How to Unclog Your Slow-Draining Toilet in Egg Harbor Township

A slow-draining toilet is not quite a full-blown emergency, but that sluggish swirl of water can signal a bigger problem brewing beneath the surface of your South Jersey home.

A completely stopped toilet is an obvious disaster that will have you reaching for your plunger, but a slow-draining one may puzzle you. It often indicates a problem in your drain line or another part of your plumbing, and fixing it requires more effort. 

At Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we have served customers from Marmora and Upper Township through Avalon , Ocean City, and Cape May, NJ for over a century. We know the unique plumbing quirks of coastal living, and we are here to help you understand what might be causing your slow-draining toilet and what steps you can take before calling for professional help.

Should You DIY Toilet Issues?

Our suggestions will help you understand what can cause slow draining and how to approach a DIY repair, but remember, your plumbing system is complex. If you are unsure about your skills, do not have the correct tools, or worry about causing more damage, do not hesitate to call our pros at Broadley’s.

We are a phone call or online click away and can diagnose and repair your slow-draining toilet before it worsens.

Knowing the problem is helpful, but making it worse through botched DIY efforts can lead to an inoperable toilet and a more costly repair.

Why Your Toilet Is Slow

A toilet that drains slowly typically points to one of these common issues:

• Drain Line Clog: An object or waste accumulation partially obstructs the pipe, preventing wastewater from flowing freely.
• Clog Between the Tank and Bowl: Sometimes, the issue is not in the drain but in the toilet’s internal mechanism.
• Clogged Vent: The vents atop your roof plays a significant role in your toilet’s drainage.
• Damaged Flush Mechanism: A mechanical issue within the tank can cause slow drainage.

Let’s take a closer look at each cause for slow drainage.

Drain Line Obstruction

Something is partially blocking the pipe. It could be anything from human waste and excessive toilet paper to non-flushable hygiene products and even small toys.

Try using a toilet plunger to dislodge the blockage. If that does not work, cautiously try these DIY approaches:

Water and Soap: If you have a newer toilet, try pouring a gallon of hot—not boiling—water into the bowl. The water pressure should cause the toilet to flush and may move the blockage further down the line and out of the drain. Squirt some dish soap into the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes before flushing and plunging again. 

Do not use this method with an old porcelain toilet. The hot water can cause the bowl to crack and leak, creating a mess in your Egg Harbor Township home. Also, refrain from using harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes and toilet.

Toilet Auger: This plumbing snake has a protective covering to prevent porcelain scratching. If you feel comfortable using this tool, feed it into the toilet trap until you hit the obstruction. Crank the auger’s handle to break the clog or pull it out.

Tank-to-Bowl Clog

The sudden rush of water from the tank to the bowl creates pressure that pushes waste through the drain. The toilet will drain slowly if the water does not flow quickly and powerfully from the tank to the bowl.

Flush your toilet and look for weak or slow water flow under the rim. Over time, the small inlet holes under your toilet rim can accumulate mineral deposits, lime buildup, or mildew, which is especially common with the Jersey Shore’s hard water. The accumulation restricts water flow into the bowl, reducing the flushing pressure.

You can try some gentle DIY solutions. Start by turning off the water and flushing the tank to empty it. Carefully poke a stiff wire, such as a coat hanger, through the inlet holes under the rim. Pour a cup of white vinegar into the tank’s overflow tube and let it sit for an hour to dissolve mineral buildup. Be gentle to avoid damaging the porcelain.

If these DIY efforts do not work, it is time to call Broadley’s.

Clogged Vent

The plumbing vents on your roof allow air to enter your plumbing system as water flows down, preventing a vacuum effect that would otherwise stop drainage. They also release noxious sewer gases and odors safely outside your home.

However, blockages can occur in these vents, slowing drainage and introducing sewer gases into your home. Leaves, bird nests, animals, snow, and ice can obstruct a vent.

If more than one toilet or drain in your home is slow, or you notice persistent sewage smells, a clogged vent could be the culprit.

Inspecting and clearing a vent pipe is not a DIY job for most homeowners in Egg Harbor Township. It requires a knowledge of your plumbing system and the ability to work safely with plumbing tools high off the ground.

Our Broadley’s plumbers are licensed, insured, and experienced in working with vents and sewer gases. Call us if you suspect a vent issue.

Damaged Flush Mechanism

The flush mechanism connects to your toilet handle and lifts the rubber stopper that lets water into the bowl. If this stopper, also called a flapper, does not lift high enough or stay open long enough, the water will not rush into the bowl with sufficient force and will cause slow drainage.

Start your DIY fix by removingthe tank lid and flushing the toilet. Watch the flapper. Is the chain too long or tangled? Is the flapper opening fully and then closing too quickly? If the chain is too slack, remove links until it is taut.

If the entire flush mechanism looks damaged, you can buy a new one at any hardware store and follow the installation instructions included with its packaging.

Not interested in this DIY fix? Our Broadley’s plumbers can quickly replace the flush mechanism, restoring your toilet in no time.

Call the Plumbing Experts in Egg Harbor Township

If your toilet drains slowly after trying these steps, or you suspect a deeper issue, like a main sewer line clog, it is time to call the professionals at Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

We have assisted homeowners throughout Cape May and Atlantic counties with plumbing services for generations. Our skilled technicians have the advanced tools to accurately diagnose and clear even the toughest clogs, including those in your main sewer line. Let us handle your plumbing issues while you enjoy life on the Jersey Shore. Call us at 609-222-4003 or request service online.