Two questions... Low water pressure and cheap power cord

[WoodysGirl]

1) Might be a bit TMI, but the water pressure for my toilet is a bit low. Not quite flushing the way it should. Don't want to call a plumber because of the $55 service call. Any idea what I can do?


2) Power cord for my friend's 'puter is messed up. Any idea where she can find a relatively cheap one? She said she has a Toshiba Satellite. I've pointed her to newegg.com and overstock.com. Just trying to find more options.

[DallasCowpoke]

1) Might be a bit TMI, but the water pressure for my toilet is a bit low. Not quite flushing the way it should. Don't want to call a plumber because of the $55 service call. Any idea what I can do?

eat less roughage.

[WoodysGirl]

eat less roughage.
He he. Not. Everything flushes as it's supposed to. Just not flushing with the same amount of pressure.

[Yeagermeister]

1) Might be a bit TMI, but the water pressure for my toilet is a bit low. Not quite flushing the way it should. Don't want to call a plumber because of the $55 service call. Any idea what I can do?


2) Power cord for my friend's 'puter is messed up. Any idea where she can find a relatively cheap one? She said she has a Toshiba Satellite. I've pointed her to newegg.com and overstock.com. Just trying to find more options.

#1. Have you tried turning up the valve behind the toilet?

#2. She should be able to find an after market type of ac adapter at Best Buy that will work.

[DallasCowpoke]

He he. Not. Everything flushes as it's supposed to. Just not flushing with the same amount of pressure.

You try opening the spigot behind the commode, at the wall a turn or 2?

Remember, "righty tighty, lefty loosey". :p:

[big dog cowboy]

1) Might be a bit TMI, but the water pressure for my toilet is a bit low. Not quite flushing the way it should. Don't want to call a plumber because of the $55 service call. Any idea what I can do?


2) Power cord for my friend's 'puter is messed up. Any idea where she can find a relatively cheap one? She said she has a Toshiba Satellite. I've pointed her to newegg.com and overstock.com. Just trying to find more options.
1. Is this a new issue? Might just be a temporary thing. If it's been getting progressively worse, call a plumber and save the headache.

2. I agree with Yeag, Best Buy. Or Wally's.

[WoodysGirl]

#1. Have you tried turning up the valve behind the toilet?

#2. She should be able to find an after market type of ac adapter at Best Buy that will work.

You try opening the spigot behind the commode, at the wall a turn or 2?

Remember, "righty tighty, lefty loosey". :p:So basically if I tighten it a bit, the theory is that the pressure should rise a bit? I'll try the turn thing when I get home. The only time I've messed with those things is when the bowl cracked in my other bathroom and I had to turn the water off.

I'll tell her to check out Best Buy to see if they have one she can use.

1. Is this a new issue? Might just be a temporary thing. If it's been getting progressively worse, call a plumber and save the headache.

2. I agree with Yeag, Best Buy. Or Wally's.
New issue. When I got back home the other day, I noticed it. Wasn't doing it before I went out of town as far as I can recall. The toilet in my other bathroom flushes fine. Being brand new, it should.

After I turn the spigot thingy, I'll track it to see if it gets worse.

[DallasCowpoke]

So basically if I tighten it a bit, the theory is that the pressure should rise a bit?

No, open/loosen it.

$55 please. :p:

[WoodysGirl]

No, open/loosen it.

$55 please. :p:
Send me a bill and I'll make sure you get a check. :cool:

[Meat-O-Rama]

ebay for the power cord. dirt cheap.

[jksmith269]

WG sent you a PM, everyone telling you to turn up the volume so to speak on the water flow isn't correct if you have a fill tank system, now if you ahve a tankless system it could help but considering it's at home I'd bet on a tank...

[jksmith269]

and just so you guys know all turning up the water pressure to a fill tank does is help in the recovery time (time between flushes)

[joseephuss]

Opening the valve is not going to change anything. That only controls the supply to the tank and how fast the tank fills. Even if the valve were partially closed, it would still end up filling the tank.

You may need to adjust the float or the flapper within the tank. These control how much water goes into the bowl when you flush it.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.h2ouse.org/common/images/content/toilet-maintenance.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.h2ouse.org/action/details/action_element_contents.cfm%3FactionID%3D700508FF-670C-466F-9FCC9C1ADDE654DF%26elementID%3D5812B5A5-E0BE-4D14-A202C8DAE8CE491F&h=418&w=300&sz=17&tbnid=8gIDVVe6KRIJ::&tbnh=125&tbnw=90&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtoilet%2Bparts&hl=en&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=3&ct=image&cd=1

There are a few different types of floats and what not, so you may need to google which kind you have and how to adjust it.

[Yeagermeister]

and just so you guys know all turning up the water pressure to a fill tank does is help in the recovery time (time between flushes)

Opening the valve is not going to change anything. That only controls the supply to the tank and how fast the tank fills. Even if the valve were partially closed, it would still end up filling the tank.

