I'm looking for advice on how to increase the flushing power of the toilet at my dad's house. It's using a lot of water, yet I still often have to double-flush. I suspect it's not just the jet strength because I tried manually pouring a bucket of water in, which did help, but not by much. I plan to clean the rim jets, but it seems like there might be more issues at play. I also read that the roof vent could be blocked. Any tips on how to check that? Plus, what other fixes might we try? I really don't want to climb onto the roof!
2 Answers
First, definitely check the rim jets under the toilet's rim for clogs. Use a mirror and a toilet brush to get in there. Scrubbing them out can help a lot! You can even add vinegar to the brush for extra cleaning power. If that doesn't do the trick, keep an ear out when you flush. If other drains gurgle, you could be dealing with a venting issue that's causing your flush problems.
When I had a weak flush, cleaning the rim jets really made a difference for me. And yes, checking for gurgling sounds from other drains can help identify if the vent is blocked. If you're not keen on climbing up, you might try using a plumber's snake or a vent cleaning kit that can reach some distance to clear any potential blockages without needing to scale the roof.