Is your household dealing with a toilet not flushing correctly? Maybe you have to flush multiple times or constantly plunge.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my toilet not flushing?” – we have some answers.
Until you fix the root cause of your toilet not flushing properly, it will continue to be a headache. Some solutions you can do yourself. Others may need professional help, which you can always get from Zabs Plumbing’s experts in Melbourne.
Let’s look at the five most common reasons that a toilet isn’t flushing.
What’s a primary reason why the toilet is not flushing? It’s clogs. They stem from excess toilet paper, wipes, or other objects in the trap or drain.
The first thing to do is use a plunger. Submerge it in the water and push and pull on that tight seal formed. If it works, the water will drain.
A note of caution on plunging. Don’t repeatedly flush to prevent overflow. If the plunger isn’t doing the job, seek professional help. If this recurs regularly, it may be an indication that there’s a deeper pipe blockage. For that, you’ll definitely need plumbers to repair it.
Another flushing issue is when there’s not enough toilet water in the cistern. Cisterns hold water in the toilet to enable flushing. It releases the water through the flush valve, triggered by pushing the lever or button.
If there isn’t sufficient water, a stuck float, faulty fill valve, or partially closed stop tap, limiting water levels, could be why.
Check this by seeing if the water in the tank is at the appropriate level. The cistern could have a crack or leak. Inspect the float mechanism as well. Other ways to address this could be replacing the flapper, cleaning the jet of the fill valve, or installing new seals or O-rings.
Maintaining the parts of the cistern is one way to avoid these problems. Should none of these DIY fixes work, it’s time to call plumbers.
Flappers or outlet valves control flush performance. They can be the problem due to worn seals, flapper misalignment, or a broken chain. If these are at fault, the flush will be weak or incomplete.
Inspect the chain for slack and the button mechanism alignment. You may find you need to replace the chain or flapper. If you’re uncomfortable doing this work alone, residential plumbers can evaluate the flapper or flush mechanism quickly.
A blocked jet could be why a toilet does not flush. Blockage is the result of mineral build-up and grime, causing restricted water flow and weakening the flush.
The “symptoms” of a blocked jet include sluggish water circulation or bowls not clearing completely. One way to resolve this is by scrubbing the jets. You can do this with vinegar-based cleaners. If this doesn’t remedy the problem, the build-up may need the attention of a plumber.
A vent pipe balances the air pressure in your drainage system, allowing wastewater and sewage to move smoothly through the pipes. When it works properly, it prevents airlocks and ensures the toilet flushes with full force. However, if the vent becomes blocked, the system can’t release air as it should, leading to weak flushes, foul odors, or even strange gurgling sounds from the drains.
Common causes of vent pipe blockages include pest nests, accumulated debris like leaves, or even corrosion in older systems. Because the vent often runs up through the roof, diagnosing and fixing the problem isn’t as simple as unclogging a toilet trap.
While some homeowners try flushing the vent pipe with a garden hose, these blockages usually require the right tools and expertise to clear safely. For that reason, you’ll need licensed plumbers to inspect the vent system, remove the obstruction, and restore proper air circulation. Getting it fixed quickly helps protect the overall health of your plumbing system and prevents recurring drainage issues.
Toilets and drains can develop problems that seem frustrating at first, but many common issues have straightforward explanations. Before calling in a professional, it helps to understand what might be happening so you can decide whether a quick fix is possible on your own. Here are a few signs to look out for and what they could mean:
It’s worth it to give simple fixes a shot, but if the problem keeps coming back, it’s best to let professionals handle it to avoid bigger and more costly plumbing issues.
When it comes to fixing toilet problems, safety and care should always come first. A quick mistake can easily turn a small issue into a costly repair. Keep these important precautions in mind:
By following these safety guidelines, you’ll protect your plumbing system, avoid unnecessary damage, and ensure that repairs are handled properly when professional help is needed.
We’ve reviewed five key reasons to answer, “Why is my toilet not working?” Clogs, cistern water levels, faulty flappers, and blocked jets and vent pipes. Sometimes these are an easy fix: use a plunger or replace a part.
Prevention helps you evade plumbing issues. This includes replacing parts that have a limited lifespan, not flushing anything that doesn’t disintegrate, and keeping the toilet clean.
No matter the flushing issue, Zabs Plumbing can help. Contact us today.
