What to Do About a Slow Draining Toilet in Your Manitoba Home

Does your toilet take forever to drain? Call King’s Services at 204-633-9010 to quickly diagnose and fix your slow draining toilet.  

Toilets rarely get the attention they deserve. Yet, every habitable property needs a properly functioning toilet. What happens when your toilet malfunctions?  

Do you know what to do when you have a slow draining toilet? As the go-to plumbing contractor in Manitoba, the King’s Service crew delves deeper into the symptoms, causes, and remedies for slow draining toilets.  

Tell-Tale Signs of a Slow Draining Toilet  

How can you tell you have a slow draining toilet? Stay alert for the following symptoms:  

Frequent Clogs  

If you invest in routine plumbing maintenance, you’ll only experience occasional toilet blockages or even none. Frequent clogs point to severe plumbing issues that need professional attention. For example, you may have a defective flushing system or a sewer line blockage.  

A Weak Flush  

If your toilet has a weak flush, the valve in your flushing mechanism could be due for a replacement. Unless you can fix it yourself, call your local plumber to do the work for you.  

The Tank Doesn't Refill with Water  

If the toilet tank doesn't refill with water after flushing, you may have a defective fill valve that needs replacement. However, if water runs constantly after flushing, you likely have a flapper that isn’t sealed and letting water go down the drain.  

In such cases, replacing the flapper should solve the issue and prevent gallons of water from going to waste. 

Standing Water Around the Toilet Base  

Standing water suggests a toilet leak. If the water leaks around the seal, a seal replacement should stop the leak. Re-sealing the toilet requires a seasoned plumber’s expertise. 

Water Leaking From Toilet Cracks  

Sometimes, water leaks come from cracks in the porcelain around the tank or bowl. You can inspect for cracks by cleaning your toilet bowl or tank’s exterior and then checking if moisture or deposits/stains build up around the porcelain.  

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may have to replace the entire toilet with a new one.  

How to Fix a Slow Draining Toilet  

While you should always hire a plumber to address plumbing issues, sometimes a simple fix will restore your plumbing to proper working order. In the case of a slow draining toilet, the following quick fixes may resolve your issues. The exact remedy will depend on the reason for your slow draining toilet:  

Low Water Levels in Your Tank  

If your toilet tank doesn’t fill up with sufficient water, your system might lack the water pressure and speed required for an effective flush. Typically, water should rise to about an inch below the top of the fill tube. Modifying the float level to allow for a higher fill might remedy the problem.  

Obstruction in the Pipes  

An obstruction in the pipes that doesn’t fully block or clog the drain might cause a slow draining toilet. In many cases, a toilet plunger will quickly dislodge the obstruction and restore proper flushing. Alternatively, you may need to send a snake or toilet auger down the drain.

Issues with the Flushing Mechanism  

Most toilet flushing mechanisms feature a flapper—a rubber piece located at the tank’s bottom. The flapper needs a tight seal to flush the toilet effectively. Adjust the flapper or replace it with a more effective one to fix the issue.  

Clogged Jet Holes Under the Rim  

Whenever you flush your toilet, water shoots from the tank and into the bowl through small holes under the rim. These holes can get clogged over time and slow the flow of water. A pointy object like a wire can clear out the obstruction and restore your toilet’s flushing power.  

Mineral Deposits in the Toilet Tank  

Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your tank and prevent it from filling after each flush. For example, a severe buildup can force the float to close earlier than it should. Cleaning the area of the buildup should solve the issue.  

In some cases, you may have to replace a few parts, such as the flapper. Mineral deposits may prevent the flapper from providing a tight seal necessary for effective flushing.  

Blockage in the Vent Pipe  

The vent pipe typically protrudes from the roof of your house by a few centimeters or a foot. A clog or blockage in the vent pipe can cause a slow draining toilet. Stay alert for gurgling sounds in your drains, as this often points to a vent obstruction.  

If you can access your roof, you can run a plumber’s snake down the pipe to remove debris. Pouring water in the vent with an extended nozzle may also help to remove the blockage and address flushing issues.  

Hire Professional Plumbers to Fix Your Slow Draining Toilet  

While the tips above may help fix your slow draining toilet, you should leave more intricate toilet flush issues to the expert. Trust only competent professionals with plenty of experience in handling situations like yours.  

Seasoned plumbing experts will have the technical knowledge, equipment, and experience to find the best remedies to your problem. Remember that for slow draining toilets, the faster you act, the lower your chances of dealing with bigger and more costly problems down the road.  

Ultimately, routine maintenance will keep your toilets and entire plumbing system in top shape. 

Call King’s Services Today  

Don’t trust just any plumbing contractor to handle your slow draining toilet. At King’s Services, we offer professional plumbing and septic services throughout Manitoba. Our crew is available 24 hours a day to provide emergency services for repairs that can’t wait.  

Whether you need help with routine maintenance, a minor repair, or a complex installation, we have the resources and expertise to handle it all. Our commitment to unparalleled service allows us to deliver lasting plumbing solutions that keep our clients happy.  

Call King’s Services at 204-633-9010 to schedule plumbing service in Manitoba. We look forward to serving you.