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PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR

AGE of PLUMBING MATERIALS & FIXTURES
AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES

BACKUP PREVENTION, SEPTIC
BACKUP PREVENTION, SEWER LINE
BACKWATER VALVES, SEWER LINE
BATH & KITCHEN DESIGN GUIDE
BATHROOM MOLD
BATHROOM VENTILATION
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
BOD WASTEWATER TEST
BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS

CHECK VALVES, WATER SUPPLY
CHLORINE IN SEPTIC WASTEWATER
CISTERNS
CLEANOUTS, PLUMBING DRAIN
CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPES, DIAGNOSIS
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPES, REPAIR
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPES, HOT WATER
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING

DEPTH of DRAIN & SEWER PIPES
DEPTH of SEPTIC TANK
DRAIN & SEWER PIPING
DRAIN LINE DEPTH
DRAIN NOISES
DRAIN a WATER HEATER TANK

FAUCETS & CONTROLS, KITCHEN & BATH
FAUCETS, OUTDOOR HOSE BIBBS
FILTERS, WATER
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FLOODED HEATING EQUIPMENT REPAIR
FLOODED SEPTIC SYSTEMS, REPAIR
FLOODED WATER HEATER REPAIR
FLOOR DRAIN / TRAP ODORS
FLUSHOMETER VALVES for TOILETS URINALS
FREEZE-PROOF PIPES

GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION
GALVANIZED STEEL PIPING

HARD WATER - SOFTENERS
HEAT TAPES, Heat, Insulation prevent Freeze-Up

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN GUIDE

LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEAD PIPES in buildings
LEAD in WATER, ACTION LEVEL & REMEDIES
LEAK TYPES, Water Supply/Drain Pipe

METHANE GAS SOURCES
MIXING / ANTI-SCALD VALVES
MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENTS
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS

NOISE CONTROL for PLUMBING
NOISE, PLUMBING DRAIN DIAGNOSIS
NOISE, PLUMBING DRAIN REPAIR
NOISE, PLUMBING CHECKLIST
NOISE, WATER HEATER
NOISES, WATER PUMP

ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS IN WATER
ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
ODORS SEWER GAS in COLD WEATHER
ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES
ODORS, URINE REMOVAL
OUTHOUSES & LATRINES

PIPING IN buildings, Clogs Leaks Types
PLUMBING FIXTURES, KITCHEN, BATH

REPAIR BURST LEAKY PIPES

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SEPTIC METHANE GAS
SEPTIC ODORS
SEPTIC PUMPS
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SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION
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SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings
SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES
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SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS
SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE
SEWAGE PUMPS
SEWAGE PUMP CLOG DAMAGE
SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
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SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE
SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
SUPPLY PIPING
SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS

TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
TUBS & TUB REPLACEMENTS or RELINERS

VALVES, PLUMBING
VENT PIPING
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WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
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WATER TANK: USES, TROUBLESHOOTINGL
WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES
WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
WINTERIZE A BUILDING

More Information

Stained toilet bowl indicates a running toilet (C) Daniel FriedmanSlow-Flushing Toilet Repair Guide - Diagnose & Repair Toilets
     

