A toilet that won’t flush is frustrating, but here’s the good news for all: It’s probably easy to fix now.
Our experts at Mr. Drain the Plumber have put together the following guide to the most common reasons a toilet won’t flush. Depending on the issue with your toilet, you may be able to solve the problem yourself without needing to call a plumber.
THE LIFT CHAIN HAS TOO MUCH SLACK ON IT
If you push down the handle and feel no resistance, the lift chain inside the tank connects to the flapper and releases water, resulting in too much slack on the chain.
Solution: Remove the tank lid and shorten the length of the lift chain until there’s no longer slack between the flapper and the handle.
1-TOILET IS CLOGGED
If someone in your family used too much toilet paper, dropped an item like a toy into the bowl, or flushed a sanitary product, a clogged toilet is almost inevitable.
Solution: You might be able to fish out items like toys on the surface. For absorbent materials, such as sanitary products or diapers, try to plunge out the clog or use a toilet brush to clear it.
2- THE WATER LEVEL IS LOW NOW
When there isn’t enough water in the bowl, your toilet can’t flush. The float ball in your tank might have been misadjusted — signaling to your toilet that there is not enough water to flush properly.
Solution: Lift open the tank lid. The floating ball should be floating 1 to 2 inches below the overflow tube and fill valve. There might also be a line etched into the porcelain indicating what level the float ball should stay at. Adjust the float ball to remain at that level.
3- THE FLAPPER IS WARPED
If you notice your toilet is running often, the flapper might be warped. The flapper is connected to the lift chain and opens when you press the toilet handle. Over time, a rubber flapper can bend or warp, making it unable to seal the flush tube hole and release water to flush the toilet.
Solution: Purchase a new flapper at a hardware or home improvement store. They are inexpensive and easy to find. Turn off your water main, drain the toilet tank, and replace the warped flapper with the new flapper. Turn your water back on and try flushing the toilet again.
4- DRAIN LINE OR SEWER PROBLEM
If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and your toilet still won’t flush, it’s probably time to call a professional to check your plumbing and sewer system for major backups. The biggest sign that you have a drain line or sewer system issue is when there are clogged drains throughout your home, not just in your toilet.
Solution: Call a licensed plumber who has the tools and expertise to find clogs without needing to remove pipes. When there’s a drain line or plumbing issue, the problem is no longer something that a DIY solution can fix. Your plumbing professional will probably use video pipe inspections as well as long-reaching augers to make the necessary repairs.
CALL MR.DRAIN PLUMBER FOR PLUMBING REPAIRS
If you live in California and would rather a professional take a look at your toilet, contact Mr. Drain the Plumber. Our expert and licensed plumbers have the experience and expertise to provide same-day service seven days a week.
Still having a Toilet flushing issue? Call 5102571408 or Schedule an service now!
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