The master bath toilet is 30 years old and we have occupied the house the entire time. I have replaced the ballcock with a fluidmaster valve. Recently, the flushes seemed to be diminishing, with not everything being carried away. The tank is filling all the way, the drain is clear and the stack is clear. Other toilets on either side of this one are working OK on the same line. If I pour a bucket of water into the bowl, it flushes normally. It seems like the tank is not emptying fast enough into the bowl. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Bob

 

Try taking a small mirror and looking up under the rim. There are holes there that the water flows through and they may be getting clogged with deposits. They can be cleaned out with a bent coat hanger. You may also want to shut off the toilet valve, open the flapper and let whatever water will run out go. Pour a mixture of strong vinegar and water through the opening where the flapper is and let it sit for a little while. This will soften up any deposits for easier cleaning. Good luck.

 

Just as majakdragon said, look under the rim. Not only does the drain have to be clear, but the water has to get into the bowl fast enough for an efficient flush. I've seen toilets "slow down" after things in the tank are changed. Bits of rust, pieces of plumbers putty and other crud get knocked loose and are carried down inside the rim of the toilet and caught by the little holes. The coat hanger is good for mineral deposits, but it's difficult to get out the other stuff. Just work at it, the other solution may be to replace the toilet.

 

Well, I've cleaned all the little holes but it still is not emptying properly. I also checked the tank: the water is at the proper fill level and the flapper stays open long enough to empty the tank. I even tried holding open the flapper. It just seems like the water is not getting into the bowl fast enough, so maybe there IS something inside that is not clogging the holes but is impeding the flow. I hate to replace the toilet since I'm out of work and don't have a lot of money coming in. When I flush, it looks like I'm getting a good swirl, it's just not going out. And when I pour a bucket of water into the bowl, it flushes all the way. Thanks for all your help, guys!

 

Hello, These are a couple of possible reasons for the problem you
are having.
Pour a bucket into the toilet bowl. Does it flush?
If no plunge it or get a bowl auger to clear it.
If it flushes the problem may be a lime build up in the bowl.
Clear all the holes in the toilet bowl under the rim and the jet
in the bottom of the toilet. You can use a wire or small screw driver.
I use muratic acid. I pour the acid into the overflow tube in the tank.
I use about a half gallon.Let it set for about a half hour then flush.
Muratic acid is used in swimming pools to balance the PH.
I get it at Home Depot.
Good Luck Woodbutcher