There’s nothing more frustrating than a toilet that won’t flush properly. A toilet won’t flush is a common issue that many people face. Whether it’s a slow drain, weak flush or water that just won’t go down at all, toilet troubles are the last thing you want to deal with. But ignoring the problem will only make it worse. A faulty toilet wastes water, causes major inconvenience and could even lead to costly damage if left unchecked.
The good news is many common toilet problems have simple fixes you can do yourself with a few basic tools and some know how. In this article we’ll look at the usual suspects behind a poorly flushing toilet and share some DIY solutions. We’ll also look at when to call in a pro plumber. Let’s get that toilet working again!
Common Causes of Why Your Toilet Won’t Flush
So what’s causing your commode conundrum? Here are the most common culprits:
- Clogged Toilet or Pipes When there’s a blockage water can’t get out of the bowl. This could be from too much toilet paper, flushing non-flushable items like wipes or tissues or mineral build up in the pipes over time. Signs of a clog are water rising very high in the bowl or draining very slowly when flushed.
- Low Water Level in the CisternIf there’s not enough water in the tank you’ll get a weak or incomplete flush. This is often due to a faulty float mechanism that controls the fill level or a problem with the water supply. Understanding the components of the toilet cistern can help in diagnosing these issues.
- Faulty Flapper or Flush Mechanism The flapper is the rubber seal that opens to let water rush into the bowl when you flush. If it’s worn out, has a slack chain or the flush button itself is broken flushing will be slow or water will run constantly. Maintaining the flushing mechanism is crucial for proper toilet functionality.
- Blocked Rim Jets Those little holes under the rim of the toilet bowl are called rim jets. Their job is to release water and clean the bowl sides when you flush. Mineral deposits from hard water can clog them up reducing flow power. Clogged inlet holes can also be a potential issue.
- Water Pressure IssuesLow water pressure from your home plumbing system or the municipal supply can result in a weak flush. It takes a certain amount of pressure to clear the bowl properly. Reduced water flow can significantly impact the flushing power of your toilet.
Water-Related Issues Affecting Toilet Flush
Water-related issues can significantly impact the performance of your toilet flush. One common problem is a low water level in the toilet tank. If the water level is too low, the toilet may not flush properly, leading to a weak or incomplete flush. To resolve this issue, check the water supply to the toilet and ensure that the fill valve is functioning correctly. You can also adjust the float arm to raise the water level in the tank.
Another water-related issue that can affect toilet flush is a clogged overflow pipe. The overflow pipe is designed to prevent water from overflowing into the toilet bowl. However, if the pipe becomes clogged, it can prevent the toilet from flushing properly. To clear a clogged overflow pipe, use a toilet auger or a plumbing snake to remove any blockages.
DIY Fixes
If your toilet won’t flush, there are several DIY fixes you can try before calling a professional plumber. One common issue is a clogged toilet bowl. To clear a clogged toilet bowl, use a plunger or a toilet auger to remove any blockages. You can also try using a plumbing snake to clear any clogs in the drain lines.
Another DIY fix is to adjust the flapper chain. If the flapper chain is too long, it can prevent the flapper from opening fully, leading to a weak flush. To adjust the flapper chain, simply shorten the chain to the recommended length.
Preventative Maintenance for a Healthy Toilet Bowl
Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your toilet bowl healthy and functioning properly. One important task is to clean the toilet bowl regularly. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and remove any mineral deposits or stains. You can also use a toilet cleaning product to help remove tough stains.
Another important task is to check the toilet tank regularly. Ensure that the water level is at the recommended height and that the fill valve is functioning correctly. You can also check the flapper and flush valve for any signs of wear or damage.
DIY Fixes: Ready to be your own toilet troubleshooting hero? Try these with toilet paper:
- For a clogged toilet your best friend is a plunger. Not all issues are due to a broken toilet; sometimes it’s just a matter of troubleshooting the flush mechanism. Make sure you have a good seal around the bowl drain hole. Plunge up and down, maintaining the seal. If it’s a tough clog add some hot (not boiling) water to the bowl first. Avoid flushing non-degradable materials like wet wipes to prevent serious blockages.
- Still clogged after plunging? Time to bring out the big guns: a toilet auger (aka plumber’s snake). Feed the coiled wire end into the drain hole and crank the handle to push it through the pipe until you feel the blockage. Crank and push to break it up then flush. Repeat if needed.
- Check the water level in the cistern. There’s usually a mark indicating the fill line about 1/2 inch below the top of the overflow tube. Adjust the float mechanism so it stops at this level. Make sure the refill tube isn’t inserted too far into the overflow tube which can siphon water out. Lift the tank lid to inspect components like the float and water level.
- To clean gunky rim jets pour a few cups of white vinegar into the overflow tube in the tank and let it sit for a few hours to dissolve mineral deposits. Give the holes a gentle scrub with an old toothbrush then flush. For stubborn build-up use a specialised acid-based cleaner.
- Replacing a faulty flapper is easier than you think. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush to empty the tank, then simply unhook the old flapper and install the new one, attaching the chain. Turn the water back on and test it out. (Make sure to get a flapper that fits your specific toilet model.)
When to Call the Plumber
Sometimes toilet troubles are beyond a simple DIY. Persistent issues with toilet flushes, such as ineffective flushing or problems with the flush mechanism, often require a professional assessment. Here’s when to call in Rapid Service Plumbing:
- If you’ve tried plunging and snaking thoroughly but the clog just won’t quit there could be a more serious blockage deep in the sewer line that requires special plumbing equipment to clear.
- Repairs to the inner workings of the cistern like the flush valve or fill valve are often best left to a plumber to avoid water damage or ending up with a non-functional toilet.
- If multiple drains in your home are backing up or you have ongoing or repeated problems with your toilet it’s time for a plumber to assess your plumbing system and fix any underlying issues.
Flush Away Water Waste: Did you know older toilets use 9-11 liters of water per flush? Modern dual-flush toilets use 3-6 liters and flush properly.
Upgrading to a water-wise dual flush system could cut your toilet water usage in half – a win for the planet and your wallet. Plus less water down the drain means your septic system (if you have one) will work better and last longer.
Regular toilet maintenance is key to avoiding water waste due to leaks or poor flushing. Keep your toilet in good shape and it will reward you with low-water flushes for years to come.
Happy Toilet Tips
- A healthy toilet means a happy home – don’t ignore problems, fix them early
- Most toilet problems have DIY solutions using basic tools and techniques
- Know when you’re in over your head – some repairs require a plumber
- Upgrade to a dual-flush toilet to dramatically reduce water per flush
- Maintenance goes a long way in preventing future flushing woes
Now you’re armed with the tools to tackle toilet troubles and keep things flowing in the loo. Happy flushing!
