Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing?

Toilet not flushing? There’s nothing more nerve-racking than when your toilet refuses to flush and, even worse, starts to overflow.

There are many possible reasons for a toilet not flushing properly. We will cover the most common causes, explain what you can check yourself, and help you determine when it is time to contact a professional plumber.

At Scott Hale, our plumbers are dedicated to providing expert knowledge and advice to ensure your home's plumbing is running smoothly.

7 Reasons for a Toilet Not Flushing

Clogged Toilet

If you're trying to flush your toilet and nothing is going down, you may have a clogged toilet. A clog is the most common reason for a toilet not flushing. Clogged toilets can usually be remedied with a plunger and some elbow grease.

Once you clear the clog, your toilet should flush and work properly again. If a plunger doesn’t clear the clog, you may need to call a local plumber with the necessary tools to remove whatever is blocking your toilet.

Clogs are common and often happen because of excessive toilet paper or flushing sanitary products such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and condoms.

To prevent clogs in the future, only flush toilet paper. If you’re a parent of small children, you may also want to put a child lock on your toilet to keep them from flushing toys or other solid objects that can create a blockage.

Outdated Low-Flow Toilets

An old toilet may not flush or work well because it doesn’t have the technology and functionality found in modern toilets. Many older toilets installed around the 1990s were low-flow models that used less water with every flush.

This style was designed to save water and money. Unfortunately, some early low-flow toilets have more trouble removing waste and may lead to frequent clogs or a toilet not flushing completely.

The Flapper Is Broken

Inside the tank of your toilet is a mechanism called a flapper that controls how much water is released when you flush. After the water enters the bowl, the rubber flapper closes the opening again so the tank can refill.

To determine whether the flapper is causing the toilet not flushing problem, open the tank and check whether the flapper moves up and down when you press the handle. If the flapper isn’t moving properly or has visible damage, you most likely need to replace the part.

You don't necessarily need to call a plumber right away to have a flapper replaced. It is a relatively simple repair that many homeowners feel comfortable completing after reviewing the proper instructions.

However, if you’re not comfortable working inside the toilet tank, call a plumber who can replace the flapper and make sure the toilet is operating correctly.

Low Water Levels

The water level in your toilet tank is also essential for proper flushing. If you notice the water level is lower than it used to be, the tank may not have enough water to create a complete flush.

You’ll want to check the toilet's overflow tube and make sure the water is approximately one inch below the top. If the tank or bowl is not filling properly, a lack of water could be the reason for the toilet not flushing.

It could be a simple issue, such as a closed or improperly adjusted water supply valve. In other cases, it could be caused by water pressure problems, pipe leaks, or structural damage to the components that control the flush.

The Handle and Chain Aren’t Connected

A toilet may also fail to flush because the handle is loose, broken, or disconnected. This often happens when the chain connecting the handle to the flapper breaks or comes loose.

Without this chain, pressing the handle will not lift the flapper and release water into the bowl.

You can check for a broken chain by looking inside the tank. Press the toilet handle and watch whether the chain lifts the flapper. If nothing moves, the chain, handle, or flapper may need to be reconnected or replaced.

Inlet Holes Are Blocked or Dirty

A lesser-known cause of a toilet not flushing properly is blocked inlet holes. These small passageways allow water to flow from the tank into the toilet bowl.

When the inlet holes are not cleaned regularly, mineral deposits and other buildup can restrict the water flow needed to produce a strong flush.

Drain Line Problems

If you’ve checked the toilet components and everything appears to be functioning properly, but you still have a toilet not flushing, the problem may be within the drain line. Drain lines carry waste away from the toilet and toward the sewer or septic system.

If the drain line is blocked or damaged, you may also notice sinks, tubs, and showers draining slowly or making unusual gurgling sounds.

Problems associated with a drain line will require professional plumbers to inspect the plumbing system, locate the problem, and recommend the appropriate solution.

How to Fix a Toilet Not Flushing

To fix a toilet not flushing, you can try a few at-home troubleshooting steps before calling a plumber to inspect and repair the problem.

These are a few ways you can troubleshoot and fix a toilet that is not flushing. If none of these steps work, you may have a problem with the drain line or may need to have your toilet replaced, especially if the fixture is outdated or frequently clogs.

Calling a plumber is the best way to determine why your toilet is not flushing and identify the safest, most effective repair.

Toilet Not Flushing? Call Scott Hale

If you’ve tried everything you can and still have a toilet not flushing, it’s time to call the plumbing experts at Scott Hale. With more than 35 years of experience, our plumbers have seen it all and are prepared to handle nearly any toilet problem your home may experience.

When you’re looking for home services in Salt Lake City, choose experienced contractors who provide quality work and attentive customer service. Choose Scott Hale for professional toilet repair and dependable plumbing solutions.

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