When you flush the toilet, it should immediately begin draining out with a loud swooshing noise. However, if the water doesn’t empty within a few seconds, you should call a plumber. Here are three possible causes for a slow-draining toilet that require professional attention.

What’s Wrong With My Toilet Drain? 

1. Flapper Issues

Toilets have flappers that seal off the water tank once the bowl is full after a flush. If the chain attaching the flush mechanism to the flapper is too long, it may not seal, and the toilet won’t drain. A plumber can adjust the chain to the correct length. 

2. Accumulated Mineral Deposits

Water often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium carbonate that can build up and create stains in the toilet. Remove the tank lid and look at the water line. Is it orange or brown? Homes with hard water that is especially mineral-rich are more likely to experience this issue; you may even notice it on a light-colored sink or tub. The buildup may limit the amount of water that can enter the tank, causing the float to close before the bowl is fully empty. A plumber can clean the inside of the tank to remove these deposits and speed up the draining process.

3. Broken Wax Ring

When you flush, waste swirls down the bowl into a series of pipes that go through a trap in the floor. This trap is surrounded by a wax ring that creates a barrier between the sewer line and the toilet. When the wax ring is no longer sealing properly, you may smell sewage in the bathroom and experience slow draining. A plumber can replace the old ring for a new one. After this swap, you should no longer smell an odor, and drainage should improve.

If your toilet isn’t draining quickly, contact Sandollar Services in Port Aransas, TX. Their technicians offer HVAC and plumbing services including installing, cleaning, and repairing heaters, air conditioners, and plumbing systems. Call the experienced plumbers at (361) 749-4274 or visit the website for information on their expert team, top-notch equipment, and fair pricing.