We often see this lazy toilet issue with customers with older toilets. Toilets that clog regularly or are slow to remove materials may have restricted water flow.
Toilets are designed to allow a large amount of water into the bowl at once. That water will be forced to exit the bowl just as quickly. However when the toilet becomes slow (lazy) in passing the water into the sewer main, it may mean a material buildup within the toilet itself. What the homeowner will notice is that the water level will rise slowly in the bowl and exit slowly. It’s possible that it may leave materials in the bowl – requiring multiple flushes to clear the bowl.
Over time, water minerals can form on the interior of the toilet. These deposits can be a gray or black in colour. As depicted in the graphic, these may form on the smooth glazed portions of the toilet and especially on rougher unglazed portions on the interior of the toilet.
If left for long periods of time, cleaning these water deposits can be very difficult. Sometimes we notice that homeowners have attempted to use chemicals with no effect. They may resort to more brute force tactics – sand paper or nail files. If rough abrasive materials are used to remove deposits on the toilet, it often causes irreversible damage. Often when the glaze has been removed, the exposed porcelain will begin to absorb water. This weakens the toilet and may cause a leak within the home.
If the toilet is slow to flush and remove materials from the bowl, call a licensed plumbing professional to first diagnose the issue. They have the proper equipment and experience to make a professional recommendation.
If the homeowner wants to try a chemical solution to remove material deposits, we recommend using vinegar. It is safer for the environment than some of the more harsh chemicals on the market. Keep in mind that this is not a quick process.
Pouring vinegar in the bowl means leaving the toilet unused for several hours (overnight) – and repeat the process for several days. Over time, it’s possible that the materials will weaken and detach so they may be flushed into the sewer main.
Alternatively, toilet replacement is a routine and fairly inexpensive task. Contact Chasles Plumbing Professionals if you are experiencing slow moving OR frequently clogging toilets. We’d be happy to help get things moving again.