Slow Draining Toilet? Here’s What is Going On

January 20, 2021 · 4 min read

No, you’re not crazy, your toilet really is not working like it’s supposed to! A slow draining toilet is a common problem for many folks and there are a few potential causes for this problem. Let’s talk about it, get it fixed up sooner than later so you can stop worrying! This time on the Economy Plumbing Services blog, we’re answering what causes a slow draining toilet.

When a toilet isn’t draining correctly, it isn’t operating as effectively and efficiently as it should be. This can cause a whole mess of problems down the line (pun intended). So let’s address it now before it gets worse.

There are a number of different reasons for why your toilet might be draining or flushing slowly, not all of them terribly complex, but not all easy either. But there is always a reason. And when there’s a reason, there’s a fix.

Four Most Common Reasons for a Slow Draining Toilet

Not Enough Water

When you press the flusher on the toilet, you’re opening up a flapper that allows water to flow from the back tank into the bowl itself. This creates downward suction in the flush. If, for whatever reason, there’s not enough water in that tank it won’t create the right amount of suction.

So, what do you do?

You’ll want to make sure your tank is filling up with water, up to about an inch, an inch and a half below the drain pipe. Lower than that and your flush will be weak. You might also have low water pressure, valves that aren’t fitting correctly or assemblies that aren’t keeping a seal can all mess with the water available. If your components aren’t fitting quite right your friendly neighborhood plumber can take care of it for you! (*ahem* that’s us!)

Mineral Build-Up

Specifically mineral build-up around the ol’ jet holes! Jet holes are the holes on the underside of the toilet’s rim. During a flush, water is shot through the holes. Because of their location (underside of the toilet rim and out of sight) and their relatively small size they are easy to forget about when it comes to cleaning! Over time minerals can build up around the holes and causing a blockage, slowing down the flush.

The jet holes are the holes on the underside of your toilet’s rim. Water shoots out of the jet holes during a flush. Toilet jet holes are small and out-of-sight, which means they tend to be very easy to forget about. They’re also easy to forget to clean. If you don’t clean your toilets’ jet holes frequently enough, minerals can build-up around them. Over time, these mineral build-ups could block water flow–and slow down your flush.

Use distilled white vinegar and a small stiff bristle toilet brush to break up the buildup around jet holes. First, spray the build-up with the white vinegar. Let the vinegar sit for thirty minutes. Then, simply use the brush to scrub the build-up away. Make sure to wear gloves while you do this!

Flapper Valve Troubles

The flapper valve is the rubber stopper located at the bottom of the toilet bowl. It covers the passage that leads from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. Whenever you depress the toilet handle, you’re lifting the flapper and uncovering this passage. Water flows from the tank to the bowl through the passage you’ve just uncovered, triggering the flush.

Just like everything else, flapper valves wear out over time. If the flapper wears out, it may not be able to cover the passage between the tank and bowl. Some water will leak from the tank to the bowl constantly, which will weaken the flush. It’s relatively easy to replace a flapper yourself, or you could have your plumber do it.

And of Course… Clogged Drains

Clogged drains affect all the water-using appliances in your home, including your toilet. A backup in any pipe or drain will slow the movement of water throughout your home. The easiest way to fix this (and avoid it long term) is to invest in regular professional drain cleaning.

Clogged drains often happen when someone accidentally flushes something down a drain that they shouldn’t. Pay close attention to what you’re flushing down your drains. Don’t treat your drains like a garbage can–especially your toilets.

