Is the toilet flushing or flushing slow? The possible causes are numerous, many of which can be solved without the help of a plumber. You must start by inspecting the toilet cistern, as this may be the simplest source of the problem; otherwise it may be necessary to clean the edge of the toilet with household products. If there are large scale deposits, it is sometimes essential to use muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid).
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Inspect the toilet bowl
Step 1. Find the source of the problem
The term "slow flush" can mean two phenomena: the toilet bowl does not fill quickly when you flush it or the toilet does not quickly eliminate waste products. In this second case there may be an obstruction and you need to remove it; if, on the other hand, the problem concerns the toilet, you just have to check the tank.
Step 2. Lift the cassette lid
This is the upper and vertical portion of the toilet, to which the button or handle that activates the drain is connected. Gently rest the lid on the ground, it is sometimes made of heavy ceramic and may damage the tiles.
Step 3. Check the chain that connects the drain knob to the cap
The latter is a piece of rubber or plastic that is located above the valve, at the bottom of the box; Unless the toilet is draining the water at all, there should be a chain connecting this element to the flush button / lever.
The chain should have enough slack to allow the plug to rest on the valve and close it; however, it should also be tight enough to turn it up promptly when you flush the toilet
Step 4. Adjust the chain if necessary
This action is quite simple, the chain should be inserted into a hole in the knob; you can easily disconnect it and use another link to connect it to the flush control, thus changing its length. Remember that this element should have about 1 cm of clearance.
As you proceed with maintenance, you come into contact with the water contained in the tank; as long as you wash your hands after the job is done, this is completely safe
Method 2 of 3: Use Dish Soap and Drain Cleaner
Step 1. Pour 4 liters of very hot water into the toilet using a bucket
Almost boiling water helps loosen debris that could slow down the drain. Do not flush the toilet but let the water stay in the toilet bowl.
Step 2. Pour the toilet cleaner into the toilet
Make sure you are using a specific toilet product; you should find detailed instructions for use on the package that also cover the dosage.
- Read the label carefully, as some substances must not come into contact with the ceramic and it may be necessary to use protective equipment.
- Always respect the instructions you find on the package; in some cases the toilet must be flushed immediately, in others the product must be given time to act.
Step 3. Pour the dish soap into the overflow tube
The latter is located in the flush tank, in a vertical position, and is generally equipped with another small tube that is inserted into it; you should pour a small amount of soap into it, about a tablespoon.
Step 4. Wait ten minutes
In this way the soap can penetrate into the overflow pipe; meanwhile, the cleaner removes calcium and other deposits from the toilet walls simplifying the cleaning process.
Step 5. Flush the toilet
This procedure allows you to send the water through the pipes of the tank and out of the holes that are located under the rim of the ceramic cup. Dish soap should loosen any residue, while the drain cleaner should loosen any blockages or limescale deposits, improving toilet flow.
Method 3 of 3: Using Muriatic Acid
Step 1. Take the necessary security measures
Wear gloves, a mask and goggles; you should also wear an apron and rubber boots.
Make sure to maximize air circulation in the room by putting a fan on the bathroom window to suck harmful gases outside; if the room has a vacuum fan, turn it on
Step 2. Close the water valve toilet and flush the toilet.
Use a sponge to remove any residual water left in the cup; this way you make sure that the acid cleans the toilet all the way down, including the drain hole. This is the smallest hole in the base of the bowl, where water comes out with force when you flush it. You should see it in action at the end of each discharge; the presence of encrustations at this point is often the cause of a slow flow.
Step 3. Remove the cassette lid and insert a plastic funnel into the overflow tube
If there is a filling tube above it, carefully disassemble it. The funnel opening should be as wide as possible for ease of operation, but at the same time it should fit snugly into the tube.
- Do not use a metal funnel as the acid corrodes it.
- Rinse it well after use and do not use it again in the kitchen.
Step 4. Pour the muriatic acid into the funnel with extreme caution
40-50 ml should be sufficient. Add the acid quickly enough to allow it to escape from the holes under the rim of the cup, but not to the point where it overflows the funnel or drops the funnel; remember that acid splashes are extremely dangerous.
Pour the rest of the acid down the drain to release it
Step 5. Cover the toilet bowl and cistern with clear polyethylene and tape it down
The more you seal each crack, the better; close only the cup and not the tablet. This precaution prevents the acid fumes from filling the bathroom.
Alternatively, you can use a transparent garbage bag
Step 6. Let the acid work for 24 hours
If there are children or pets in the house, lock the bathroom door. Over time, the acid loosens the limescale deposits and frees the drain.
Step 7. Remove the tape and flush the toilet a couple of times
But remember to open the water valve first. If the house is quite old and is equipped with iron pipes, it is recommended to drain the water several times because prolonged contact with acid can damage the metal.
Step 8. Check the holes under the rim of the cup to make sure they let the water flow
They should fill the cup properly every time you push the drain knob; you can also use a metal hanger to probe them for obstructions or encrustations.
Repeat as needed
Warnings
- Never mix household chemicals! Violent reactions could arise that cause the product to be sprayed in an uncontrolled and unexpected way, with the risk of burns or blindness; In addition, toxic gases can form or develop heat which could break the ceramic of the toilet.
- If you have put sanitizing tablets in the toilet tank, use rubber gloves to remove them and store them in a sealed plastic container; afterwards, drain the water to get rid of any residue before using other chemicals.
- If you wash the toilet with chemical detergents, flush the toilet several times before adding any more products.
- If you've used drain cleaners, do several rinses and wait a long time before pouring in the muriatic acid or other chemicals.
- Muriatic acid could destroy the toilet cistern valve, the toilet rubber seal and all metal parts of old toilet bowls, for example the overflow pipe. If you are unable to change these pieces yourself, consider using a weaker acid or buying a new toilet bowl.