  • How to diagnose & fix a slow-flushing toilet - poor flush toilet repair guide
    • How to diagnose and fix a clogged toilet drain
    • How to fix a toilet that is overflowing when flushed - in an emergency
    • How to diagnose and correct drain noises occurring when the toilet flushes
    • Slow toilet tank fill problems
    • Toilets that keep running - fill valve does not shut off the toilet tank fill valve?
    • Toilet flush valve or flapper valve problems
    • Toilet tank fill valves and water sanitation
    • Sewer gas odors in buildings traced to loose or leaky toilet drains
    • How to repair problems causing plumbing drain sounds
  • Questions & Answers about fixing slow-flushing toilets and johns or loos
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR - home
  • CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  • BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR
  • DRAIN NOISES
  • FLUSHOMETER VALVES for TOILETS URINALS
  • NOISE CONTROL for PLUMBING
  • ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
  • ODORS, URINE REMOVAL
  • OUTHOUSES & LATRINES
  • SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO
  • SEWAGE PUMPS
  • SEWAGE PUMP CLOG DAMAGE
  • TOILET ALTERNATIVES
  • TOILET INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
  • TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
  • TOILET PLUGS, SEWER BACKUP
  • TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
    • TOILET WON'T FLUSH
    • TOILET CLOGGED
    • TOILET FLUSHES POORLY
    • TOILET LEAK CATASTROPHES
    • TOILET RUNS CONTINUOUSLY
    • TOILET TANK SWEATS
    • LEAKY TOILET SEALS, ODORS
    • LOOSE TOILET REPAIRS
  • TOILET TISSUE CHOICES
  • TOILET TISSUE TEST
  • TOILET TYPES
  • TOILET TYPES, FLUSH METHODS
  • TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Slow flushing toilet repairs: Here we explain how to diagnose and repair toilets that flush too slowly or have a weak flush, sometimes backing up. This article series TOILET REPAIR GUIDE discusses the cause, diagnosis, and repair of toilet problems (water closet problems) such as a toilet that does not flush well, clogged toilets, slow-filling toilets, running toilets, loose wobbly toilets, and odors at leaky toilets. Here we explain how to diagnose and repair problems with toilets, leaks, flushes, odors, noises, running and wasted water. Our page top photo shows ugly staining in a toilet bowl - strong evidence that this toilet has been running, wasting water, possibly flooding the septic system, and sometimes giving bad flush performance as well. Details are below.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Toilet Flushes Poorly - Too Slowly, or Leaves Waste in the Bowl

Toilet tank fill line (C) Daniel Friedman

There are several other reasons why a toilet fails to flush properly besides a clogged drain.

Here we list each cause of toilet flushing difficulties and suggest how to diagnose and repair the condition.

Poor-flushing low-water-consumption toilets: Keep in mind that modern low water consumption toilets (ASME/ANSI A112.19.M) are designed to use 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush or less - a desirable step in reducing water consumption in buildings.

But with the lower total flush volume designed into the toilet, if the toilet fill and flush valves are not properly adjusted, these toilets may cause complaints of poor performance. Don't rush to change out a toilet that is not working satisfactorily. toilet flush control tune-up may be all that's needed.

Our photo (above) shows the water level in a modern low-flush toilet tank, sitting just a fraction above the fill line. This toilet has adequate water to flush properly, if it is properly vented and if its drain is not blocked.

If the toilet is totally blocked and not flushing, see Toilet Drain Clogged. At PLUMBING DRAIN VENTS we explain the basics of proper plumbing vent piping and how errors cause trap siphonage, odors, and noises. More details about plumbing drain line venting can be found at PLUMBING VENT DEFINITIONS & CODES, als PLUMBING VENT DEFECTS & NOISES and at CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR. Also see WHAT CAN GO INTO TOILETS & DRAINS?.

Toilet tank parts (C) DanieL Friedman

The sketch (left) helps identify the toilet operating and repair parts we discuss in this article.

The Basics of How Toilets Work

While there have been improvements in toilet tank fill valves, flush valves, floats, and water savings, the design has remained about the same.

A flush lever moves an arm to lift a flapper valve or tank ball to permit water to rush into the toilet bowl below, washing away waste into the sewer pipe.

At the end of the flush cycle, a float arm, or a float moving on a vertical stalk (newer valves) drops to open a valve permitting the toilet tank to refill with water.

When the toilet tank water level reaches the proper level, the float closes the toilet tank fill valve.

