5 Reasons Your Toilet Won’t Flush And How To Fix Them

Dealing with a toilet that won’t flush ranks among the most frustrating plumbing issues. A non-functioning toilet is essentially useless. Fortunately, there are ways you can diagnose and repair this essential plumbing fixture.

How a toilet should work

Before diving into troubleshooting your toilet, it’s important to understand how this fixture should work. This knowledge will help you determine where the problem lies and guide you in fixing it.

A standard toilet consists of several components that work together to flush waste down the drain. These components include:

• A tank: The tank is located at the back of the toilet and holds the water used for flushing.
• A bowl: The bowl is the part of the toilet where waste and water are contained during flushing.
• A flapper: This rubber valve at the bottom of the tank opens to release water into the bowl during a flush.
• A flush handle: This lever on the outside of the tank is used to initiate a flush by lifting up the flapper.
• A fill valve: This component is responsible for refilling the tank with water after a flush.

Now that you’re ready to start troubleshooting, lift the lid off the toilet tank and try a test flush. When you pull the handle, you should see the trip level rise inside the tank. This lifts the tank ball and flapper at the bottom. You should also see a flush valve opening, which causes the water to rush out into the toilet bowl.

When the water is evacuating the tank, the float ball should drop down, which raises the valve plunger and allows fresh water into the tank. That water then pushes the toilet bowl water into the drain, cleaning out the bowl. Once the water in the tank gets high enough, the float ball will raise the arm and put the flapper back into place. Finally, the flow of water into the bowl will be cut off.

What happens when a toilet isn’t working?

When your toilet isn’t working as stated above, it could be because of one of the following issues.

1. Clogging

When your toilet is clogged, the first thing you should try is a plunger. But, make sure to use a flange plunger because a cup creates a better seal in the toilet bowl. You can avoid clogs if you only flush toilet paper and waste. Never use your toilet as a garbage can, or you will have constant clogs.

2. A warped flapper

The flapper opens and closes each time you flush, which enables the water to run into the bowl. When you press down on the handle, you’re actually lifting the flapper, which is always in the water. If you’re noticing the water isn’t draining the way you think it should, you may want to inspect the flapper. The water can cause it to warp over time.

Open your tank and take a look at the flapper. This is a rubber, cup-like component that is stuck on the bottom of the tank. The flapper closes the hole that leads from the tank and into to the bowl. You can tell it is warped if it doesn’t cover the opening entirely.

If the flapper looks damaged or broken, you should replace it. You can find replacement parts at any hardware store. To replace the flapper, first turn the water off using the valve on or near the bottom of your toilet. Then, drain your tank, remove the chain from the broken one, and connect it to the new one.

3. Chain length issues

The toilet chain connects the handle to the flapper. When you press down on the handle, it lifts this component. If the chain is too long, it won’t pull the flapper up which can cause drainage or clogging issues. On the other hand, if the chain is too short, the flapper won’t close, which makes the toilet run continually. You can fix most chain issues by adjusting the length. Don’t forget to test the chain and increase or decrease the length as needed. Be careful not to adjust it too far in one direction.

4. Overflow tube issues

The overflow tube helps empty water into the toilet bowl when you flush and is located near the refill tube (frequently close to the flapper). This part is delicate and can crack, which impacts its ability to move water. Cracks in an overflow tube mean the water flows into the tube rather than the bowl. You can replace the tube relatively easily with parts found at most local hardware stores.

5. Low water levels in the tank

Your tank should have water that is about one inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the water is below this level, it can cause problems. The valve may be turned off if levels are low, which will prevent the toilet from flushing. You can address this issue by turning on the valve and flush testing to see if the toilet fills the way it should. Contact a plumber if further issues happen.

Additional tips for troubleshooting a toilet that won’t flush

In addition to the common issues mentioned above, there are a few other things you can check if your toilet is still not flushing properly:

• Check the handle and trip lever: Sometimes, the handle or trip lever may become loose or rusted, which can prevent it from properly lifting the flapper. Make sure these components are securely attached and functioning correctly.
• Inspect the refill tube: The refill tube is responsible for filling water into the bowl after a flush. If this tube is damaged or misaligned, it can cause problems with flushing. Make sure it’s connected properly and not obstructed.
• Look for cracks in the tank or bowl: Over time, the tank or bowl of your toilet can develop cracks that can impact its ability to flush properly. If you notice any cracks, it’s best to replace the affected part.
• Check the water supply: Sometimes, issues with flushing may be due to a lack of water supply. Make sure the valve leading to your toilet is fully open and not blocked in any way.
• Call a plumbing company: If you’re unable to troubleshoot and fix the issue on your own, it will be best to call a professional plumber. They will have the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose and fix any problems with your toilet.

Residential plumbing services in Amarillo, Texas

If you’re having trouble with your toilet, contact a local plumber as soon as possible. The experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo can help with all of your Residential Plumbing needs. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by Email for more information.