Flushing failure solutions

Q: What’s wrong with my toilet? Half the time it can’t even flush away a piece of toilet paper! I’ve tried a plunger without success. The toilet is one of the older models, not a water-saver.

A: There are several reasons why toilets can become lazy flushers as time goes by. Sometimes a partial blockage of the drain line is to blame. A clogged vent pipe can also be the mysterious cause of poor flushing. But from what I've seen, there's another cause that’s more likely. As toilets age, mineral deposits can build up inside them, changing the shape of the internal passages and causing trouble. This is particularly likely in your case since the downstairs toilet works fine. Given the fact that your troublesome toilet is an old, water-hogging model, I'd recommend replacement with a low-flow toilet. Have a plumber come in and check the pipe and vents beforehand, but don't be surprised if they look okay. You might think that a toilet should last forever, but they don’t always endure.