What To Check If Your Toilet Is Not Flushing

A flushing toilet is something everyone tends to take for granted, but there is nothing worse than waking up to a toilet that just won't flush properly. It is definitely one of the most unpleasant plumbing problems to be faced with, so when it does happen, what can you do?

Narrow Down the Cause

There are several reasons as to why a toilet may not be flushing properly, but generally, the flush button is the easiest place to start when narrowing down the cause. If there is no tension when pressing the flush button, or the flushing mechanism appears to be loose, then the issue could definitely be a broken flush button.

If this mechanism seems to be functioning normally, the next thing to check is the water level in the toilet tank. The way in which the tank fills is vital in determining where to look next. If the toilet tank isn't filling or draining properly, you'll need to figure out which of the mechanisms in the tank need repairing or replacing.

If the toilet tank is filling properly but isn't draining from the toilet bowl too well, then you might be dealing with a blocked drain.

Clear Blocked Toilets

A blocked drain is one of the most common reasons for a toilet not flushing. These clogs can vary in severity, ranging from partial to complete blocks, and are frequently caused by toilet paper, wipes and other sanitary items, as well as obstructions in the plumbing system. A blocked toilet, in any case, can result in an incomplete flush or no flush at all.

You can try to use a plunger to solve this problem as it might help to loosen any mild blockages or improve the flushing by a fraction. But for severely blocked toilets, you should call in a professional plumber.

At Jetset Plumbing we offer both toilet repair and blocked drain services. With help from our licensed plumbers the water flow through your drains will be back to normal and, most importantly, your toilet will be flushing again in no time.

Examine the Overflow Tube

The overflow tube is located in the middle of the toilet tank. As the name implies, the overflow tube drains excess water into the toilet bowl, preventing the tank from overflowing.

In some cases, when the overflow tube is damaged, more water drains into the toilet bowl, lowering the water level in the tank. This usually results in slow flushing and usually requires a replacement tube to be installed.

Check the Fill Valve Assembly

If your toilet won't flush, you may have a problem with the fill valve. This is the part of the toilet that connects to the water supply and is responsible for refilling the water in the tank after each flush.

When a toilet is flushed, the part known as the float moves to the bottom of the tank as the water level falls. The fill valve detects this and starts filling the tank again until the float reaches its set point. If, by chance, the float becomes stuck or the water valve becomes blocked, the tank will not fill properly, causing the toilet to flush slowly.

So, if you notice that the toilet tank is not being filled properly during your investigation, the issue could in fact be with the fill valve itself or with the floater.

Investigate the Flapper

The flapper, which is located at the bottom of the tank, is in charge of sealing the opening between the tank and the toilet bowl. A constant running water sound coming from your toilet could indicate that there is a problem with the flapper's seal.

A flapper that does not seal properly can hinder the flushing of your toilet as it can prevent the tank from filling properly. A problem like this usually calls for a replacement part.

Check the Inlet Holes

When you flush a toilet, water drains from the tank through small inlet holes into the toilet bowl. If these openings become blocked, the water will drain at a reduced rate, resulting in a slow flush that does not completely clear the bowl.

The blockages are generally caused by mineral build-up and can usually be remedied with a scrubbing brush and a good old cleaning session.

In any case, a licensed plumber will be able to determine the exact issue and professionally repair it. At Jetset Plumbing, our plumbers are experts at pinpointing the cause of your plumbing issues and having them fixed in no time.

If your toilet isn't flushing properly and you just can't seem to figure out why, give us a call on 1800 443 996.