It’s more likely than not that you’ve experienced a slow flushing toilet either once or multiple times. This is an abnormal situation that needs to be investigated and fixed especially when running an independent system like a septic tank.
The ‘why’ and how to solve the problem is what we seek to discuss here.
You’re likely reading this article because you’re faced with the same problem. If you are, you only need to be patient and read through this short article to find answers. The good news is; a slow flushing toilet situation can be resolved.
Without an iota of doubt, toilets play a crucial role in homes.
As a matter of fact, your toilet is one of the most important parts of your home’s plumbing system. Quite a lot of homeowners may be oblivious to this fact until such toilets malfunction.
Two Possible Causes For A Slow Draining Toilet
Whenever you notice your toilet flushing slowly, there could be two possible causes. A malfunctioning fixture may be the first possible cause. The other may be due to issues with your septic tank.
The smooth functioning of your toilet is closely tied to your septic tank condition. This is why we’re considering the relationship between the two. Slow draining toilets due to faulty fixtures are quite minor and can be fixed easily.
However, septic tank-related problems are quite significant and will have to be urgently investigated. Your slow flushing toilet serves as a symptom that points to a developing problem.
Among the many possible causes for this problem is the likelihood of a filled septic tank.
There’s only one major action to take when dealing with a filled septic tank. It involves pumping the tank. This should resolve the problem of slow flushing.
Pumping Your Septic Tank
When a septic tank reaches capacity, one of the first signs it shows is a slow flushing toilet. When this is noticed, the first thing you need to find out is when last you pumped your septic tank.
Septic tanks must be pumped once every three to 5 years depending on size and number of users.
Sometimes, there’s no way of knowing whether the tank is full unless you investigate. We recommend that you leave such a task to the experts. Opening a septic tank is a high-risk situation due to the release of dangerous gases.
Apart from the foul odor, excessive exposure could knock you out. In severe cases of exposure, death may result.
So, it’s best to call a licensed septic technician or service to take a look. Their findings provide answers on whether to pump your tank or look elsewhere for your slow draining toilet problem.
Experiencing Slow Toilet Flushing Even When Septic Tank Was Pumped Recently?
As stated earlier, a recently pumped septic tank is no guarantee that you won’t experience a slow flushing toilet.
In this situation, you’ll need to look elsewhere. You’ll need all the help you can get in spotting the issue and finding a lasting solution to it.
A licensed plumber will be of great help to your quest of solving the problem. There are several possible reasons why you’re having a slow flushing toilet.
These include mild clogs, water tank settings, improper ventilation, sediment in the waterline, issues with the flapper valve, and hard water.
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Mild Clogs
One of the possible reasons why you’re experiencing a slow-flushing toilet could be due to mild clogs.
Mild clogs allow for the partial or sluggish passage of water. Objects may be accidentally dropped down the toilet, thus preventing the free flow of water.
A plumber will need to be called immediately to get rid of such clogs. Possible tools to be used include plumbing snakes as well as plungers among others.
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Water Tank Settings
The water tank position is always above the toilet seat.
This water reservoir setting could be tampered with. When this happens, less water gets supplied to the bowl when flushed. You’ll have to make the right adjustments to allow for increased water flow and flushing efficiency.
Consider raising the float arm as an intervention to increase water volume in the tank. More water volume is likely to increase toilet flushing efficiency.
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Improper Ventilation
Poor ventilation is a possibility why you’re experiencing a slow flushing toilet. It has to do with inadequate pressure. Gurgling sounds are among the primary symptoms you’re likely to notice.
When this is noticed, it’s simply a pointer to the possible absence of air in your plumbing waste line.
This can be resolved with the help of an expert. When an expert arrives, he proves for all sorts of issues. Improper ventilation is determined after conducting several assessments all showing clear symptoms.
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Sediment in the Water Line
When it comes to sedimentation in the waterline, it goes beyond the toilet.
This is also noticed in other water outlets. The main cause for this is a buildup of sediments which eventually gets in the way of free water movement. Less water is allowed into your plumbing fixtures which contribute to slow flushing.
You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to check what the exact problem is. Sediment accumulation in the water line isn’t a complex issue at all and can be resolved within a short period of time.
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Issues with Flapper Valve
Your toilet’s flapper valve can also cause slow flushing. You may be wondering which part of the toilet your flapper valve is located. This component is the rubber stopper you find at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
As time goes on, the optimal performance of the flapper valve decreases. It is only a matter of time before this reduction in flapper valve performance affects flow.
When determined that the flapper valve is failing, a replacement will be necessary.
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Hard Water
Hard water issues extend to toilets too.
Hard water is known to contain quite a lot of minerals including calcium and magnesium carbonates. As you continually use such water, there’s a steady and slow deposit of hard water minerals in pipes as well as the toilet.
Removal of these minerals is necessary for optimal functionality.
The relationship between slow toilet flushing and septic tanks has been highlighted. We’ve also seen that sometimes, septic tanks might not be filled, yet slow flushing may be observed.
For such development, we’ve provided possible reasons why this could be so.
