Water level dropping in toilet bowl - where's it going?

[LeeH]

Title says it all. Flush and the water level comes to a normal level in the bowl. A few hours later it's significantly lower. What's going on?

[slodave]

One of my toilets does this too. I think that the float is not shutting the water off and the constant pressure is forcing water down the drain.

[trekkor]

Do you have a dog?

[Dueller]

One of two things: It may be slighty clogged which can cause a siphon effect. Try vigorously plunging to clear. Given your question its unlikely you have a snake, but if you do, run it down the toilet to clear the clog.

More serious problem might be a cracked colon in the toilet base(no kidding...its called a colon) which is allowing a leak down. I don;t have a cross section picture of a toilet, but essentially the flow route thru the base looks somewhat akin to a P-trap ( the U shapped pipe under your sink) that allows water to stay in the bowl when the tank refills so as to not allow sewer gases to enter from the drain lines. If this is the case ya gotta replace your toilet.

Fortunately, it is more likely a partial clog,,,,

And yes, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last nite

[dd74]

Just a thought - would this problem be contingent on whether you're hooked up to a sewer or septic tank system. If septic tank, could it be leaking as I believe septics work via gravity?

[svandamme]

ehm

dunno how that thing is called in english
but the bend that keeps the smell out

now , that one is determines the water level in the bowl

if the water level drops



there is either a crack in that thing
or it's evaporating at turbospeed... (dog)

i assume there is one of those in the toilet
cause without it , you get direct access to sewer or septic smell

[Icemaster]

It's called a trap, or P-trap.

Most toilets (US) act as their own traps, the water in the bowl and down pipe performing this function. But it's a valid point tho, any water leaking below?

[greglepore]

Bad wax ring, leaking slowly and going between the joists. Hope its on the first floor and your basement isn't finished.

[tabs]

Well now we have talked just about everything imaginable on this OT Board!

[dhoward]

Has it been windy lately? Consistant strog winds blowing across the vent pipe can create a siphon effect. A bad wax ring won't cause a loss of water level but will allow seepage when you flush. My guess is a partial clog...
Or dog...

[Icemaster]

Originally posted by tabs
Well now we have talked just about everything imaginable on this OT Board!

Haven't talked about your hemorrhoids yet...or was that the topic about you being a pain in the a$$?

[dad911]

Originally posted by dd74
Just a thought - would this problem be contingent on whether you're hooked up to a sewer or septic tank system. If septic tank, could it be leaking as I believe septics work via gravity?

Toilets are plumbed the same for septic or sewer. Pumps are used for either when the plumbing is lower than the sewer/septic connection (example-basement bathroom) or some sewer authorities require 'chopper pumps' but that is pretty rare.

Dueller is right, probably a partial clog, or possibly a running toilet, but you would hear/see that.

[svandamme]

Originally posted by Icemaster
Haven't talked about your hemorrhoids yet...or was that the topic about you being a pain in the a$$?

actually , i think there was a 'roids thread some a couple of months ago.

[bigchillcar]

ruff ruff!

[LeeH]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm leaning toward the damaged toilet theory.

Here's more info:
Dog? Yes, we have one, but we keep the lid down.
Leak? House is on a slab. No signs of a leak.
Siphon? Toilet in 2nd bath doesn't do this. Very close to subject toilet.
Partial clog? Maybe, but no signs of a slow flush.

[Mulhollanddose]

Originally posted by LeeH
Title says it all. Flush and the water level comes to a normal level in the bowl. A few hours later it's significantly lower. What's going on?

Global warming. Has something to do with the ice caps melting...Run...RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!.......LOOK WHAT BUSH HAS DONE!....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

[DPW928]

When water leaks out of a trap, 99% of the time it is a crack in the porcelain. You may not notice the water in your slab but it is there and will ultimately cause damage to your flooring and cause erosion underneath the slab. If the floor is carpeted, you will untimately get mold or mildew growth under the pad. If it is ceramic tiled, you will get effloressence and start seeing white powdering at your grout joints. If vinyl flooring, the tiles will start coming loose when the powdering starts separating the adhesive from the concrete.

Dennis

[tabs]

Originally posted by Icemaster
Haven't talked about your hemorrhoids yet...or was that the topic about you being a pain in the a$$?

Exactly why do U think that people actually believe that I am a man of wealth and taste.? The subject of my being a "pain in the a$$" has been covered extensivily for a coupla years on at least 2 message Boards. Or just ask ANY R Gruppe member....

[Icemaster]

Always remember Tabs, 80% of the population have hemorrhoids; the other 20% are perfect *********s.

[R Wilco]

JEEZ. For the first thing, if his level controller is working it should be filling the tank constantly if there is a leak somewhere. The level controller is about a 5 dollar wallyworld special. If you look down into the bowl you'll see a chain leading to a stopper like device that opens up when you flush. It should stay up as your tank drains. It then settles down and seals once the tank empties. You're talking about 8 bucks to replace all that. Unless you're wife is a hippo or you are a lard butt the chance of there being a crack somewhere in the bowl is not likely.

Worst case scenario. Turn the water off, flush the toilet, dip the remaining water out with a cup and unscrew from the floor. Take it off with plenty of towels handy to soak the water up. Carry it out to the back patio. Inspect the underside for cracks. About a 30 minute job. A plumber will charge you major$$$$$$$$$$ If it is cracked go to your local Lowes or Home Depot and pick the toilet of your choice. Get the wax ring etc. You can spend 80-350 bucks depending on how much you want to spend.