If you have a slow-flushing toilet, there are different things that might be contributing to the problem. In many cases it’s an obstruction either in the piping or around the rim of the toilet bowl, but it may also happen due to parts being worn down or not being installed properly. To fix this problem, first try to get to the bottom of what’s causing it, and then make the fixes. Here’s what to do.


A clog?

First, take a bucket of water and dump it into the bowl. If it takes the water a long time to go down, then there’s likely a clog down the drain, in which case you’ll want to go through the standard procedure for unclogging the toilet. If on the other hand the water goes down slowly, then the problem is elsewhere.

Toilet bowl blockage?

Next, use a mirror to examine the rim of the toilet bowl. You might be surprised by what’s under there. If you see a thick layer of dirt and grime, then it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning with some strong toilet bowl cleaner and a brush. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Keep checking with your mirror, and keep cleaning until it looks good as new. In the event that the dirt and grime is so thick that it can’t be removed through standard cleaning procedures, try lime, calcium, CLR cleaners, Muriatic acid, and scouring pads to really get at that problem.

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