Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

Five Reasons Why Your Toilet Water Level Is Low

10 September 2020

Herbert Chambers

Low water levels in your toilet can make it difficult to properly flush away waste. There are five common reasons why this problem occurs.

1. Sewer Clog

A clog in the sewer line can lead to low water levels. Typically, the bowl will seem to flush slower than usual. It may fill up with water nearly to the rim, and then the water level will drop as you would expect. The only issue is that the water doesn't refill the bowl all the way. Having the main drain cleared and flushed will remove any blockages so that your toilet functions properly again.

2. Cracked bowl

Small hairline cracks in the bowl may not be immediately obvious, so a low water level may be your first clue. Water can seep out through a crack and collect on the floor, but sometimes it drains through floorboard cracks before you notice it. Often, the lower water level from a crack is most noticeable when the toilet hasn't been used for several hours, such as first thing in the morning. A replacement toilet will be necessary.

3. Damaged Floor Seal

The floor seals around the base of the toilet is also called a wax ring. If this seal fails, then water will leak from the base of the toilet. This water sometimes becomes trapped between the floorboards so you may not notice standing water in the bathroom, just a lower water level in the bowl. The toilet may also move or seem unsteady, or water damage may appear on the ceiling in the room below the bathroom. Fortunately, the seal can be replaced.

4. Blocked Vent

There are vents on your roof that allow air to escape the sewer lines so that the wastewater can flow properly. Without proper air flow and venting, the toilet bowl may not empty and fill properly, which can result in low bowl water levels. The culprit is usually debris, like dead leaves or even a bird nest. Your plumber can remove the debris and install a screen so future blockages don't occur.

5. Broken Fill Tube

The fill tube is inside the tank of your toilet. If the tube becomes damaged for any reason, then it may not fill your tank as it should. There is also a valve attached to the tube, which is the device that controls the water level the tube provides. A malfunctioning valve can also affect the operation of the fill tube. Replacement of these components solves the problem.

Contact a plumber immediately if you are having problems with the water level in your toilet.

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