Oct 13, 2026

How to Respond Quickly When a Major Pipe Burst Occurs

A major pipe burst can flood your Tucson, AZ home in minutes. Stay calm, act fast, and call an emergency plumber once you've stopped the flow. How to Deal With a Major Pipe Burst, Fast Protect Your Family If you've got small children or pets nearby, get them out of the affected area right away. Either the water itself or an electrical issue could endanger them, and they won't know how to stay out of your way or keep themselves safe. Shut Off the Water Head straight to your home's main shutoff valve: don't worry about assessing the damage or grabbing any belongings yet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. In most homes this valve is in the basement near the water heater, by the front foundation wall, or where the main line enters from the street. Turn Off the Electricity If the burst is near any outlets, lights, or appliances, turn off power to those areas at your breaker box. Only do this if you can reach the panel safely without stepping in deep water. If it feels risky, leave it alone and wait for help. Drain Remaining Water from the Pipes With the main water supply off, open all the cold-water faucets in the house and flush the toilets once. This relieves pressure and empties the lines so there's less water to keep spraying from the burst spot. Leave the faucets open until the flow slows to a drip. Document Everything Before Cleanup Get photos and videos of the damage right after you've stopped the water. You'll want evidence of the burst pipe, your wet floors, any affected walls and furniture, and damage to any belongings. You will need this for your insurance claim later, and the insurance companies will need proof that the damage came from this burst pipe rather than something else. Move Belongings and Contain the Water Lift rugs and move electronics, furniture, and important papers out of the wet zone. If the water is spreading, roll up towels or use plastic sheeting to block doorways and keep it from reaching other rooms. Work fast but safely. Don't carry heavy, soaked items if they're too heavy for you, and focus on irreplaceable items first, like photos, electronics, and documents. Call a Tucson, AZ Emergency Plumber Don't wait if water is involved, because every minute you lose is another minute for mold to grow or a new problem to develop. A good emergency plumber can isolate the problem, make a temporary repair if it's after hours, and plan for a permanent fix as soon as possible while coordinating with a restoration team. Start Removing Standing Water While you wait for the plumber, use mops, towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or buckets to get water off the floor. The faster you remove it, the less it soaks into subfloors or walls. Open the windows and run fans to improve airflow if the weather allows. Your aim is getting the area as dry as possible. You've got this. Act fast, and call us at Economy Plumbing Service, LLC at 520-885-3510 for the best emergency plumbing service in Tucson.

Sep 03, 2026

Tankless or Traditional: What’s the Best Water Heater Option for Your Home?

The decision between tankless and traditional models for replacement water heaters in Tucson can make a real difference in your daily comfort and long-term costs. Let's take a closer look at how each type works, which will help you pick the right fit for your household. Traditional Heaters Traditional tank-style water heaters store a set amount of water, usually 40 to 80 gallons, in an insulated tank and keep it hot constantly using either gas or electricity. When you turn on the faucet, hot water flows from the tank while cold water refills it at the bottom. Tankless Heaters These heaters only give you hot water when you need it. Cold water passes through a heat exchanger inside the compact unit, and out comes hot water, nearly instantly. Pros of Both Let's consider the pros of the traditional heaters first: They're cheaper up front Installation is simpler because most homes already have the connections in place When it needs replacing, it's simple and often same-day They can handle a high flow rate (lots of usage simultaneously) The pros list for the tankless heater is also enticing: Less wasted energy from water being heated when it's not needed No running out of water, no matter how many people take showers Longer tank lifespan Takes up less space Cons of Both Here's the downsides to be aware of with traditional heaters: They use more energy (much more, in some cases) They run out of hot water, and you have to wait while they refill They're bulky and need more room for placement They need to be replaced sooner than tankless As for tankless heaters, be aware that: Installation costs are usually higher Initial purchase price is higher Flow rate is lower unless you invest in a bigger (or multiple) units Scale can form inside the heat exchanger faster than in a tank model Best Water Heaters in Tucson: Local Factors There are a few local factors that might also influence your decision. We have hard water, so that means scaling is more of an issue. Both types of heaters need to be flushed to prevent buildup, but the tankless might need it more often. We've also already got high energy bills with the hot summers we have here, so trimming that with a tankless model can make a big difference over time. Tankless water heaters pay for themselves in energy savings in about seven years, and if you take care of your model, it can last up to 20.If you're still weighing the options for your specific setup, give us a call at Economy Plumbing Service LLC here in Tucson at 520-885-3510. We're a family-owned business with more than seventeen years of honest, no-pressure service here in Tucson. We'll walk through your usage, space, and water conditions to help you choose the heater that actually fits your home and lifestyle. We also serve clients in Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, Green Valley, and surrounding areas.

Gas line repair and inspection in Pima County, AZ.

Aug 06, 2026

Are Your Gas Lines in Safe? Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.