star of the show. That is until it starts to get in the way of homeowners’ lives.

Any plumbing issue is a pain to deal with. Blue Star Plumbing is nothing if not an ally for homeowners in North Texas. We’ve seen all kinds of toilet problems, from busted valves to total sewage backups. Similarly, a slow flushing toilet can be minor or serious, depending on the cause. There’s no need to panic, though, with the Blue Star team at your service. Here are the most common causes of a slow flushing toilet.

Clogged or Obstructed Jet Holes

The openings around the rim of the toilet propel water from the tank so your toilet will flush. The force helps clean everything out in one swoop, but if there is mineral buildup, your toilet won’t flush as fast. A quick scrub of the rim will clear away any debris.

Leaking Tank

You might already know there’s a leak in your tank if you can see pools of water around the back of your toilet. Another sign of a leaking tank would be your tank’s water level. If the water level is too low, your toilet won’t have enough force to clear out the bowl quickly. A new tank will need to be installed if there are any cracks.

Broken Fill Valve

Along the same lines, your toilet’s fill valve sets the water level in the tank then directs enough water into the tank to fill it to that level. A broken fill valve will prevent the tank from filling, leading to a slow-flushing toilet. Fill valves should and can be replaced easily. For professional help, call Blue Star to replace your valve.

Clogged Toilet

Clogs can arise in two places: superficially, right where waste enters the sewer line and down in the main sewage line. Superficial clogs can be dealt with by a plunger.

A clog deeper in your sewage line can cause several of your toilets to flush slower or not flush at all. If your toilet issues are pointing to a bigger system blockage, call Blue Star immediately. Sewage clogs can lead to sewage backflow in your home. Avoid damage to your toilet altogether by keeping cotton balls, tissues, sanitary napkins, and anything other waste and toilet paper out of your toilet.

Plumbing issues are easy to deal with when you have a dedicated team of professionals ready to handle everything for you. At Blue Star, our toilet expertise would amaze you. We’ll take care of broken valves, tanks, and clogs, so you don’t have to. Call us today if your toilet is flushing too slowly.

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