When I flush my toilet, the water rises then goes down slowly.?

Author: Amelia Stamm  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

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.

What does it mean when your toilet fills up with water then slowly drains?

There can be several reasons for a toilet bowl to drain slowly. But the main three potential causes of a slow flushing toilet are low water level in your tank, a clog in the toilet or a pipe leading out of it, or even a buildup of calcium and other hard minerals.

Why does my toilet water rise then go down?

When you have strong wind, the Bernoulli effect over the pipe opening changes the air pressure in the pipes, which in turn changes the pressure in your toilet bowl water through the drain pipe making it go up and down.

Why does my water slow down when I flush the toilet?

The pressure-balancing valve senses the drop-in cold water pressure and responds by restricting the hot water pressure. The result is a short period where you're blasted with hot water followed by a noticeable drop in water pressure until the toilet bowl fills back up (about 30 seconds).

How to fix a slow draining toilet?

The easiest way to fix a slow draining toilet is to unplug the tank and take it off, then clean out the pipe. If this does not work, you may need to replace the flush valve in your toilet. You will want to turn off your water supply before you begin. There should be a valve in the wall behind the toilet.

How To Fix A Slow Draining Toilet Without A Plunger

Why does my toilet flush slowly and gurgles but not clogged?

Causes for a Gurgling Toilet

Toilets can gurgle or bubble when there is negative air pressure in the drain pipes. The negative air pressure can create an air vacuum or air block. When you flush the toilet, this air has to go somewhere, so it comes up the drain pipe and is released in the toilet.

Why is my toilet flushing slow and weak?

The three potential causes of a slow flushing toilet are low water level in your tank, a clog in the toilet or a pipe leading out of it, or even a buildup of calcium and other hard minerals.

Why is my toilet filling slowly after flush?

Make sure the water shut-off is completely open for maximum water flow. If it's not completely open, that may account for your slow-fill issues. If you've tried the water supply and that isn't the issue, try cleaning the pump and valve. Sediment can build up over time, and a good cleaning may fix the issue.

When I flush the toilet the water goes down?

If your water level isn't high enough, something is causing it to drop unnecessarily. Often, the explanation is a clogged pipe, a damaged component, or a hidden leak. No matter what it is causing your toilet bowl to empty, you should address the problem as quickly as possible.

How do I fix my toilet water rising when flushing?

Faulty Flapper

If the flapper isn't sealing properly, water can continuously leak into the bowl, causing it to rise after each flush. Fix: First, check the flapper to see if it's worn out or misaligned. If it is, replace it with a new one. Flappers are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.

Why is my toilet bowl slowly losing water?

Common causes of a low toilet bowl water level include partial clogs, sewer line issues, and problems with the toilet's fill valve or vent pipe, each requiring specific investigative and corrective actions.

How to unclog a partially clogged toilet?

Make your own drain cleaner by pouring one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet and adding a half gallon of hot water. Dish soap can also help loosen some obstructions. When using either method, allow the solution to sit overnight and then flush the toilet to see if the obstruction has cleared.

Will a slow draining toilet fix itself?

Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.

Why won't my toilet flush but not clogged?

If your toilet won't flush and it's not clogged, it could be that the tank has too little water. After every flush, you should hear the sound of water filling your toilet tank back up.

How to clean toilet bowl jets?

Use a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Let it sit about five minutes in the overflow tube, then flush the toilet. Then put on some gloves and use a piece of wire to clean out each jet. When all the jets are clean, scrub around them with a bleach-compatible cleaner.

How do I know if my pressure reducing valve is bad?

How do I know if my pressure-reducing valve is bad?
  1. Diminishing or fluctuating water pressure…
  2. No water pressure.
  3. Thumping, banging, hammering, or vibrating noises in the walls…
  4. High water pressure, water leaking from faucet, toilet running constantly…

How much does it cost to replace a pressure reducing valve?

For a standard PRV replacement, expect to pay around $400 to $800. This includes the new valve, plumber fees, permit charges, and any additional materials or labor.

Where do I find the pressure reducing valve?

Where is it located? A water pressure regulator, if you have one, is usually located where the main water line comes into the house and after the main shut off valve. This way if you need to work on or change the water pressure regulator you can simply shut off the water main to do so.

When I flush the toilet the water goes down slowly?

The most common causes for a slow-draining toilet are: A clog in the drain line. A blockage between the tank and bowl. Poor or Clogged Venting.

Can a toilet fill valve get clogged?

If the fill valve appears to fill the tank slower than before, then debris has likely blocked the debris screen inside the valve. This will need to be flushed from the debris filter. Turn off the supply to the toilet. Remove the tank lid.

How to fix slow water flow in toilet?

What to do:
  1. Adjust the float arm of the fill valve so that it sits just below the top of the overflow pipe when the tank is full.
  2. Clean any sediment buildup on the fill valve's inlet screen by unscrewing it from the bottom of the tank.
  3. Replace the fill valve and flapper if they're old or damaged.

How can I make my toilet flush stronger?

6 Ways to Get a Stronger Toilet Flush in 2023
  1. Clean The Rim Jets. The rim jets are holes in the toilet's base where water comes from when you flush. ...
  2. Fix Any Clogs. ...
  3. Adjust The Water Refill Tube. ...
  4. Reposition or Replace The Flapper. ...
  5. Open The Water Valve. ...
  6. Adjust The Float.

Why is my toilet losing pressure when I flush?

Toilets suffer from a lack of flushing power because your rim jets, waste pipe, or siphon jet could be clogged. The water levels in your tank or bowl could also be too low. If your toilet has a weak flush, you may need to adjust the system and clear the blockage to fix the water level.

Why is my toilet flushing slow after a big poop?

It may be because your toilet drain is clogged, a faulty water tank, low water pressure, or even the design of your toilet. The good news is that it is easy to fix this problem. You can either get in touch with a professional plumber or try it yourself.

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