You may need to adjust the float or the flapper within the tank. These control how much water goes into the bowl when you flush it.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.h2ouse.org/common/images/content/toilet-maintenance.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.h2ouse.org/action/details/action_element_contents.cfm%3FactionID%3D700508FF-670C-466F-9FCC9C1ADDE654DF%26elementID%3D5812B5A5-E0BE-4D14-A202C8DAE8CE491F&h=418&w=300&sz=17&tbnid=8gIDVVe6KRIJ::&tbnh=125&tbnw=90&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtoilet%2Bparts&hl=en&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=3&ct=image&cd=1

There are a few different types of floats and what not, so you may need to google which kind you have and how to adjust it.

I wasn't sure if that would help or not......thanks

[Hostile]

1) Might be a bit TMI, but the water pressure for my toilet is a bit low. Not quite flushing the way it should. Don't want to call a plumber because of the $55 service call. Any idea what I can do?If the water in your area has a lot of calcium in it (you know if there is white scale around shower heads and faucets) then it could be that the jets under the toilet rim are starting to clog up form calcium. This reduces the water pressue quit a bit. In fact if it's real bad you may need to flush more than once for everything to go down.

CLR works better than anything for removing calcium build up. Spray some up under the rim and pour some in the toilet tank and let it work for a half hour or so. Flush the toilet and see if there's improvement. If there is then you just need to really clean those jets. Regular treatments of CLR in the tank will help.

If this doesn't work my guess is that your float has breathed it's last. They are very easy to replace. No need to call a plumber. I can walk you through it.

[jksmith269]

If the water in your area has a lot of calcium in it (you know if there is white scale around shower heads and faucets) then it could be that the jets under the toilet rim are starting to clog up form calcium. This reduces the water pressue quit a bit. In fact if it's real bad you may need to flush more than once for everything to go down.

CLR works better than anything for removing calcium build up. Spray some up under the rim and pour some in the toilet tank and let it work for a half hour or so. Flush the toilet and see if there's improvement. If there is then you just need to really clean those jets. Regular treatments of CLR in the tank will help.

If this doesn't work my guess is that your float has breathed it's last. They are very easy to replace. No need to call a plumber. I can walk you through it.

Good job hostile, I completely brain farted on that, which is correct about the build up, but the float shouldn't have anything to do with the flush, other than the amount of water that goes into the tank. the flapper could be an issue, or it could be a blockage in the line.

I suggested to her to take a mop buckett of water and pour directly into the bowl if it goes down at normal speed then it's in the tank (ie the flapper or build up under the rim like you suggested) if it drains slow like it does when she flushes it's in the lines and other than trying some draino (shouldn't use often as it may damage some of the pipes after prolonged use) she will need a plumber... She doesn't have any trees near her so it shouldn't be roots growing into the line which if it's not and she's on city sewer it's more than likely just a small blockage...

[ologan]

Conserve water.......If it's yellow,let it mellow; If it's brown,flush it down!

[joseephuss]

Good job hostile, I completely brain farted on that, which is correct about the build up, but the float shouldn't have anything to do with the flush, other than the amount of water that goes into the tank. the flapper could be an issue, or it could be a blockage in the line.

I suggested to her to take a mop buckett of water and pour directly into the bowl if it goes down at normal speed then it's in the tank (ie the flapper or build up under the rim like you suggested) if it drains slow like it does when she flushes it's in the lines and other than trying some draino (shouldn't use often as it may damage some of the pipes after prolonged use) she will need a plumber... She doesn't have any trees near her so it shouldn't be roots growing into the line which if it's not and she's on city sewer it's more than likely just a small blockage...

That is good advice on the build up.

If the float is not properly working, then the tank will not fill to it's normal level. Less water in the tank means less water going through during each flush. Since it is a gravity system, less water in the tank also means less pressure. It most likely is the flapper and your proposed test is a good one.

[poke]

i was completely inrigued by the title of this thread....not often
i think of toilet pressure and electricity.
having said that i have 2 power cords which were shipped to me by mistake
for my hp laptop. i am pretty sure they were made to work on the toshiba.
i could send you one of them and if it works everybody will be happy and if it doesnt i would not need it sent back ( tired of them being in my way).
let me know if you would like one.

[Hostile]

Good job hostile, I completely brain farted on that, which is correct about the build up, but the float shouldn't have anything to do with the flush, other than the amount of water that goes into the tank. the flapper could be an issue, or it could be a blockage in the line.

I suggested to her to take a mop buckett of water and pour directly into the bowl if it goes down at normal speed then it's in the tank (ie the flapper or build up under the rim like you suggested) if it drains slow like it does when she flushes it's in the lines and other than trying some draino (shouldn't use often as it may damage some of the pipes after prolonged use) she will need a plumber... She doesn't have any trees near her so it shouldn't be roots growing into the line which if it's not and she's on city sewer it's more than likely just a small blockage...Out here because of the hard water the float can get saturated and "too heavy" and quit working as efficiently and it loses pressure. That is rare. It is usually those holes under the rim clogging up.

[WoodysGirl]

So I poured a bucket of water down the toilet and it went down normal (fast) like it's supposed to. I cleaned the bowl with some regular cleaner after pouring the bucket of water. Flushed and it filled up normal. Flushed again and it was slow going.

