Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Help!!Toilet bowl won't hold water!
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bluetarp6
06-28-04, 07:30 AM
What is going on!! Toilet tank holds water, toilet flushes but water in bowl slowly seeps away. Floor is dry around toilet and line is not plugged.
majakdragon
06-28-04, 11:26 AM
More information is needed.
Does the water completely drain out over a period of time or does it reach a certain level and stay?
Is this a second floor toilet?
First floor toilet? If so,
Are you on a slab foundation? Crawlspace?
Some problems you may be incountering,
SOMETHING is causing a vaccum(plugged vent) and allowing the water to be sucked out of the toilet trap when another drain fixture is used.
One way you can check for a plugged vent is to flush the toilet, when it fills and the tank shuts off turn on hot and cold water in the closest fixture to the toilet(sink, tub), then watch the water level in the toilet to see if it moves. If this is the problem it should happen quickly(within 2 or 3 min).
Check the vent where it sticks up through the roof and look for obstructions(birds nest ect..)Look into the vent with a flashlight to see if obstruction is further down.
If so you can use a water hose to try and flush the pipe.You can also use a plumbers snake to try and pull any SOLID objects back out(rubber ball ect...)
Problem could also be that there is a crack in the trap of the toilet its self and the water is slowly running down the drain (lucky you ).In this case the toilet will have to be replaced due to the fact that the trap seal is being broken and allowing any sewer gases to enter the house.
Also if there is any crack in the toilet it presents a dangerous situation to anyone who uses it.
These are not the only causes but are things you can check for yourself.
Good luck and post back.
Does the water completely drain out over a period of time or does it reach a certain level and stay?
Is this a second floor toilet?
First floor toilet? If so,
Are you on a slab foundation? Crawlspace?
Some problems you may be incountering,
SOMETHING is causing a vaccum(plugged vent) and allowing the water to be sucked out of the toilet trap when another drain fixture is used.
One way you can check for a plugged vent is to flush the toilet, when it fills and the tank shuts off turn on hot and cold water in the closest fixture to the toilet(sink, tub), then watch the water level in the toilet to see if it moves. If this is the problem it should happen quickly(within 2 or 3 min).
Check the vent where it sticks up through the roof and look for obstructions(birds nest ect..)Look into the vent with a flashlight to see if obstruction is further down.
If so you can use a water hose to try and flush the pipe.You can also use a plumbers snake to try and pull any SOLID objects back out(rubber ball ect...)
Problem could also be that there is a crack in the trap of the toilet its self and the water is slowly running down the drain (lucky you ).In this case the toilet will have to be replaced due to the fact that the trap seal is being broken and allowing any sewer gases to enter the house.
Also if there is any crack in the toilet it presents a dangerous situation to anyone who uses it.
These are not the only causes but are things you can check for yourself.
Good luck and post back.
bluetarp6
06-28-04, 11:53 AM
Thank you for replying so soon.........The water drains out, can see none when doing the visual. Basement toilet on slab. The toilet has been snaked and nothing found. I will give your other suggestions a go before assuming the toilet needs to be replaced, as the plummer thinks after scratching his head over and over and asking another plummer and not checking the vent.
Again, I thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Again, I thank you!!!!!!!!!!!