Common Reasons for a Toilet Not Flushing and How to Fix Them
There’s nothing worse than sitting on a toilet, giving the handle a good push, and realizing that the water isn’t swirling away like it’s supposed to. If your toilet isn’t flushing properly, it can be a real headache, and if the problem goes unresolved, it can lead to even bigger plumbing issues.
But before you panic, here are some common reasons your toilet might not be flushing—and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Clogged Toilet
The most obvious and common cause for a toilet not flushing is a clog. If something like too much toilet paper, wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), or foreign objects get stuck in the drain, your toilet just won’t flush properly.
When this happens, the water will rise, and you might notice the toilet bowl filling up without draining. The fix here is simple: grab a plunger and give it a few good pumps to loosen up the blockage. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need a toilet auger or call a plumber if the clog is deep in the pipes.
Low Water Level in the Tank
If you find that your toilet is just barely flushing or the water doesn’t seem to rise high enough to do the job, the water level in the tank might be too low. Toilets rely on the right amount of water to create the force needed to flush everything down.
To fix this, open the toilet tank and check the water level. It should be about an inch below the overflow tube. If it’s lower than that, adjust the float valve or ballcock to increase the water level. If you’re not sure how to do this, a quick call to a plumber can solve the problem.
Faulty Flush Handle or Chain
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the toilet’s water flow but with the mechanism that actually triggers the flush. If the flush handle is loose or the chain inside the tank is broken or disconnected, it might not pull the flapper up high enough to allow water to flow into the bowl.
Check the chain inside the tank to ensure it’s not too loose or tight. If the chain is disconnected, simply reattach it to the flapper. If the handle itself is broken, you can buy a replacement handle at your local hardware store and attach it yourself.
Clogged Rim Jets
Toilets rely on small jets (or holes) around the rim to release water evenly when you flush. If these get clogged, it can lead to weak flushing action and can cause water to only flush out from one side of the bowl. You might notice the water swirling but not fully draining.
To clear these jets, you can use a small wire or pipe cleaner to poke through the holes and clear away any mineral buildup or debris. For a more thorough cleaning, you can soak the rim in vinegar overnight to dissolve the buildup.
Malfunctioning Flapper Valve
The flapper valve is responsible for releasing water from the tank into the toilet bowl when you flush. If it’s worn out or not sealing properly, water will keep leaking from the tank into the bowl, leaving you with a toilet that never fully flushes.
To fix this, you can replace the flapper by yourself. To swap out a toilet flapper, start by shutting off the water and flushing the toilet to empty the tank. Next, take off the old flapper, hook the new one onto the overflow tube, tweak the chain so it’s the right length, and then turn the water back on to test it out!
Broken Fill Valve
If the fill valve in your toilet is broken or malfunctioning, it may not be allowing enough water to enter the tank after a flush. Without enough water, the toilet won’t have the proper force to complete a full flush.
Lucky for you, replacing the fill valve is a relatively easy DIY job. Once it’s empty, disconnect the water line, unscrew the old valve, and remove it. Then, install the new valve by attaching it to the tank, adjusting the height if necessary, and reconnecting the water line. Finally, turn the water back on and check for any leaks—your toilet should fill up and flush properly again!
Keep Your Toilet in Order with King Rooter & Plumbing’s Top-Rated Plumbing Solutions
If you’ve tried all of these fixes and your toilet still isn’t flushing properly, it might be time to call a professional plumber for expert toilets repair. Sometimes, the issue goes beyond simple personal fixes, and calling in a plumbing service is more practical and direct.
At King Rooter & Plumbing, we specialize in toilet repairs and replacements that are fast, durable, and light on the pocket. Our affordable services will identify the roots of your toilet problems and plug them from there so you won’t have to experience the same trouble again and again!
Contact us today to get your plumbing back to normal, and let’s end that frustrating toilet trouble once and for all!
Jeff Lane
Owner/Operator
Jeff has been the owner and operator of King Rooter & Plumbing in Denver Colorado since 2006. Jeff has over 20 years experience in all facets of plumbing.
Ask Question
"*" indicates required fields