If the toilet always flushes, but it empties too slowly, or empties incompletely

Low profile toilet (C) Daniel Friedman
  • The building drain/waste piping may be blocked or partly blocked. Try using a toilet plunger - don't give up too soon. Firts see Toilet Drain Clogged, then see CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR and BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS
  • The plumbing vent may be partly blocked. If a gurgling sound is heard at a sink or shower drain only when a nearby toilet is flushed, or at a sink or shower when a nearby tub is draining, we'd suspect that the building drain-vent system is inadequate. See PLUMBING VENT DEFECTS & NOISES.
  • The toilet may not be properly vented. If the trap at the nearby bathroom sink is an "S" trap (shown at PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS), there is a good chance that no plumbing vent was ever provided and it's an older building. See PLUMBING VENT DEFECTS & NOISES
  • A low-profile toilet may be installed (photo at above-left). Some low profile toilets use a very low toilet tank for aesthetic reasons. We have found that some of these models do not flush well, possibly because of the lower water pressure afforded by low profile tanks that are not as high above the toilet bowl. The author's mother swapped out all of the low-profile toilets in her home because of dissatisfaction with the toilet's flush performance.

If the toilet flushes poorly, leaving waste in the bowl and if you are sure that the drain is not blocked

Toilet backup
  • The volume of water in the flush tank may be too small. When the toilet tank refills, notice where the water level is when the fill-up stops.

    The level of water in the toilet tank should be within 1/4" of the "toilet tank fill line" marked inside the toilet tank.

    At the highest possible toilet tank fill-up, the level of water will be just below the top of the toilet tank overflow tube in the center of the tank.
  • The rate of water running into the toilet tank may be too slow (some of this water slightly aids the flush), or
  • The starting volume of water in the toilet bowl may have been too small.

    Too little water in the toilet bowl to start with may be due to a lost or mis-connected fill tube that directs some water into the toilet tank standpipe (and thus into the bowl below), while the toilet tank is being re-filled. Check for that little tube.

    Our photos below show the incorrect (below left) and correct (below right) connection of the toilet tank tube that sends some water into the toilet bowl while the toilet tank is filling. (These are two different toilets.)
Toilet bowl fill tube disconnected Toilet bowl fill tube connected normally

Toilet with tank lid on seat(C) Daniel Friedman

Here is our list of toilet trouble diagnosis and repair articles. You will see that some toilet problems are fixed easily and right at the toilet by a simple adjustment, while others may not be the toilet's fault at all, and may need more thoughtful diagnosis and repair.

Taking off the toilet tank top: Some of these simple toilet diagnosis steps require that you look into the toilet flush tank on the back of the toilet.

Just lift the top off of the toilet tank and set it carefully aside on the floor where you won't break it or trip over it.

If you leave the tank top on the toilet seat (as we did for this photo) you're asking for trouble, and also, it's a bit in the way.

  TOILET REPAIR GUIDE - see more detailedlinks listed at Related Topics

Our sketch below shows the parts you'll see inside the toilet tank. You may want to refer back to this drawing while reading the details of each class if individual toilet problems listed above and how they are detected, diagnosed, and repaired.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Mr. Cramer serves on the ASHI Home Inspection Standards. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
  • John Cranor is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-747-7747 or by Email: johncranor@verizon.net
  • Carson, Dunlop &
Associates Ltd., TorontoCarson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
    • Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
    • Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
    • Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
      Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
  • Thanks to reader J.D. for discussing troubles getting a toilet to flush properly. The supposition that the toilet flushing problem was due to a defective toilet bowl, versus due to improper fill and flush control setup, was tested ad nauseam by this homeowner, her son, plumbers, and plumbing suppliers. 05/29/2010
  • Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
  • Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
  • Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
  • ...

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
  • Don't Flush these things into a septic system
  • Drain Noises: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
  • SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR The Septic Systems Information Website
  • Sewage Odors in Wet or Cold Weather - Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide for diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
  • Sewage Levels in Septic Tanks - what are normal and abnormal sewage levels in septic tanks and what do they mean about tank condition, leaks, etc.
  • Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
  • Water Pressure Loss - Diagnosis how to determine why water pressure has been lost or why there is no water at all in a building
  • Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
  • Water pressure tank failures & water pump short cycling diagnosis and repair
  • ...

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