I am having problems flushing an American Standard toilet - is it the bowl...water pressure...something else?

Question

The tank is American Standard Model #4112. In order for the toilet to flush, I have to completely hold down the handle until the toilet completely finishes flushing. If I release the handle early, the water stops going down. The tank fills fine, but slowly. Could this be a water pressure issue? It has a lot of trouble getting anything more than a few pieces of toilet paper down. Someone suggested getting a pressure-assisted toilet. I am fine buying a new toilet, but just wanted to make sure first that the problem isn't something that's fixable. I think the tank is just screwed.

Answer 1

it could be the chain that lift the rubber closure plug is to tight and not allowing it to drop enough ... that is probably what is wrong. If the chain cannot be given any slack... you can purchase just that part at a home improvement store or hardware store. Cost is less than $10.00, for you to repair yourself.. directions on package and not hard to do.

Answer 2

If the tank is at the proper water level and the flapper is properly adjusted to allow a full flush, there usually aren't problems with clogs. Some toilets do not have the trapway fully coated with porcelin and it causes a "drag" when soilds are flushed. Some have smaller outlet holes which can cause problems. I have seen them from 1-1/2" to 2-3/8". Cost does not always equate to good flushes either. An American Standard Cadet for $100 does a great job.

Answer 3

American Standard Toilet Handle

Answer 4

It sounds like the handle may not be pulling the flapper up high enough. This could happen if the chain initially has a lot of slack and nothing starts to happen until you almost have the handle all the way down.



Take the lid of the tank and watch what is going on when you flush. As you push the handle, the flapper should lift way up, and likely pause in that openned condition on until most of the water is out of the tank. If it is slamming back closed as soon as you let go of the handle, then it sounds like something is wrong with the flapper and you should try to replace it.

Answer 5

Check the flapper valve in the tank. There should only be about 1/4" of slack in the chain when it is closed. It should be nearly vertical when it is open and in the water. It should close only when nearly all of the water has left the tank. If the chain is tight enough then you need a new flapper valve.



Bert

Answer 6

It sounds to me like you are having a problem with the flapper thing not working properly. Or, do you have a high enough water level in the tank? Both problems are easy and cheep to fix. Hollar if you have any questions. Mel