A toilet that won’t flush can lead to a host of problems, including overflow issues, plumbing damage and even health and sanitary risks. Having a plumber inspect the toilet as soon as possible is key to mitigating these hazards. There could be a number of possible culprits at play. A plumber will know what to look for and how to fix any broken parts. If the problem is bad enough, you may have to replace the whole toilet.

Clogged Drain

Clogged toilet drains are among the most prevalent causes of toilets not flushing. There are a variety of ways the drain can become clogged. Any time you put too much toilet paper, a sanitary product or a foreign object in the toilet, you risk clogging the drain. As these materials build up in the drain over time, they can accumulate to an amount that prevents water from flowing freely.

Blocked U-bend

A U-bend, often called a trap, is an integral part of toilets. In order to contain water and prevent sewage gases from entering the property, the U-bend drainpipe has a curved form. However, water cannot flow freely through a U-bend if sediment or other material builds up. As a result, the toilet won’t flush.

Low Water Level

If there isn’t enough water in the toilet tank, you’ll have problems flushing. The water should remain at the fill line at all times, except when flushing and refilling. Having enough water in the tank ensures there’s enough force to create a strong flush each time. Issues with the fill valve or float are the most common reasons that a toilet won’t have enough water in the tank.

Faulty Flapper

There’s a rubber or plastic valve at the bottom of the toilet tank known as a flapper. When you flush, the flapper’s purpose is to control the flow of water as it empties from the tank into the bowl. Unfortunately, the flapper can easily become damaged or worn out over time. As a result, the tank will leak water and the toilet will experience weak flushing. It’s also possible for the flapper to get stuck or improperly seated, which can lead to subpar flushing.

Broken Flush Handle

The flush handle on the toilet is a mechanism that signals the toilet to flush when you press it. When the handle malfunctions, such as becoming stuck, loose, or broken, it disrupts the flushing process.

Faulty Flush Valve

Flushing a toilet forces water from the tank into the bowl via the flush valve. As time goes by, the seal on this valve can deteriorate or become misaligned; this causes water to leak continuously from the tank into the bowl. The persistent leak will prevent the tank from filling up properly after you flush, which can lead to incomplete flushes.

Sewer Line Blockage

Sewer line issues can also cause the toilet to not flush. This problem is quite common when tree roots or debris cause blockages in the sewer line leading away from the toilet. The obstruction keeps water from flowing freely, meaning the toilet won’t flush like it should. It usually takes special equipment and knowledge to fix sewer line blockages.

Sewer Gas Venting Issues

The plumbing system’s sewer gas vents, often called vent pipes or vent stacks, enable the safe escape of sewer gas. Blockages or damage to these vents will lead to a buildup of pressure in the plumbing system, which in turn affects how well the toilet flushes. A major warning sign of sewer gas venting issues is the presence of a putrid stench. Slow-draining fixtures or gurgling sounds emanating from the drains are further red flags.

Cracked Bowl or Tank

Any time there’s a crack in the toilet bowl, there’s a risk of leaking water. And whenever a toilet leaks water, it won’t be able to fill or flush correctly. Cracks in the toilet bowl also compromise the toilet’s structural integrity by creating weak points that can lead to further damage or even complete fixture failure. If you ignore a cracked toilet, the pressure and weight from regular usage can cause the cracks to widen.

Faulty Fill Valve

It is the job of the fill valve — also called the ballcock or input valve — to replenish the water tank of the toilet after each flush. Weak or partial flushes could be the consequence of inadequate water entering the tank due to a broken or incorrectly set fill valve. Fill valves often have problems like blockages, leaks or broken parts that hinder the water from flowing properly.

Blocked Overflow Tube

The overflow tube on a toilet controls the water level during flushing. If the overflow tube becomes clogged with debris or mineral buildup, it will prevent excess water from going into the toilet bowl, which makes flushing more difficult. Checking the overflow tube (normally found inside the toilet tank) is usually fairly easy. If there’s a clog, a plumber may be able to get rid of it using a brush or vinegar solution to clean away the buildup. If not, the plumber may have to replace the tube.

Worn Gaskets or Seals

When the toilet is not in use, water cannot escape from the tank or bowl because of the many gaskets and seals that form a watertight seal. Mineral deposits, aging and exposure to strong chemicals can all hasten the degradation of these gaskets and seals. This might lead to a steady flow of water dripping into the bowl, which could make the toilet run or not flush correctly.

Poor Installation

The installation of a toilet has a significant impact on how well it flushes. For instance, ensuring the tank receives enough water during refilling requires setting the fill valve to the correct height. Similarly, incorrect placement of the flapper valve can lead to continuous water leakage into the bowl if it fails to seal. All of these issues will result in weak flushing.

Toilet Maintenance Tips

There are several maintenance tips that you can use to keep flushing issues to a minimum. Inspect the toilet on a regular basis for leaks, loose parts and broken seals. Monitoring the water level of the toilet is also a good idea. To ensure optimal flushing power, it should be at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Cleaning the toilet at least once a week will also help prevent mineral buildup that can cause flushing problems. Make sure to always use a non-abrasive cleaner on porcelain toilets; this ensures you don’t cause any damage to the porcelain.

Reasons to Hire a Plumber

Flushing issues can be difficult to diagnose and fix without the right tools and expertise, which might make the problem worse or cause more damage to your plumbing system. When you experience flushing issues, it’s best to call a plumber. A plumber will perform a thorough inspection to pinpoint the exact cause of the flushing problem. Once diagnosed, the plumber will know the exact steps to take to fix the issue, which could involve repairing or replacing various components within the toilet.

Childers Air Plumbing & Electric is here to help ensure your toilet always flushes as it should. We also help homeowners in Beckley with heating and cooling systems and electrical installations and repairs. Contact us now to schedule a toilet inspection.

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