How to Fix a Toilet That Flushes Weakly

Having a toilet with a weak or broken flush can be incredibly frustrating. Having to force the handle down all the way, using every ounce of your strength to ensure that everything has been flushed down, can be quite the workout! Furthermore, having to flush it repeatedly may result in higher water bills. It may also inconvenience any guests that you have over, causing them to get stressed about the un-flushable toilet. Luckily, fixing this may not be as difficult as getting the weak flush to do its job. Whether or not you’ve fixed a toilet flush before, you will be able to with the proper guidance. Let’s see how to fix a toilet.

Check the tank’s water level

One of the very first things you should do when you notice your flush getting weak is to check your toilet tank’s water level. To do this, begin by shutting off the water supply to the toilet. Continue to remove the tank lid and check the water level. The water level should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube and the fill valve. A lack of the water level meeting these requirements may mean that the incorrect water level is the reason for your issue. 

If the water level is too low, adjust the float valve by bending the float arm downwards to increase the water level or upwards to decrease it. Once this has been done, turn the water supply back on and test the flush. If the flush has regained strength, you have solved the problem! If not, however, you will need to contact a plumber.

Check the flush valve to fix a toilet

The flush valve allows the water to flow from the toilet tank into the toilet bowl during a flush. If it is damaged or worn out, however, this may cause the flush to weaken. 

Once again, start by turning off the water supply to the toilet and removing the toilet lid. Continue to check for the flapper, which should be located right at the bottom of the tank and made of plastic. This flapper controls water flow from the tank into the toilet bowl. Check the flapper to see if it’s in good condition and properly seated. 

If the flapper is damaged, warped, or not seated correctly, it can cause water to leak out of the tank, resulting in a weak flush. In such a case, you would need to buy a new one and replace the old one. Install the new flapper based on the instructions provided upon buying it. 

Continue by turning the water supply back on and flushing the toilet. If the flapper has been fixed, the water in the tank should go down easily, making your flush strong again!

Dirty toilet bowls

Surprisingly, a dirty and debris-filled toilet bowl can restrict the functioning of your flush. Mineral deposits, hard water stains, and other debris can accumulate in the toilet bowl and obstruct the flow of water, which, in turn, obstructs the flush’s ability to perform well. 

You may clean the toilet bowl using a scrub or a chemical cleaner. Apply it to the inside of the bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing it away, as this allows it to thoroughly get rid of the debris. 

After cleaning our toilet bowl, try flushing it again and notice if there is any difference. If the flush flushes well after this clean-up, then the build-up of dirt may very well, have been the cause of your issue.  

How to Fix a Toilet — Adjust the toilet chain

Another culprit of the weak flush could be the toilet chain. The chain in question connects the lush to the flapper. As the flush is pushed, the chain lifts the flapper, allowing for the thorough flow of toilet water. 

If the chain is too short, it can prevent the flapper from lifting fully, resulting in a weak flush. If the chain is too long, it can get caught under the flapper and prevent it from closing properly, which can cause water to leak from the tank into the bowl.

After you have turned off the water supply and removed the toilet tank, adjust the chain by shortening or lengthening it, depending on the specific problem. If you are unsure which solution to use, try attempting both until you acquire your desired result.

Check the water pressure

One more possible cause for your weak flush could be low water pressure. When the water pressure is low, this disallows proper flow when flushing. 

Checking for this requires you to purchase a pressure gauge. Then, as per our usual routine, turn the water supply off. Attach the pressure gauge to the valve, and then turn the supply back on so it can measure the water pressure. 

Depending on the normal water pressure in your area, check the measurement to make sure whether the low water pressure is the reason for your weak flush. If it is, consider calling a plumber to fix this. They will be able to heighten the pressure and fix your flush.

Call a professional to fix a toilet now

Regarding any possible factors, calling a professional is always easy and time-saving. This way, you can ensure that your issue will be identified and solved.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash