Toilet Troubles: Fixing the Unflushable

When you encounter a toilet that won't flush, it's not just an inconvenience; it can feel like a crisis, especially if it's the only one in your home. But before you panic or call a plumber, here are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue yourself.

Understanding the Basics of Your Toilet Mechanism
Grasping how your toilet functions is key to troubleshooting and fixing issues that prevent it from flushing. Essentially, the toilet is divided into two principal components: the bowl, which holds water and waste before and after flushing, and the tank, which stores the water needed for flushing.

When the flush is activated, a mechanism inside the tank lifts the flapper (or flush valve seal), causing water to surge from the tank into the bowl. This action forces the contents of the bowl down the drain.

After flushing, the fill valve, also known as the ballcock, comes into play by refilling the tank with water. It's equipped with a mechanism to prevent overfilling, with any excess water being diverted to the overflow tube and then into the bowl, ensuring the tank does not overflow.

​Familiarity with these elements - the tank, bowl, flapper, fill valve, and overflow tube - is crucial for pinpointing and addressing the malfunctioning part when your toilet fails to flush. Understanding this internal workflow allows for accurate diagnosis and effective repair of common toilet issues.

Diagnosing the Problem - Common Causes of a Non-Flushing Toilet
Several factors can prevent your toilet from flushing properly, turning a routine action into a significant headache. Here are some common culprits to look out for:

• Flush Handle Issues: A malfunctioning flush handle can range from being loose to completely broken. This is often a straightforward fix but requires prompt attention to reconnect or replace the handle to restore functionality.
• Flapper Faults: The flapper, crucial for creating a water-tight seal in the tank, can deteriorate over time. A worn, warped, or improperly seated flapper can lead to flushing issues by not lifting correctly or sealing properly after a flush.
• Drainage Clogs: Blockages within the toilet bowl or further down the drain pipe can impede the flow of water and waste, preventing a successful flush. Clogs can be caused by a variety of materials, from excessive toilet paper to non-flushable items mistakenly dropped into the bowl.
• Inadequate Water Levels: For a toilet to flush effectively, the tank must hold the correct amount of water. A water level that's too low will result in a weak flush that may not clear the bowl, while a too-high level risks overflow.
• Lift Chain Discrepancies: The lift chain, connecting the flush handle to the flapper, can sometimes become disconnected or misadjusted. An overly slack or tight chain can disrupt the flushing process, either by failing to lift the flapper or by not allowing it to close properly.

Identifying the root cause is the first step towards a swift resolution, guiding you towards the appropriate fix and getting your toilet back in working order.

Fixing a Broken Flush Handle
To address a non-functioning flush handle, which often causes the toilet not to flush, start by removing the lid from the toilet tank carefully to gain access to the internal mechanism. Examine the handle to determine whether it is broken or simply disconnected from the lift chain, a common issue leading to flushing problems. If the handle itself is broken, purchasing a replacement from your local hardware store is necessary. Ensure that the new handle is compatible with your toilet model for a seamless fit. On the other hand, if the handle is intact but has come loose from the lift chain, reconnect them. It is crucial to adjust the lift chain correctly; it should not be too tight or too loose. An optimal lift chain setting provides a small amount of slack, allowing the flapper to seal properly after a flush and ensuring it lifts adequately during a flush. This adjustment ensures that the flushing mechanism functions smoothly, preventing future flushing issues. After reassembling, test the flush handle to confirm that the issue has been resolved and the toilet flushes as expected. This fix is typically simple and does not require specialized tools or extensive plumbing knowledge, making it an accessible solution for most homeowners.

Replacing a Malfunctioning Flapper
Begin by shutting off the water supply to your toilet to halt any incoming water flow. Proceed by flushing the toilet to empty the tank of water, making the internal components accessible and dry. The next step involves detaching the flapper from both the overflow tube and the lift chain. It's essential to observe the condition and type of your current flapper to ensure that you select a compatible replacement. When shopping for a new flapper, consider bringing the old one to compare and guarantee a perfect match. After acquiring the replacement, installation is straightforward: secure the new flapper to the base of the overflow tube, ensuring it's perfectly seated to prevent leaks. Reconnect the lift chain, leaving just enough slack to prevent strain on the flapper, allowing it to fully seal the drain hole when not in use and to open completely during a flush. Once installed, turn the water supply back on to refill the tank. It's crucial to monitor the new flapper's performance during the initial flushes, making any necessary adjustments to the chain length for optimal operation. This procedure not only addresses immediate flushing issues but also contributes to water conservation by preventing leaks.

Addressing a Clogged Toilet
Clogged toilets are a common yet frustrating issue that often requires immediate attention. The first tool to reach for is a plunger designed specifically for toilets, which includes a flange—a special rubber extension that improves suction and effectiveness. To effectively use the plunger, ensure it covers the toilet's drain hole completely. Press down gently at first to expel any trapped air, reducing the risk of backsplash. Follow this gentle press with vigorous plunging, using strong and deliberate thrusts. This action is aimed at dislodging the blockage, allowing for normal flushing to resume.
If plunging does not clear the clog, the next step involves using a toilet auger, also known as a plumbing snake. This flexible coil of wire is designed to navigate through the curves of the toilet drain to reach and break up the obstruction or pull it out. Carefully insert the auger into the drain and turn the handle as you push it further into the pipe. Once you feel resistance, crank the handle to catch and clear the clog. Retract the auger slowly, flushing the toilet to ensure the blockage has been removed.
Refrain from using chemical drain cleaners in toilets, as they can cause damage to plumbing and are not environmentally friendly. Persistent or recurring clogs may indicate a deeper issue, necessitating professional inspection.

Ensuring Adequate Water Levels in the Tank
A toilet's flushing power largely depends on the water level in its tank. If this level is too low, the flush might be weak or ineffective. Start by examining the water valve located behind the toilet to ensure it's completely open, allowing maximum water flow into the tank. If adjusting this doesn't resolve the issue, turn your attention to the fill valve, commonly referred to as the ballcock. This device is critical for controlling the water level in the tank. It usually features a float that rises with the water level, shutting off the valve when the water reaches the desired height. If the water level in your tank is consistently below the mark - which is approximately an inch below the top of the overflow tube - it may indicate that the fill valve needs adjustment or replacement. Adjusting the float is straightforward: for most models, a screw or clip allows you to change the float's height, thus affecting the water level. Increase the float's height to raise the water level in the tank. If these steps don't correct the water level, the fill valve might be malfunctioning and could require replacement. This task involves turning off the water supply, draining the tank, and swapping out the old valve for a new one, a procedure that might be a bit more complex but is crucial for maintaining your toilet's efficiency.​

When to Call a Professional Plumber
Even with a solid attempt at troubleshooting and fixing common toilet issues on your own, there comes a point when seeking professional help is the most prudent course of action. This is particularly true if you've worked through the suggested fixes and still find yourself facing the same unresolved issue. Complex problems such as persistent clogs that defy both plunger and auger efforts, or issues that seem to affect the plumbing system more broadly—like slow drainage in multiple fixtures or unwelcome sewage odors—strongly indicate a deeper, possibly sewer line-related problem. These scenarios are beyond the scope of typical DIY fixes and demand the expertise and tools of a seasoned plumber. Likewise, if the thought of diving into toilet mechanics makes you uneasy, or if midway through a repair you realize you're in over your head, it's time to call in a professional. Attempting repairs without confidence or proper understanding can inadvertently exacerbate the problem, leading to potential water damage or more significant plumbing issues. Professional plumbers not only bring a wealth of experience to diagnose problems accurately but also have the means to correct them efficiently, ensuring your toilet and overall plumbing system function smoothly without further ado.

---

If you are looking to get in touch with a licensed home renovation
 professional in the Cambridge and surrounding areas,
click the link below to set up a free quote:

REQUEST A QUOTE