Myth busted: Water does swirl in different directions across the globe, but it’s not a toilet thing. The effect makes objects on the Earth curve when they should go straight, and it’s why some people insist that toilet bowls flush in the opposite direction on the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere.

Because the Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is called the Coriolis effect.

Australian Toilets Don’t Flush Backwards Because of the Coriolis Effect. The real cause of “backwards”-flushing toilets is just that the water jets point in the opposite direction.

Objects not attached to the surface of the earth (water in a sink going down a drain) will create a vortex going the opposite direction. So in the Northern hemisphere, it moves clockwise. In the Southern hemisphere, it moves counter clockwise.

The swirl means some water is coming in. When this happens, the water will simply pour over the crest in the pipe. You may remove some waste, but it may not create enough suction to remove all the waste in your tank. If the water level raises and drains slowly or not at all, this means the problem is in your drainpipe.

When too many of the holes clog, your toilet bowl gets an insufficient amount of water when you flush. There’s a partial clog in the drain. Try this: pour a bucket of water straight into your toilet bowl (not the tank). This should cause your toilet to flush.

If your toilet isn’t flushing all the way, it’s most likely because of one of these problems: The water level in your toilet tank is set too low. Problems with your flapper. A clog in the toilet, flange or drain.

Turn an adjustment screw located on the top of the valve. To raise the water level, turn the adjustment screw clockwise; to lower the water level, turn the screw counterclockwise.

It’s pretty simple — just like they do on food particles that are stuck to your dishes in the sink, the combination of hot water and dish soap help to dissolve and break up whatever it may be that is lodged in the toilet causing a clog. This handy tip is great should you find yourself in a pinch.

5 Ways to Increase Your Toilet’s Flush Pressure

1. Check the Chain. Some toilets have a chain that connects the flapper cap to the flush handle.
2. Adjust the Water Level. In order for your toilet to properly flush, the water level in the toilet tank has to be at the right level.
3. Open the Water Valve.
4. Unclog the Rim.
5. Expert Tips.