Toilet spins but does not dump...

[Mikey]

Maybe the tank has a slow leak, so on the first flush there isn't enough water in the tank to provide the volume needed for a good flush.

 

[Diehard]

I believe tank level was touched upon early on.
Of course whether it was checked immediately before a bad flush, is still a valid point.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

Pardon the pun, but maybe it's a "crappy" toilet? There are good toilets and mediocre toilets, and mediocre toilets made worse by rebuilding with either poor quality parts or misadjusted parts--or parts that simply don't work in properly in that specific model.

If the water level in the tank is at the appropriate height, rule out a misadjusted float valve and insufficient flush water. If not, perhaps that needs adjustment. Clogs on the underside can be an issue as others pointed out

Others have pointed out a temporary blockage; if this temporary situation resolves itself every second flush, perhaps this toilet isn't for you. I don't think people should be telling you what to eat!

Consumer Reports has tested many toilets and they don't always come out the same. One of their best tested was the 2-piece Niagara Stealth, currently at Home Depot for $169 shipped to the store for free. In addition there are toilets from the brand names such as Kohler and American Standard for between $150 and $200. You'd be hard pressed to get a plumber call for that kind of money, and if you are here asking questions I bet you can install a new toilet yourself.

So before you waste money on parts (if your toilet needs them) maybe it's just time for something new...

 

[CT18]

Pour a bucket with at least 2 or 3 gallons in it. If it goes down then i would say the jets are not allowing the water in fast enough.

 

[TomFOhio]

Take a bucket of water and pour it down the toilet bowl. If it goes down good then you might consider a new toilet.

 

[Diehard]

Pour a bucket with at least 2 or 3 gallons in it. If it goes down then i would say the jets are not allowing the water in fast enough.

Of course you're talking after he does his no. 2 duty, as it has already been determine to flush fine without it.

The consideration is if it's a 1.6 toilet, 3 gallons may very well work. I believe a bucket with the capacity of the tank would be the test.

 

[TomFOhio]

You guys beat me to the key board. I agree with both of you........

 

[Diehard]

It has been determined that it flushes fine with No. 1 only. Also, it flushes fine when his wife uses it. So take it from there.

I would however agree it sounds like he needs a new toilet with improved flushing capabilities. Trouble is, you can't test before you buy.

 

[TomFOhio]

Bunch up some toilet paper like after someone has used it and then pour the bucket of water in and see what happens. If its full of
lime build up in those port holes it might flush with just water in it but not solids.

 

[rickwhoo]

Make a video of the flush

 

[havasu]

Now wait a second!

 

[Diehard]

Start the video about one second after the flush.