Ever wondered why sometimes the water in your toilet rises and then drains slowly? The bad news is, It's not just an annoyance, but actually a signal your toilet is telling you about an underlying issue. Before taking a look at the reasons why this occurs, it's first important to understand the basic mechanics of a toilet. In essence, a toilet consists of two main parts: the bowl and the tank. The tank is where water is stored and released when you flush, and the bowl is what’s used to drain out the waste after flushing; the smooth operation of this system depends on these two components - amongst others - working in harmony.
So, why is your toilet water rising then slowly draining? Let’s have a look.
The most common culprit behind your toilet water rising and then draining slowly is a partial clog: this can happen due to an accumulation of toilet paper, non-flushable items, or even mineral deposits from hard water. These clogs end up restricting water flow, causing it to rise before it can slowly drain away.
The flapper valve, located in the tank, is responsible for releasing water into the bowl when you flush. If it's not functioning properly - either because it's not sealing correctly or has worn out - this can lead to insufficient water flow, affecting the flushing power and resulting in slow drainage.
The float and the fill valve control the water level in the tank; if the float is set too high, it can cause too much water to fill in the tank, leading to an overflow into the bowl. Conversely, if the fill valve is malfunctioning, it might not allow enough water into the tank, weakening the flush strength.
Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as a faulty flush handle! If it's not connected properly to the rest of the flushing mechanism, it can result in a weak flush, which can explain why you end up standing over the toilet, hoping the water doesn’t overflow onto your new shoes!
While some toilet issues require professional help, there are a few things you can try yourself before calling in the experts. For example, if you suspect a partial clog, a good plunger can often do the trick - just make sure to create a good seal around the toilet bowl outlet before plunging with steady pressure. For issues with the flapper, float, or fill valve, you can lift the top lid and inspect these parts in the tank - but do note that it might require an untrained eye to spot a problem. Sometimes, adjusting the float to change the water level or replacing a worn-out flapper valve can solve the problem - but make sure you know what you’re doing before you start.
If you've tried these solutions and the water in your toilet won’t stop rising and draining slowly, it might be time to call in a professional plumber to take a look at the problem. Especially for stubborn clogs or issues with the plumbing system, a professional drain unblocker will be able to provide you with the necessary expertise and equipment to get things running again. And for those with a blocked drain in Walthamstow facing plumbing issues, we at FS Drainage are expertly-equipped to handle any blocked drain efficiently and effectively. Don’t forget that timely intervention can prevent more serious and costly plumbing problems down the line, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’re concerned.
In some cases, you can fix a slow-draining toilet with some DIY. Start with a plunger to address any potential clogs, and if that doesn't work, check the tank’s flapper valve, float, or fill valve for any issues and make necessary adjustments or replacements.
Yes! It’s absolutely imperative that you don’t flush make-up wipes, baby wipes, sanitary products nor any other non-flushable items down your toilet. Not only can these cause problems within your own plumbing system, they can even cause giant fatbergs within your local sewer system, which can block up plumbing for weeks on end.
Absolutely. If the flush handle isn’t properly connected to the rest of the flushing mechanism, it can lead to weak flushes, contributing to slower drainage.
It’s generally advised to avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can be harsh on your plumbing and the environment. Mechanical methods like plunging or professional assistance are safer and often more effective (and eco-friendly!) options.
