It's frustrating and aggravating to have your toilet not flush. This is something many people have experienced at one time or another. You might panic for a moment. Are you worried about it bursting? What will be the cost of repairs?
Be mindful that a clogged bathroom is not uncommon and you won't have to spend a lot of money on repairs. Let's take a look at some of the most common reasons why your toilet won’t flush.
Why your toilet won't flush
If your toilet isn't flushing, it's important that you identify the problem. Do not let the problem get worse. Once you have contacted a professional plumber to resolve the problem, you can wait for them to arrive and try to determine what the root cause might be. These are the top reasons why your toilet can become clogged.
1. Too much toilet paper
Toilet paper should be flushed. However, too much can cause a blockage. This can be avoided by flushing the toilet paper often or throwing it away in the trash bin. It is also important to not flush anything other than human waste.
Lighter toilet paper is also an option. This will not cause as much clogging of your pipes. Switch to a lighter toilet paper if you have been using thicker tissue paper. A plunger or an auger is the most common plumbing tool needed to fix a toilet paper clog.
2. Mineral deposits
Hard water can lead to mineral deposits in some homes. This can block your toilet's ability to flush properly and cause blockages. This can be fixed by turning off the water supply and letting it drain. You can flush out any water that remains. To remove any mineral deposits, you can use white vinegar to clean the fill valve. Allow the mixture to work for several hours before flushing the toilet again. If the mixture doesn't work, call a plumber to have it removed.
A water softener can be purchased to address the issue of hard water or mineral deposits.
3. Pipe clog partial
Partially clogged pipes can also be caused by paper and other waste. This will slow down your toilet's flow. It is best to address the issue immediately if you notice it. You won't be able to flush water if you wait too long.
Use a plunger to drain the water from your toilet bowl. Next, flush the toilet and then repeat the process several times. If the toilet is still not working, you can pour hot water down the bowl. If this fails to restore your toilet's functionality, call a plumber to have the drain snaked.
4. Tank water level too low
Sometimes the problem isn't in your pipes but in your toilet tank. Take a look at your tank to see how the flushing process has affected it. It may not fill completely, which could indicate that it is too low to flush.
The valve could be the problem. Check it to make sure the water can get into the tank. If this does not resolve the problem, you might need to check if the float is preventing the tank from filling fully.
5. Flapper damage
The flapper allows water to drain from the tank. The flapper should be closed after it has finished flushing. This will allow water to refill the tank. The flapper may not be able to flush if it is worn out or damaged. It is often easy to replace the flapper. It is important to get the correct size replacement for your tank.
6. Broken lift chain
The lift chain is what pulls the flapper up when you flush the handle. If the lift chain is damaged, the flapper will not move and prevent your toilet from flushing fully. This problem can be fixed by purchasing a new lift chain. Make sure you get the right length of chain for your toilet.
7. Overflow tube damaged
Cracked overflow tubes allow water to enter the tube instead of filling it up. If you can't flush the toilet, this will indicate that the overflow tube is cracked. The only solution is to replace the overflow tube. It's easier and cheaper than you might think. Your toilet should be working again once it is repaired.
8. Problem with a drain line
Sometimes all parts of your toilet work perfectly but the toilet won't flush. The problem could lie further down the drain line. These pipes drain sewage from your home. You'll notice an issue in your toilets or drains if it is a drainage line.
A plumber should inspect the drain. A plumber will have the experience and tools to determine if you are dealing with a clog in the drain or if the pipe is broken or cracked.
There may be other reasons your toilet won't flush. Although it may take some time to determine the cause, once you have identified it, you will be able to fix it.
