Introduction
Your toilet is an integral part of your daily life and it can be rather disruptive when it starts malfunctioning. In most cases, the problems leading to this issue are minor and can be fixed with a little bit of DIY enthusiasm. Occasionally, however, they might point toward more significant issues. Let’s dive deeper and explore the most common reasons your toilet won’t flush. But remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber.
1. Clogged Drain Pipe
One of the most common reasons that your toilet won’t flush is due to a clogged drain pipe. The main cause of these clogs are usually excessive toilet paper, non-flushable items like wipes, sanitary products, or even children’s toys that have accidentally been dropped in. If the toilet bowl fills with water but doesn’t drain away, it’s a clear sign of a blockage.
DIY Solution: A plunger is your go-to tool in this case. Place it over the drain hole and give a few good plunges to try and dislodge the blockage, remember that you are trying to pull the clog back, not force it down the drain. If this fails, a toilet auger can be used to reach deeper into the pipe.
2. Problems in the Lift Chain
The lift chain, which connects the toilet handle to the flapper, can cause your toilet not to flush if it’s too loose or too tight. When it’s too loose, it won’t lift the flapper high enough to allow water to flow from the tank to the bowl. If it’s too tight, the flapper may not close properly, causing the toilet to run continuously.
DIY Solution: Adjust the lift chain to an optimal length — it should be tight enough to pull the flapper up but allow it to fully close. If the chain is broken, it’ll need to be replaced.
3. Issue with the Flapper Valve
The flapper creates a seal within the tank. Over time, the flapper can become worn out or damaged, thus breaking the seal and hampering the flushing mechanism.
DIY Solution: Remove the tank lid and inspect the flapper. If it’s warped or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Luckily, flapper replacement kits are readily available at most home improvement stores and are easy to install.
4. Low Water Level in the Tank
For your toilet to flush correctly, it needs a sufficient amount of water in the tank. If the water level is too low, it might not flush properly.
DIY Solution: Check the water level in the tank. It should be about one inch below the top of the overflow tube. If it’s too low, you can usually adjust it by turning a screw on the float ball or by adjusting the float height if you have a more modern fill valve.
5. Blocked Rim Holes
The rim holes located under the toilet bowl’s rim can sometimes become blocked by mineral deposits. This blockage can disrupt the flow of water from the tank into the bowl, resulting in weak or unsuccessful flushes.
DIY Solution: Use a piece of wire, a small brush, or a piece of coat hanger to gently poke each hole and clear out any blockage. Be careful not to scratch the porcelain.
6. Sewer Line Troubles
If you’ve ruled out all the above problems, and you’re experiencing other plumbing issues in your home, the problem may lie in the sewer line. Blockages here can be due to a variety of reasons including tree roots, collapsed pipes, or large, stubborn blockages, and are beyond the scope of routine drain cleaning.
DIY Solution: This is a situation where you should call a professional plumber. Sewer line issues can be serious, and you don’t want to risk causing more damage by attempting to fix it yourself.
Conclusion
If you’re finding that your toilet won’t flush, it’s likely due to one of these common problems. Most of them can be fixed with some DIY, but don’t hesitate to call in a professional for plumbing service if the problem persists or if you’re uncomfortable doing the work yourself. Regular maintenance and proper use can help prevent many of these issues and keep your toilet flushing smoothly.
Remember, we are always here to help. With years of experience and a dedicated team of professionals, we can troubleshoot and repair any plumbing problems you may have in your Casa Grande home. Contact us today for reliable, efficient plumbing services.
