Having a toilet that does not flush properly can be highly frustrating! A clogged toilet is inconvenient, leaves a mess in your toilet bowl and can waste water if you constantly flush it. If you’re having a problem with the toilet not flushing or running toilet, there is no need to panic, and more often than not, it’s due to a minor issue that can be easily fixed on the spot.
Here are some common toilet flush issues and tips on correcting these problems with most toilets. These tips are great for trying at home, so don’t forget to contact your trusty local plumber if you feel the toilet needs extra T.L.C.
Figuring out the problem that’s preventing a toilet from flushing correctly can be annoying. Here are the common reasons your toilet won’t flush:
- Blocked toilet
- Low water level
- The flush button is broken
- Something’s wrong with the outlet valve
- Blocked pipe sewer line — roots, broken pipes, pipe belly
Blocked Toilet
Toilet blockages are often the main culprit when things won’t flush. Toilet paper is usually to blame. Even if your tissues or wipes claim they’re flushable, they’re typically not—they’re too strong to break down easily. It’s best to cut back on the toilet paper.
Kid’s toys or a rogue soap bar can sneak down your loo, leading to blockages. Mineral deposits and other debris can add to the problem too. A toy, soap, or even paper towels can get wedged in your pipes if they accidentally flush down, creating quite a headache.
Using too much toilet paper or flushing something odd can block your loo. It makes the water struggle to get through. Try using a plunger to create some suction, which might just help loosen things up. Then, give the flush another go.
Low Water Level
Lift the toilet cistern lid. The water level in the cistern may indicate a worn-out cistern inlet valve on the outlet washer, causing the water refilling the cistern to leak into the bowl. But ensure it’s not a water supply issue. The toilet won’t perform a complete flush without a water supply.
The water in the tank should sit about an inch below the overflow tube’s top. A tank that doesn’t fill might mean there’s a leak or a faulty inlet valve. Luckily, replacing these parts usually solves the issue. Pick up these parts at your local places like Reece Plumbing or Bunnings.
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Flush Button and Outlet Valve
Check the flush mechanism of your toilet. There may be a broken toilet flush handle or button. Check that the lift chain is connecting the toilet handle to the flapper. The flush lever, which lifts the outlet valve to flush water in the tank, can have a faulty lift chain or become detached or stuck from continuous use, dirt and grime.
If your toilet flapper (the part that opens and lets the water flow into the toilet bowl) and your fill valve show no signs of a problem but there’s too much slack in the line, it won’t react when you try to flush. Regular cleaning with soapy water or replacing the flush lever will do the trick. The flush lever activates the outlet valve, and if the actual valve itself has deteriorated, the water valve will not be able to release the water down the cistern. Again, you can purchase a new flush lever or outlet valve from your local hardware store and replace the parts yourself.
Blocked pipes
Assess your toilet drain pipe design. This may also be the cause. A toilet drain must have a downward slope for wastewater to flow quickly out of the toilet bowl, through the pipes and to the main sewer line.
But if you have exhausted all these options above and your toilet is still not flushing, it may be an underlying issue in your pipes connecting to the toilet. Having tree roots in your pipes or a crack will cause the toilet to block up and the water to drain slowly. All your drains and pipes are connected in your home, and if your toilet has had a flush issue for quite some time, then having your local licensed plumber look at your pipes is the best option. Using high-tech CCTV cameras, the plumber can thoroughly investigate and fix blocked drains or pipes and determine why your toilet is not flushing.
If your toilet is still playing up, there are a few things you might try:
- Use a special enzyme or chemical cleaner
- Mix up some baking soda and vinegar
- Get hold of a plumbing ‘snake,’ auger, or even a plunger to reach further down the drain
- Try a wet vacuum for those tough clogs
Still Not Flushing? Call In The Professionals!
If you’ve managed to sort out your loo, give yourself a pat on the back! But if it’s still acting up, don’t fret. It might be time to call in a pro. Reach out to a toilet repair expert. Get in touch with the Fixed Today team for top plumbing service in Sydney!
