Ever experienced the frustration of a toilet that refuses to flush, leaving you in a less-than-ideal situation? We’ve all been there, and it’s a common household plumbing problem that many can relate to. In this article, we’ll dive into the potential reasons as to why your toilet won’t flush, what you can do to fix the problem and the steps you can take to prevent it from happening again!
Need a plumber ASAP to fix a toilet that won’t flush properly? Swan’s Professional Plumbing is here to help! Don’t hesitate to call out one of our experienced plumbers today!
Why is my toilet not flushing properly?
A toilet not flushing is a really common plumbing problem most homeowners experience every once in a while because there are so many different potential causes. Here are some of the most common that we see:
Blocked drains
A blocked drain disrupts the essential process of waste removal during a flush. When you flush, water from the tank rushes into the bowl, creating a siphon effect that pulls waste and water down into the drain pipes. However, if the drain is blocked, this process is impeded, and water struggles to flow effectively, resulting in a weak or incomplete flush.
The solution: Use a toilet plunger to attempt to dislodge the debris causing the clogged toilet. If that doesn’t work, a toilet auger or plumbing drain snake may be needed to break up or remove the obstruction. We also have an entire article on how to unblock a drain on our website! However, if the clog is too far along the drain pipe, you need to call in one of our plumbers for help.
Low water levels in the tank
When the water level in the toilet tank is too low, it can lead to a weak or incomplete flush. This is because without an adequate amount of water, the flushing mechanism lacks the power needed to push waste through the toilet and into the drain.
The solution: Most toilets have an adjustable float that determines the water level. Ensure that the float is set to the manufacturer’s recommended level, usually indicated on the inside of the tank or in the user manual. Adjusting the float may involve bending the float arm or adjusting a screw or knob, depending on the toilet model.
Flush button problems
Sometimes there may be nothing wrong with your toilet at all. Issues with the flush button arise when the handle or associated components become loose, misaligned, or broken, leading to difficulties in initiating a proper flush.
The solution: When experiencing issues with the flush button, such as loose connections or misalignment, tighten any loose components, ensure proper alignment of the flush button, and replace damaged parts for proper functionality.
No toilet water supply
The toilet water supply could also be turned off, resulting in an inability to flush or refill the tank with water.
The solution: Luckily for you, this one has a pretty simple solution. Locate the water supply valve usually situated behind or beneath the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to open and restore the water supply. Ensure proper water flow for effective flushing and tank refill.
Blocked siphon jet
Over time, various materials such as mineral deposits, hard water buildup, toilet paper, and foreign objects can accumulate in the siphon jets, which are small inlet holes in the toilet bowl. This obstruction diminishes the force needed to create the necessary suction, resulting in a weak or incomplete flush.
The solution: To unblock the jet, you can try making a DIY natural drain cleaner by pouring a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water into the toilet tank’s overflow tube and flushing the toilet the next morning.
Can you prevent toilet flushing problems?
Dealing with a toilet that won’t flush properly is a pain! Here are some things you can do:
Regular cleaning: Clean the toilet bowl and components regularly to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits, mould, and bacteria.
Proper waste disposal: Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Avoid flushing non-flushable items, such as wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels, which can cause clogs. Also avoid flushing too much toilet paper at once.
Inspect flush components: Periodically inspect the flush button and other toilet components for any signs of wear, misalignment, or damage. Repair or replace any components as needed before the problem gets worse.
Regular maintenance: Carry out routine plumbing maintenance, including checking for leaks, inspecting the fill valve, and ensuring the tank components are functioning correctly.
Did you know that all members of Swan’s Professional Plumbing receive a FREE annual plumbing health check? Enjoy peace of mind knowing your toilet is in top condition by scheduling your annual health check today!
Still dealing with a toilet not flushing properly? Call Swan’s Professional Plumbing Today!
Maintaining a smoothly functioning toilet is not only essential for everyday convenience but also for preventing potential plumbing headaches. By adopting a proactive approach through regular cleaning, proper waste disposal, and educating household members on responsible flushing habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of toilet flushing problems. However, if you do find yourself dealing with a toilet that won’t flush, the team at Swan’s Professional Plumbing are always here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance in getting your toilet flushing properly again!
