When it takes several flushes, the first thing I check for, is the fill tube between the fill valve, and the overflow tube.
It should be pointing down the overflow tube. This is what fills the bowl after the flush.
If the bowl is not filled prior to flushing, the first flush from the tank, merely fills the bowl, getting it ready for the next try.
The second cause, is normally an object in the trapway of the bowl that is slowing the siphon action of the flush.
This can be a toothbrush, pen, small toys, soap, or bottles.
Removing objects from the trapway will restore the suction needed for the siphon.
I sometimes use a “closet auger” with a fairly large end, about 1-3/8” in diameter.
The smaller augers or snakes will sometimes bypass the object and not move them out.
In some cases, I need to remove the bowl, looking into the exit of the bowl, and see what is there, sometimes running the auger in from the bottom, and pushing the object out the top of the bowl.
A trapway with tight bends, may have a lodged object at the top of the bend.
It’s pretty easy to get a pencil stuck there. A small mirror may help to locate it.
If you can’t remove objects, and sometimes you can’t, then replacing the bowl may be the only cure.
The third cause, would be plugged rim holes under the bowl lip.
If these have become plugged, then a wire coat hanger can unplug them.
The fourth cause, would be a main line backup. If that is the case, you might notice water seeping out from under the bowl.
That means the line is full, and flushing the toilet, the water really has no place to go.
A shower or tub on the same floor may show signs of backing up too.
It should be pointing down the overflow tube. This is what fills the bowl after the flush.
If the bowl is not filled prior to flushing, the first flush from the tank, merely fills the bowl, getting it ready for the next try.
The second cause, is normally an object in the trapway of the bowl that is slowing the siphon action of the flush.
This can be a toothbrush, pen, small toys, soap, or bottles.
Removing objects from the trapway will restore the suction needed for the siphon.
I sometimes use a “closet auger” with a fairly large end, about 1-3/8” in diameter.
The smaller augers or snakes will sometimes bypass the object and not move them out.
In some cases, I need to remove the bowl, looking into the exit of the bowl, and see what is there, sometimes running the auger in from the bottom, and pushing the object out the top of the bowl.
A trapway with tight bends, may have a lodged object at the top of the bend.
It’s pretty easy to get a pencil stuck there. A small mirror may help to locate it.
If you can’t remove objects, and sometimes you can’t, then replacing the bowl may be the only cure.
The third cause, would be plugged rim holes under the bowl lip.
If these have become plugged, then a wire coat hanger can unplug them.
The fourth cause, would be a main line backup. If that is the case, you might notice water seeping out from under the bowl.
That means the line is full, and flushing the toilet, the water really has no place to go.
A shower or tub on the same floor may show signs of backing up too.
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