Need Advice: Toilet Flushing Problem

[minuteman1970]

I have a 2-year old American Standard toilet, which had been working fine until recently. What's happening lately is that you need to flush twice, as the first time around there does not seem to be enough force for the toilet to do it's thing. Luckily, it does not overflow, so at this point it is more of a nuisance. I would like to fix the problem, but don't know where to start or what needs to be replaced. By the way, my waste lines are mostly PVC (about 2 years old), and they are connected to the sewer line. Please advise! thanks in advance.

[Jerry]

Maybe eat less? Sorry just kidding.

I also have the same problem with one of my toilets which used to work fine. Looking also for suggestions to avoid a plumber expense.

[No]

If the flapper is not blocking the escape of water from the tank and you did not flush anything that shouldn't be flushed.you just need to do a really good cleaning. It is likely that the hole in the bottom of the bowl, the one where water comes out from the tank, is gummed up as well as the holes under the rim. Try a coat hanger or small wire to unclog the holes under the rim and in the bottom of the bowl. if you have hard water that could be the cause. CLR will be a good choice for a cleaner. Also I have heard of those blue tablets and stuff leading to this as well.

Others may recommend that you take off the toilet to check for obstructions. That's drastic at first. Others may suggest to check the venting. Could be, yet could be hard to track down. Check for clogged up porcelain first. Its an easy place to start and is a common problem, especially in hard water areas.

Let me know if that works or if you still have issues.

[Pop]

Have you chgecked the water level inside the tank? Is it where it belongs?

How about in the toilet? Level "normal" there (where it used to be)?

Has the sound of the flush changed? Does it flush but just not enough, or does it flush slowly, taking longer than it used to?

Have you watched the inside flushing mechanism work? Anything you can tell unusual t here? The flapper goes all the way up? The pull chain or lever that pulls it up is free and moves easy, etc etc etc.

IFF you can remember, the "changes" may be just as telling as exactly what it's doing now.

There are so many possibilities it's hard to say without a few more details.

Since this toilet's only two years old, I doubt the bit about reeming out all the holes etc. is necessary, but it's possibvle if you have real hard well water I suppose.