There are certain things we can live without. The washer has broken, well we can just use the launderette or a friend’s washer until we can get it repaired. The cooker is out, okay well hey let’s do take out for the next few nights! But having a toilet not flushing, that is something we cannot live with. Every home needs at least one functioning toilet, and when you do not have that it is frustrating and really most of us do not know what to do other than call a plumber.
That is why we have put together for you four of the most common reasons why your toilet might not be flushing, as well as what you can do for each situation. The fact is it happens to everyone, and sometimes it is an easy fix, and sometimes it is not. With experience and this guide, you can figure it out for yourself!
Top four reasons your toilet won’t flush
1. You have blocked up the toilet
The most common reason this happens is when people put down too much toilet paper, or they flush something other than toilet paper down. Things like women’s sanitary pads, for example, are one of the top causes of a blocked toilet.
The solution to this problem involves removing that blockage so you can once again flush. You can try a plunger. That is the most common DIY drain clearing tool used and it often works. The suction created dislodges the waste blocking up the pipes.
You might also try a toilet auger, a tool you can use to push through the clogged material. If you have frequent problems with a blocked toilet try using a thinner toilet paper, do not flush anything else down there and consider flushing midway through your business! You can also call a plumber for help with clearing blocked drains.
2. There is warping or a bend in the rubber flapper
The rubber flapper is there to release water as you flush and to close the intake hole after so the right amount of water stays in the tank. If you lift the lid and see it looks warped or out of shape and is not sealing that hole then it needs replacing.
Flappers can be found in any home improvement store and are not expensive. When you have a toilet not flushing properly check the flapper. Make sure you drain the tank and turn off the water before you replace it. Check it works by flushing.
3. The tank water level is too low
If the water level in the tank is too low then you are going to have to look into how to fix a toilet that won’t flush. The water level needs to be one inch below the top of the overflow tube. Check that the water was not turned off accidentally, if it is off, turn it back on and check the tank refills properly. Flush the toilet to make sure everything is working fine once more.
4. The lift chain has too much slack
The lift chain is what connects the flapper to the handle you flush with. If there is too much slack it means the handle is not able to lift the flapper and so you have a toilet not flushing.
Adjust the chain length and shorten it so that you have a tighter connecting chain. This should now mean you can flush as normal and you get the right pull needed.
Sometimes you need expert help
While these are four of the more common reasons a toilet might not be flushing properly, they are not all of them. In a lot of cases, the fix is easy, but if you feel uncomfortable with even the easier solutions it is a good idea to call in a local Adelaide plumbers to help with your problem. We can check to see what the issue might be and if the easy fixes have not worked, they can look into if there is anything more serious behind why you have a toilet not flushing properly. Look for professionals with experience and a good reputation. If you are interested in learning some basics ask if you can watch them!
