Why Won’t My Toilet Flush
It’s never a welcome surprise when your toilet suddenly won’t flush, especially before you’ve had your morning coffee. But what exactly is the problem? Why won’t my toilet flush? And do you need a plumber to fix it?
There are some common fixes to toilets not flushing that you should be able to do on your own. However, if you are unsure how to fix the problem, your best option is to give our plumbers at Highmark Plumbing a call to ensure it is dealt with correctly and safely to avoid further damage.
Chain & Flapper Problems
Inside the water tank of your toilet, there is a small chain that attaches from the handle you flush to the flapper, which allows the toilet water to flow into the bowl. If the chain is too long, too short, or not properly attached, the toilet will not flush properly. Additionally, If the flapper piece is cracked or broken, it may not cover the hole properly preventing water from being held in the tank.
How To Fix It
You can fix the chain by reattaching it to the handle and flapper. Make sure it is neither too long nor too short, allowing it to pull the flapper when it is flushed. You can fix the flapper by buying a new flapper kit to replace the broken one.
Toilet Clogs
When there is something clogging your toilet, whether it is toilet paper, sewage build-up, or unwarranted items, your toilet may not flush. You might notice that when your toilet is clogged, it flushes weakly, but not all the way due to partial blockage in your pipes. To prevent clogging ensure that only sewage and toilet paper go in the toilet
How to Fix It
If presented with a clogged toilet, you can use a toilet plunger to unclog it. When this is a recurring problem, give us at Highmark Plumbing a call so we can properly unclog and diagnose the problem to prevent further damage.
When you need Toilet services you can trust heck out all of High Mark's Toilet Services. We are your home of 5 Star Service!
Low Water Tank Levels
If the water level in the toilet tank is too low, the toilet will not be able to flush properly and you may notice water constantly running into the toilet bowl. Generally, either a faulty flapper or a cracked overflow tube is to blame. The overflow tube is the tube that prevents the toilet tank from overflowing. Your toilet’s water level should be high enough that it is near the top of the overflow tube, which usually has the flapper attached to it. The flapper covers the outlet hole from your tank to the bowl. Sometimes your float, the piece that rises with the water, could also be to blame for causing the wrong water level.
How To Fix It
If your overflow tube is cracked, you can fix it by purchasing a new flapper kit which usually comes with a new overflow tube and instructions for you to replace it. When your float is not working you can also purchase a kit for that. If you are working on any of the water side pieces just be careful to turn off your water at the stop valve, which is usually underneath your tank, and make sure the water is off. Test it all well before you leave.
What If These Solutions Do Not Work?
If the water level in the toilet tank is too low, the toilet will not be able to flush properly and you may notice water constantly running into the toilet bowl. Generally, either a faulty flapper or a cracked overflow tube is to blame. The overflow tube is the tube that prevents the toilet tank from overflowing. Your toilet’s water level should be high enough that it is near the top of the overflow tube, which usually has the flapper attached to it. The flapper covers the outlet hole from your tank to the bowl. Sometimes your float, the piece that rises with the water, could also be to blame for causing the wrong water level.
Scott Bissett
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