So does that mean it's the flapper (float) thingy, now? I don't have any CLR at the moment. I've got some Lime Away spray. Not sure that'll do any good, tho.

Anyway, what do I do now? Do I need to go buy a new one. I've seen them in Home depot and they don't look complicated to replace.

Oh and thanks everyone for all of your help, too. I really appreciate it and I'm sure it's helping others who might run into the same problem.

[the kid 05]

http://www.amadvance.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/SFV/32439/vpid/4014424/vpcsid/0/rid/126152 15 bucks for a replacement ;)

http://www.google.com/products?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=Toshiba+Satellite+power+cord&um=1&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title for more options

[jksmith269]

one more thing to try first... take the top off the tank and the chain that goes to a flapper in the bottom of the fill tank pull it up so that it flushes the toilet. if the water flow is the same (slow flush) it's build up and getting some good cleaner like hostile suggested is the way to go... if it's a normal flush (full flow of water into the bowl) then your best bet is to replace the flapper if it where me I'd replace the entire guts. and it's not to hard to do and fairly cheap around 15 bucks...

[WoodysGirl]

one more thing to try first... take the top off the tank and the chain that goes to a flapper in the bottom of the fill tank pull it up so that it flushes the toilet. if the water flow is the same (slow flush) it's build up and getting some good cleaner like hostile suggested is the way to go... if it's a normal flush (full flow of water into the bowl) then your best bet is to replace the flapper if it where me I'd replace the entire guts. and it's not to hard to do and fairly cheap around 15 bucks...
Ok, I did what you suggested and it's still a slow flush, so a good cleaner seems to be the best way to go. At least for now.

BTW, the tank is filling up normal. The bowl fills up normal. It just never empties normal. The water gets kinda high.

[the kid 05]

Ok, I did what you suggested and it's still a slow flush, so a good cleaner seems to be the best way to go. At least for now.

BTW, the tank is filling up normal. The bowl fills up normal. It just never empties normal. The water gets kinda high.

sounds like you have some sort of clog in your pipes

[Rowdy]

You just gotta love CZ.com. We are a cornucopia of knowledge.

[Hostile]

Ok, I did what you suggested and it's still a slow flush, so a good cleaner seems to be the best way to go. At least for now.

BTW, the tank is filling up normal. The bowl fills up normal. It just never empties normal. The water gets kinda high.I'm sure that it is the jets under the rim based on what you say here.

[WoodysGirl]

I put some CLR plumber stuff in the bowl and it didn't work. I'm mad cuz the CLR stuff was $10. All the other liquid drain stuff said not to put it in the toilet, so I didn't buy it.

[joseephuss]

I think it is time for you to buy a new home. That should solve your problems.

[WoodysGirl]

I think it is time for you to buy a new home. That should solve your problems.
I could use the insurance money to get it after it floods from the plumbing problem.

[Hostile]

I put some CLR plumber stuff in the bowl and it didn't work. I'm mad cuz the CLR stuff was $10. All the other liquid drain stuff said not to put it in the toilet, so I didn't buy it.Spray the CLR up under the rim and if you have to, scrub it with a brillo pad. Don't worry, no one can pee up under that rim. You need to put the CLR in the tank, not the bowl.

[WoodysGirl]

Spray the CLR up under the rim and if you have to, scrub it with a brillo pad. Don't worry, no one can pee up under that rim. You need to put the CLR in the tank, not the bowl.
Ok. I'll buy the regular CLR stuff for $3.99 today. It's just in a bottle with no spray nozzle. I'll figure out a way to spray it up there, tho. I think I have an empty bottle of Lime Away.

[trickblue]

Don't worry, no one can pee up under that rim.

Apparently you've never seen her pee...

[WoodysGirl]

Apparently you've never seen her pee...
I haven't quite mastered the art of aiming, yet.

[joseephuss]

Apparently you've never seen her pee...

It is called back splash.

[poke]

I haven't quite mastered the art of aiming, yet.

most men havent either !! oops did i just say that...sorry guys the secret is out

[Hostile]

Ok. I'll buy the regular CLR stuff for $3.99 today. It's just in a bottle with no spray nozzle. I'll figure out a way to spray it up there, tho. I think I have an empty bottle of Lime Away.Let the CLR soak for a while. It will eat away more calcium than elbow grease will clean. If you have a small mirror you can actually hold it and look up at the jets and see whether they are clogging or not.

[DallasCowpoke]

If you have a small mirror you can actually hold it and look up at the jets and see whether they are clogging or not.

In some states, that could get you 3-5.

[WoodysGirl]

Just a quick update. I finally bought some CLR yesterday. I poured some in the reservoir, let it sit for a few hours, flushed, and voila, it's flushing properly again.

Didn't spray any under the rim of the bowl, but just putting some in the reservoir worked.

Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.

[Hostile]

Just a quick update. I finally bought some CLR yesterday. I poured some in the reservoir, let it sit for a few hours, flushed, and voila, it's flushing properly again.

Didn't spray any under the rim of the bowl, but just putting some in the reservoir worked.

Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.:shades: