The water level in the bowl of our toilet has slowly and steadily gotten lower over the last year or so. I replaced the flapper last year, could changing anything in the tank affect this? Or would that be looking at the wrong end, and I need to replace the wax seal? Any ideas on what would cause this?
Plumbing – Water level gets lower and lower in toilet
plumbingtoilet
Related Solutions
It sounds like something is in the trap of the toilet. To be positive, you can run a camera through it, or alternatively, remove the toilet and pour a large bucket (larger than a flush) of water down the exposed drain - if it drains quickly and does not backup, you know the issue is with the toilet. If it backs up then you know the issue is with the drain (or vent possibly)
If the drain is the problem then the best bet is to have a plumber come run a camera down it to determine where the problem is (from the question you said you "cleared" it, I assume this means running an snake/auger down it) It could be an object is stuck, or the drain could be collapsed, etc.
If it is the toilet then you need to and remove whatever is stuck in the trap. Sometimes objects like toothbrushes can get really stuck and the only option is to replace the toilet.
More than likely the tank is filling the bowl above the bowl's fill level, and the bowl drains slowly until it's level with the top of the trap (or siphon).
Unless it's completely draining, there's really nothing to worry about.
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Best Answer
The only possible reason for the water loss, and that if you're not getting any noticeable leakage, is improper venting, as described here.
There is another reason why it seems that improper venting is the cause - you noticed that the water level was getting lower over a year period. It could be that over that year your plumbing venting clogged slowly & steadily.
Also, contrary to what is said in the link above (that in a case of improper venting you need to call a plumber), I think that if you've noticed the change over a long period, this is also reversible (bird nesting or something similar).
If the problem was very low but steady water level, then it could be a problem that require a plumber's work.