How To Fix A Toilet That Won’t Flush

Toilet, not flushing?

We've all been there. The water doesn't seem to be going down when you flush the toilet. Panic sets in as you wonder if the water will overflow, causing a flood at your home. It's nerve-racking, but it's nothing to worry about. It's usually easy to fix a toilet that won’t flush.

This article will discuss the most common reasons your toilet won't flush and the fastest solutions. While you may do some of the solutions yourself, safety should always be your priority. You should not feel confident in your plumbing skills and call a professional plumber to fix your toilet.

Remove Blockage

Clogged toilets are the most common reason why your toilet won't flush. Toilets can only flush certain types and amounts of waste. It can be pretty easy for them to get clogged. Toilet paper, waste, and other items should not be flushed down the toilet. It would help if you never flush anything down your toilet, except for sanitary napkins and wipes.

Sometimes, clogs can be further down the pipes. Although your toilet will still flush, it may not be as strong. A gallon of cold water can be poured into the toilet to check for a partial blockage. A partial clog is a problem that causes your toilet not to flush correctly.

Minor clogs can be removed by yourself. To break it up, you might try a toilet plunger. To remove larger clogs, a plumber may be required to use a toilet auger. 

Measure the chain length

Does the handle flush when you push down on it? If it doesn't, a small problem may be fixed with a simple fix. If your toilet doesn't flush, the handle has likely become disconnected. The handle connects with the flapper, which holds the water in the tank. These two parts of the toilet are connected by a chain, which can sometimes become disconnected. 

Sometimes, the length of the chain is incorrect. The chain will pull up on the flapper when the handle is pressed. The chain will not pull up on the flapper if it is too long. The flapper must open the valve to flush the toilet. The flapper will not seal properly if the chain is too long. Your toilet will continue running, and the tank won't be filled with water. 

This problem can be checked by removing the lid from the toilet tank. Clip the ends of your chain back to secure them. If both ends are connected, press the handle to check the length. If it lifts the flapper, it is correct. 

Adjust the Position of the Float

Water rushing from the tank to the bowel occurs when the toilet flushes. The water creates the necessary suction to flush the toilet. The tank won't have enough water to start a strong flush if it doesn't contain enough.

Open your toilet tank to repair the problem. Find the float in the line and fill it. Then flush the toilet, and then watch for the water to drain. Your toilet will not flush well enough to eliminate the waste if the float isn't at the fill line. The arm connecting the float to the refill tube can be moved to adjust the float's position. It is possible to test it again to confirm that the problem has been solved.

These are only a few reasons why your toilet won't flush. But there are many other possible causes. You can fix these minor problems quickly, but more severe issues require professional plumbing services.