There is a toilet which doesn't flush solid waste fully. It just swirls in the bowl without much going down the drain. (Thge same thing happens if there is no solid waste in the bowl-the water swirls and while some goes down the drain, the bowl doesn't empty as is normal). It worked better before and is about 20 years old, though I can't find the date inside the tank. The other drains in the bathroom and kitchen (which is nearby) are ok. There is about a 5-7 foot run from the toilet drain to the septic tank.
The small filler hole (I don't know what else to call it) that is at the bottom of the bowl, right where the drain portion begins, appears to be "salted up", that is it looks as if it is partially blocked, most likely by growth of "salts" or other precipitation from the water/waste combination. Is this the likely cause of poor flow?
I propose to test the main drain line by pulling the toilet, and pouring a bucket of water down the drain. If this tests ok is it possible there is something wrong with the vent stack (located in the wall immediately behind the toilet) that is easily diagnosed? If the bucket of water test fails I'll snake the drain.
My best guess is the "vent" in the toilet bowl. If this is the case, is this easily cleaned out, or is getting a new toilet the best plan?
Thanks,
Charles