10 Common Reasons Why Your Toilet Won't Flush

One of the most frustrating things that can happen in your home is a toilet that won’t flush. Not only is it a gross inconvenience, but it can also be difficult to determine the cause. Before you start tearing your hair out, though, there are a few potential reasons why your toilet isn't flushing properly, and some of them are quite common. You can always immediately call your trusted plumber Brisbane North professional. But, it is also good to know how to identify the common plumbing issues yourself.

Here are ten of the most common reasons why your toilet isn't flushing:

1. The water level in the tank is too low

If the water level in the tank is below the level of the fill valve (the float), then the bowl won't get enough water and won't flush properly. To fix this, simply adjust the water level in the tank so that it's higher than the fill valve.

2. The fill valve needs to be adjusted

If the fill valve isn't working properly, it may not be getting enough water into the tank, which will cause low water levels and a poor flush. To adjust the fill valve, first, make sure that it's connected properly. Then, turn the adjustment screw on top of the valve clockwise to raise the water level in the tank and counter-clockwise to lower it.

3. The flapper is stuck

If your toilet won't flush properly, there may be something blocking or sticking in your flapper valve. This is a common problem with older toilets that have been used for many years without regular maintenance. Check inside your toilet bowl and try to fix your flapper valve. To do that, you can start by removing any debris or mineral deposits from around the flapper or float ball to allow better water flow into the bowl and allow it to flush fully again.

4. Water pressure is low

If you've recently had work done on your water supply system or if you notice that the water pressure in your home is lower than usual, this may be causing your toilet to flush poorly and cause other issues in your home. Contact a plumber to see if there is anything they can do to improve the water pressure in your home.

5. The fill tube is kinked

If there's a kink or bend in the length of tubing running between the fill valve and the overflow tube on top of the tank, then it may not be filling up properly and causing problems with flushing. To fix this issue, simply straighten out the fill tube so that it runs smoothly from the fill valve to above the rim of the overflow tube.

6. The bowl is clogged

If your toilet bowl is clogged, then it won't be able to flush properly. To unclog the bowl, you'll need to use a plunger or a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction.

7. The trap is clogged

If your trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink) is clogged, then water may not be able to flow freely through it and into the bowl. This will cause low water levels in the bowl and a poor flush. To unclog the trap, you'll need to use a plunger or a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction.

8. There's a leak in the tank

If there's a leak in your tank, then water will be draining out of it and into the bowl without ever reaching the level where it can flush properly. To fix this issue, you'll need to replace the tank gasket or have a plumber do it for you.

9. The bowl is cracked

If the bowl of your toilet is cracked, then water may be leaking out of it and causing low water levels in the bowl. This will cause a poor flush. To fix this issue, you'll need to have the bowl replaced by a plumber.

10. There's something wrong with the septic system

If your home has a septic system, then there may be something wrong with it that's causing your toilet to flush improperly. This may include a problem with the drainage field, the septic tank, or the drain line. Contact a local septic system specialist to check your septic system and repair any issues that are causing problems with your toilet flushing.

Takeaway

If you are experiencing any problems with your toilet, it is important to address these issues as soon as possible to avoid further damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes that you can try at home to get your toilet working again. By taking the time to understand these issues and addressing them as soon as they arise, you can ensure that your bathroom remains functional and clean for years to come.