Ask the Expert 
PLUMBING ISSUES
QUESTION: I have one toilet in my home that never flushes properly; all of the water doesn't empty but it fills up and there is still tissue and matter floating although it will flush when a pail of water is dumped down it while flushing. There is lots of water pressure though. Also, my dishwasher doesn't pump out all the dirty water and just keeps washing with the dirty water and the jet spinners don't turn after a few uses. I unhook the drain and hook it back up and it will work for a while and then goes back into it's usual not washing and pumping out properly mode. I think these two problems with the toilet and the dishwasher may be related. What do you think? Do i need a plumber?
-- Deb van der Holst from St. Marys, ON
ANSWER:
It looks like you have two individual problems. My suggestion is to have a plumber repair the toilet and then observe the situation with the dishwasher. Here’s why.
The toilet’s rim jets may be old, calcified or partially blocked (especially if your toilet is old and the water in your area is hard). Or there could be an obstruction, like a bowl cleaning tablet, stuck in between the tank and bowl that is not allowing a flush to occur. Not enough water is being released at once to produce the flush velocity required.
The dishwasher dilemma may be a problem with the appliance – not the plumbing. If the sink drains well and if there is a garbage disposal that also drains well, it may be buildup in the internal piping of the appliance. A plumber could take a look and let you know before you call an appliance repair company or buy a new dishwasher.
Expert's Bio
Jim Jennette is an expert in the plumbing industry and works at the Mr. Rooter Corporation. With more than 20 years of plumbing experience, he is knowledgeable in many areas including installation of plumbing, piping and fixtures. Jim is also skilled in garbage disposals, water heaters and boilers as well as pipe bursting and relining, which is new technology to replace broken underground piping without digging up yards and sidewalks. Before operating a full-service plumbing shop for 15 years, Jim was an educator of English students. He now coaches Mr. Rooter franchise owners in every aspect of their businesses as a franchise consultant, a position he’s had for five years. Jim’s extensive knowledge and resources give him the tools to tackle any plumbing issue or question.
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