[Solved] Toto ST243E Not Flushing Fully - Clean the JET

[Zane Bridgers]

[Solved by cleaning jet, see responses and OP post below]

Our Toto began to not flush consistently about 6 months ago. It has gradually gotten worse to the point where you have to hold the handle down til the tank is totally drained, and sometimes it still doesn't flush. The fill valve appears to be working perfectly, and it seems to be draining about 1/3 of the tank per flush, which sounds in spec. We DO have hard water and scale build up in the bottom of the bowl.

Here's a video:

Sounds like it's likely something in the traps vs a flush issue?

I saw recommendations of using an 1-3/8" closet auger. Can someone link to one of these? Or any oversized head auger?

Is there a way to know if the main is clogged vs the trap in the toilet itself? It's a ground level toilet that goes directly out the wall to the septic. I suppose I could check one of the outdoor clean outs and see if there's standing water in there?

Appreciate any help! Thanks in advance!

 

[Reach4]

When things get slow, try taking a 5 gallon bucket with water. Pour the water into the bowl from as high as you can, and as fast as you dare. See if the deluge moves things along.

Your siphon jet could be limed up, and that will make flushing worse.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Peterson]

Take a small screwdriver and scrape out all of the minerals in the jet at the bottom of the bowl and off the bottom of the trapway. if that siphon jet is clogged, or partially clogged, the toilet bowl will not flush properly.

 

[Zane Bridgers]

AMAZING!!! That was in fact the problem! I emptied the bowl with a turkey baster after turning off the valve, let some CLR cleaner soak for a few hours, then scraped and dug in there with a flathead screwdriver and scrub pad, then let white vinegar soak overnight.

I was shocked at how much mineral buildup was in the jet! It flushed perfectly this morning. For those confused, the jet can be hard to see just looking in the bowl, but it's directly across from the trap opening where things flush down the toilet. You have to drain the bowl of water to access it.

Thank you so much to everyone on here! What an amazing resource this forum continues to be.