A non-flushing toilet can be an extremely frustrating issue, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Many homeowners think they need to replace their whole toilet, but that’s often not the case. Frequently, a toilet can be fixed with just a few simple steps. Here are a few things you can try to get your toilet working again.
First, check the water level in the toilet tank. If the water level is too low, the toilet may not have enough water to flush properly. To adjust the water level, simply turn the fill valve screw clockwise to lower the water level or counterclockwise to raise it. Once you’ve adjusted the water level, flush the toilet to see if it’s working properly.
If adjusting the water level doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to check the flapper valve. The flapper valve is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper valve lifts up to allow water to flow into the bowl. If the flapper valve is not sealing properly, water will leak out of the tank and the toilet will not flush properly. To check the flapper valve, simply lift it up and down. If the flapper valve is not sealing properly, you will need to replace it.
Check for Clogs in the Drain Line
A clogged drain line is a common cause of a toilet that won’t flush. To check for a clog, follow these steps:
- Remove the toilet lid.
- Pour a bucket of water into the toilet bowl.
- If the water drains slowly or not at all, you may have a clog in the drain line.
To clear a clog in the drain line, you can use a plumbing snake or a chemical drain cleaner. However, if you are not comfortable doing this yourself, it is best to call a plumber.
Here is a table of common causes of clogs in the drain line and how to fix them:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Toilet paper | Remove the excess toilet paper and flush the toilet. |
| Flushing non-flushable items | Call a plumber to remove the non-flushable item. |
| Tree roots | Call a plumber to remove the tree roots. |
| Grease | Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush. |
Inspect the Fill Valve
The fill valve is a crucial component in the flushing mechanism of a toilet. If the fill valve malfunctions, it can prevent the toilet from flushing properly. Here are some steps you can take to inspect the fill valve:
1. Check if the fill valve is old or damaged: Over time, fill valves can become worn or damaged due to mineral deposits or other wear and tear. If you suspect that the fill valve is the issue, you should replace it.
2. Turn off the water supply: Before you start working on the fill valve, it’s important to turn off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
3. Detach the fill valve from the tank: Once the water supply is turned off, detach the fill valve from the tank. You may need to use a wrench to loosen the nuts or screws that secure it in place.
4. Inspect the fill valve components: Once the fill valve is detached, inspect the various components for any visible signs of damage or wear. Pay particular attention to the following:
| Component | Signs of Damage |
|---|---|
| Diaphragm | Tears, rips, or holes |
| Flapper | Cracks, warping, or missing parts |
| Float arm | Bent, broken, or misaligned |
| Float | Waterlogged, cracked, or disconnected |
5. Replace damaged or worn components: If you identify any damaged or worn components during your inspection, it’s crucial to replace them with new ones. This is especially important for the diaphragm and flapper, as these are the most common culprits when it comes to fill valve issues.
6. Reassemble the fill valve and reconnect it: Once you have replaced the necessary components, reassemble the fill valve and reconnect it to the tank. Ensure that all nuts and screws are tightened securely to prevent leaks.
7. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks: Once the fill valve is reconnected, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, your toilet should now flush properly.
Repair a Leaky Flush Valve
A leaky flush valve is a common cause of a toilet that won’t flush properly. The flush valve is the mechanism that releases water from the tank into the bowl when you press the handle. If the flush valve is leaking, it may not be releasing enough water to flush the toilet properly.
To repair a leaky flush valve, you will need to remove the old flush valve and replace it with a new one. Here are the steps on how to do this:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Remove the cap from the top of the flush valve.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds the flush valve in place.
5. Remove the old flush valve and replace it with the new one.
6. Tighten the nut that holds the flush valve in place.
Here are some additional tips for repairing a leaky flush valve:
- If you are not comfortable replacing the flush valve yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
- When you are replacing the flush valve, make sure to use a new washer.
- If the leak is coming from the bottom of the flush valve, you may need to replace the entire flush valve assembly.
Unclog the Siphon Jet
The siphon jet is a curved pipe that connects the toilet bowl to the drainpipe. It helps create the suction that flushes the toilet. If the siphon jet is clogged, the toilet will not flush properly.
To unclog the siphon jet, you can use a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible wire with a hook on the end. Insert the hook into the siphon jet and rotate it around to loosen the clog. Once the clog is loose, flush the toilet to clear it away.
If you do not have a toilet auger, you can try to unclog the siphon jet with a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain hole and push and pull it up and down. This will create suction that may help to dislodge the clog.
If you are unable to unclog the siphon jet yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber can use a more powerful auger to clear the clog.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Toilet auger | A long, flexible wire with a hook on the end that is used to unclog drains. |
| Plunger | A rubber cup that is used to create suction to unclog drains. |
Replace the Toilet Wax Ring
The toilet wax ring is a seal that prevents water and sewer gases from leaking out of the base of the toilet. Over time, the wax ring can deteriorate and cause leaks. If you suspect that the wax ring is the culprit, you can replace it yourself with a few simple steps:
8. Remove the old wax ring
Once the toilet is removed, you will see the old wax ring around the base of the toilet flange. Use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the old wax ring away from the flange. Be careful not to damage the flange.
| Tools Required: | Materials Required: |
|---|---|
| Putty knife or flathead screwdriver | New wax ring |
Once the old wax ring is removed, clean the flange and the bottom of the toilet with a damp cloth. Allow the surfaces to dry completely before installing the new wax ring.
How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush
A toilet that won’t flush can be frustrating and potentially unsanitary. If you’re experiencing this issue, there are a few things you can check to try and fix it yourself before calling a plumber.
First, check to make sure that the water supply to the toilet is turned on. If the water is turned off, the toilet will not be able to flush. Next, check the flapper valve. The flapper valve is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper valve opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper valve is not sealing properly, water will not be able to flow into the bowl and the toilet will not flush.
To check the flapper valve, remove the lid from the toilet tank and look for the flapper valve. The flapper valve is usually attached to a chain that is connected to the flush lever. If the flapper valve is not sealing properly, you can try to adjust the chain so that the flapper valve sits more snugly against the drain hole. If the flapper valve is old or damaged, you may need to replace it.
If the water supply is turned on and the flapper valve is sealing properly, the next thing to check is the fill valve. The fill valve is a valve that controls the water level in the toilet tank. If the fill valve is not working properly, the toilet tank may not fill up with enough water to flush the toilet.
To check the fill valve, remove the lid from the toilet tank and look for the fill valve. The fill valve is usually located at the back of the toilet tank. If the fill valve is not working properly, you may need to replace it.
People Also Ask
Why is my toilet not flushing?
There are several reasons why your toilet may not be flushing. The most common reasons include:
- The water supply is turned off.
- The flapper valve is not sealing properly.
- The fill valve is not working properly.
How do I fix a toilet that won’t flush?
To fix a toilet that won’t flush, you can try the following steps:
- Check to make sure that the water supply is turned on.
- Check the flapper valve to make sure that it is sealing properly.
- Check the fill valve to make sure that it is working properly.
How much does it cost to fix a toilet that won’t flush?
The cost to fix a toilet that won’t flush will vary depending on the cause of the problem. If the problem is simple, such as a loose flapper valve, you may be able to fix it yourself for free. However, if the problem is more complex, such as a broken fill valve, you may need to call a plumber, which could cost between $100 and $200.
How do I prevent my toilet from not flushing?
To prevent your toilet from not flushing, you can do the following:
- Make sure that the water supply is turned on.
- Check the flapper valve and fill valve regularly to make sure that they are working properly.
- Avoid flushing large objects down the toilet.
