EcoFlush toilets are known for their exceptional flushing ability, and it can be worrying when your EcoFlush toilet is not doing its job correctly. What causes this?
If your EcoFlush toilet is not flushing properly, it could be due to low water pressure or a kink in the supply hose. Other causes include a clogged filter screen or a mineral build-up.
In this article, I’ll dive deep into each possible cause for an EcoFlush toilet not flushing, and I’ll also provide some useful solutions. Let’s get started!
1. Low Water Pressure
EcoFlush toilets have a similar design to regular toilets. However, unlike normal gravity-aided toilet systems, the EcoFlush system has additional chambers that allow the unit to trap air as water fills the tank.
These chambers are part of a larger tank installed in the cistern. As water fills the cavity, the air is compressed inside the chambers. This is aided by the rising water volume. When flushed, the compressed air gives the water some juice on its way out of the tank and into the toilet bowl.
Your EcoFlush system can now flush with less water and a lot of power.
However, for this to work, there must be adequate water pressure to compress the air, and manufacturers recommend a water pressure of about 30-120 psi (206.8-827.4 kPa). If your EcoFlush toilet doesn’t have enough water pressure, it won’t be able to flush as it should.
How To Fix
To fix your EcoFlush toilet’s low-pressure problem, you should check the water level in the tank. If it is too low, you should follow these steps to fix it:
Remove the toilet tank lid.
To increase the water level, adjust the float in the tank.
For a ball float, locate the screw in the fill valve and turn it in a clockwise direction.
Check for leakages in the fill and flush valve. A plumber can fix and repair the toilet incase of leaks.
Check for clogs in the holes inside your toilet rim.
2. Kink in the Supply Hose
If the shut-off valve is properly adjusted and the supply hose is properly installed, it’s easy to overlook a tiny kink in the hose itself. A kinked hose has a sharp twist along its length that can cut off the tank’s water supply.
The water will not flow into the tank if there’s a kink on your supply hose. One way to check this is to feel the hose gently with your thumb and index finger. Sharp twists along the supply hose are hard to miss.
How To Fix
If you find a kink in the supply line, you will have to replace it with a new one. Here is how you do it:
Turn off the water supply.
Use a crescent wrench to screw the supply line fittings.
Replace the kinked line with a new one and tighten it in place.
Turn the water back on to check if it’s leaking.
The line should have a loop and not sharp bends.
As you check the supply hose for kinking, try the flush lever to see if it allows more water into the system. Kinks aren’t impossible to eliminate. However, you may need to replace the supply hose if it prevents the water from getting into the unit.
3. Clogged Filter Screen
As you may have guessed, the filter screen prevents dirt and debris from getting into the tank, where it can gradually build up and cause damage. Taking apart such a delicate item from a sensitive EcoFlush system takes different approaches depending on the system’s design. Be sure to check for instructions on how to clean the filter screen in the manual.
However, I recommend seeking professional help if you can’t take apart the filter screen or if it’s too damaged to be used.
How To Fix
Fixing a clogged filter screen calls for a keen eye to avoid accidental damage to your unit. If you’re up to the task, use this guide:
Turn off the water supply.
Remove the tank lid.
Unfasten the hose from the flush valve and remove it using an adjustable wrench.
Remove the filter from its housing by grasping it with needle nose pliers.
Clean the filter using running tap water. You can also use a soft brush if necessary.
Return the filter to its housing and gently push it to lock it in place.
Fasten the hose and reconnect the water supply.
4. Mineral Build-Up
At some point in its years of service, your EcoFlush toilet may fall victim to extreme mineral deposit build-ups that can cause clogging problems. Some toilets may develop serious mineral build-up that prevents the valve from closing properly.
Common causes of a mineral build-up include living in an area with hard water, or using a groundwater source for your toilet.
The worst part about mineral build-up is that it does not only clog the water supply hose, but also other parts of your home’s pipework and seals shut tiny spaces in the shut-off valve. This can block off any water running into the tank.
How To Fix
Check the shut-off valve for white residue if your toilet isn’t flushing because this is a sign of mineral build-up in the pipes.
The best way to address this problem is to clean your toilet regularly, and use a soft water supply. Salt water softener systems can also eliminate hard water and provide plenty of fresh water for your home.
You should also consider occasionally flushing the pipes with a vinegar solution mixed with baking soda.
Important Things To Keep in Mind
Most of us have experienced problems with our toilets at some point. In most cases, simple solutions are available to get your toilet working again in no time.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before attempting to fix your EcoFlush toilet:
Always turn off the water supply and flush the toilet before attempting to access the EcoFlush system interior.
Avoid lubricants, corrosive disinfectants, and deodorants in the toilet tank.
When replacing the flush valve cartridge, use the correct tools provided.
Not all toilets are compatible with the EcoFlush system. Ensure that yours has been designed to accept the pressure-actuated tanks.
Seek expert help if needed. Some plumbing issues are better left to professionals with the skills and expertise to fix them. Attempting to fix your EcoFlush system without a clear idea of what to do may result in more damage.
Conclusion
When your EcoFlush toilet isn’t flushing properly, it can be very concerning. Common reasons why an EcoFlush toilet doesn’t flush as it should include:
