Hi, all,

I have a older toilet (not low-flow) that flushes slowly, in that it takes more than 15 seconds after flushing for the bowl to empty. Often paper does not go down, instead just spinning and floating during the flush cycle. However, when I pour a 5-gallon bucket of water into the bowl, it empties as fast as I can pour, within 5 seconds or so.

My question is, why the slow flushing?

Thanks! This is by far the most informative plumbing forum on the net. The experts here are amazing!

Clogged rim holes ?

Your aging stool is full of calcium. From the tank to the bowl there are passageways that deliver the water around the rim, and through the bottom jet (on most, but not all toilets). As calcium builds up, it slows the water going into the bowl, and it takes longer to flush, then may start double flushing, and eventually just spins and won't clear paper and waste. At this point, you can try using acid and cleaning the jets and whatnot, but unless it is a custom color toilet or something similar, you would be far better served by getting a new stool. I would recommend a Toto Drake.

CLR is worth a try. shut the water off to the toilet. flush all the water out of the tank and pour a bottle of CLR down the overflow. it should be strong enough to clean away calcium deposits.

Thank you, North Carolina Plumber, KCRoto and Packy. I didn't mention that we have very hard water, which matches all of your diagnoses perfectly.

Have a great day!



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and/or

using a small mirror (wife's old compact is perfect)

use pipe cleaners or toothpicks or (CAREFULLY) nails clean out the rim holes

the holes are not 'square' outlets but angled to start a 'swirling' effect - be careful when 'rodding' not to chip china

this is a bi-annual chore



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Most importantly, if there is a siphon jet hole at the bottom of the bowl (about 1" dia.), be sure that it is open. A stopped siphon jet will produce the very symptoms you describe.

I also use a metal coat hanger to clean out the jet holes under the rim inside the bowl. But go easy, bend the coat hanger straight then just feed the end of the coat hanger in and swirl it around in a circular motion. Remember that theses holes are also aimed at an angle so try to maintain that angle when cleaning. The guy that said CLR through the flush valve under the flapper and let it soak in is spot-on.

Quick update: As all of you predicted, the problem was clogged jet holes. We decided to replace the old, slow-flushing toilet with a new Toto Drake. With 1/3 the water, the Toto now flushes quickly and completely. Plus we got the elongated bowl which is nice.

Thanks to everyone for the advice on the cause and the Toto!



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