How To Make A Toilet Flush Stronger (Do This!)

From time to time, you may notice that your toilet’s flush game is not looking as strong as it once did. While a weak flush may not seem like a big deal, it can definitely be an issue. Weaker flushes mean more flushes and also a greater likelihood of stains sticking to the bowl, creating more work when it comes time to clean.

So, what is making your toilet do this? How can you make the flush stronger? Most of the time, a thorough cleaning is the right answer. The flush holes could be clogged. You should also check to make sure that the water level in the tank is right. These are just a few of the potential measures that can be taken.

The most common cause of toilets having a slow or weak flush is that the water level is incorrect. Most of the time, the water level in your toilet tank will be at a specific level. When it drops below that level, your toilet may have less flushing power.

The higher water levels provide a stronger and more intense flush. That force is needed to not only empty the bowl but keep the bowl cleaner by removing tougher stains and buildup. With a lower level, the toilet may not clear on one flush and will definitely struggle with grime and debris. Try filling the tank up so that the water comes to a stop around a half-inch from the overflow pipe.

Made it this far? Then your water level is fine and there is no drain buildup. The final reason for a weak flush is that there is a buildup of minerals in the jet holes that line the rim of the bowl. When the jets get clogged up, they can’t spray enough water into the bowl to keep it clean.

Break up the buildup by thoroughly cleaning the bowl. When you are done, the jets should flow more freely. If even that doesn’t do the job, then only professional intervention may solve the problem.

More often than not, the simplest explanation is the right one. It is safe to say that the vast majority of issues with a toilet involve clogging in some way, shape, or form. Start by ensuring that the toilet waste pipe is not clogged.

You can use a plunger or even a snake to get in there and ensure that the drain is clear and free. Try flushing again to see if the flow is any better. Even if the toilet flushes, there is a chance of a partial clog. Try running your snake a few times to ensure that the pipe is clean and try again.

This is probably a good idea even if you do not actively have issues with your toilet. Keeping the jet drain – that big hole in the center of the toilet – clean is vital to the functionality of your toilet. The good news is that you can keep it clean with just a little effort.

Use a cleaner that is more acidic. Brush it into the jet hole to clear out any potential buildup that may be keeping the toilet from flushing properly. Just make sure that your brush can get into the holes, twisting a few times to ensure that the hole is clear.

The jet hole may be fine, yet your toilet still has a weaker than normal flush. Just because you don’t see a clog doesn’t mean that one doesn’t exist. The thing is, it may be a clog in the rim jets, not the jet hole itself.

Take the time to get down and clean all of the tiny jet holes that line the rim. Over time, hard water can leave mineral deposits that clog them, limiting their flushing power. You will need a strong cleaner and something small to ensure that you can get into those holes and clear out the buildup.

From time to time, the toilet can flush weakly even when everything is clean and clear. So, what is the next most likely reason you are having this issue? Well, it could be related to the water levels in your toilet tank.

When the toilet’s water level is too low, the toilet can’t properly flush. When the water level is low, there is also an increased risk of a clog since there is substantially less pressure going through the waste pipe.

Each toilet should have a water level mark. If it doesn’t, it should come to just below the overflow pipe. Try adding some water into the tank to see if that improves your flushing power.

Should you notice that the flush is weak and you have to hold down the handle to get a good flush, then the likely reason is that the flapper has too much slack to it. The flapper is that valve at the tank’s bottom that attaches to the flush handle via a rod and chain.

When the handle goes down, the rod lifts the chain. As a result, the flapper valve opens and water flushes into the bowl. But when the chain is too long, then the flapper closes too quickly and doesn’t allow the toilet to flush long enough.

The fix here is simple enough. The chain has a clip to it that can latch onto one of the shorter links, creating less slack.

Most homeowners probably don’t even realize that toilets have a venting system. But just like any other system in the home, the toilet needs a vent system and it has to properly operate. The vent system in your plumbing regulates things like air pressure, helps to move water through the pipes and also carries odors and gas from the home.

When there is an issue with the vent system, it has far-reaching impacts. Among them are issues with the drainage, water pressure, and flushing power. If you start to hear gurgling sounds as the toilet drains (or in another drain) it could be a vent issue.

The only fix here should be made by a plumber. They typically cannot be fixed by a DIYer even with YouTube and Google at your disposal.

For the most part, the reasons behind a poorly flushing toilet are minor in nature. They can often be remedied with some cleaning, so implementing a little cleaning can go a long way. For this step, some white vinegar can turn out to be an effective cleaning solution.

Start by opening up the lid to the tank and remove the fill hose if there is one. Using a funnel, put it on the tube inside your tank. Using a quart of white vinegar, pour it into the funnel. Allow it to sit for 2 hours at a minimum.

Vinegar will not only work to disinfect your toilet but should also loosen up and deposits that have built up in your system.