How to fix a toilet that won’t flush?

If the toilet won’t flush in the morning, it will just ruin your day and probably the whole week. The problem will worsen if there is a single toilet in the whole house. The most boring problem to deal with is the flush issues and especially if there are guests at your place. 

If you are unable to solve the problem on your own, you can hire a plumbing professional. However, if you think the task can be handled by you; this article will provide you with some basic plumbing tips on how to fix a toilet that won’t flush.

Simple basics about toilet mechanism

There are two important parts of a toilet: the bowl and the tank. The tank holds the flushing mechanism and refills once the water is used. The bowl consists of a hole that is attached to the siphon which is curved in shape. When the bowl is filled with water, it pushes away the waste in the upward curve and flushes away the entire content.

Flushing works on gravity and water pressure. The tank holds approx. 2 gallons of water. When pulling the handle to flush, the chain inside the tank gets pulled and lifts the flush valve.

How to fix a toilet not flushing

Diagnosing the problem

There are many reasons why your toilet might be resisting flushing. It can be a problem with the flushing mechanism, water supply or a toilet handle that won’t flush. Determining how to fix a toilet, not flushing, requires going to the origin of the problem.

Try to press on the flush handle and see if the water is washing out properly. If the fault is detected there, you might be facing a faulty mechanism or your toilet flush is broken. If the flushing is ok but the content is not washing away, there is a drainage issue.

Read ahead to discover some common reasons and solutions on how to fix a toilet that won't flush.

Here are a few issues that people deal with,

No water in the tank

If there is not enough water in the tank, you won’t be able to flush. To check on the issue, open the top of the cistern. If the water is inadequate then check on the water supply by turning on the tap. Secondly, have a check on the water supply in the bathroom, and lastly, have a check on the water inlet tap by moving the ballcock. If any of these problems exists and you can’t call over a plumber urgently, you can flush the toilet by topping up the tank with a bucket of water.

The toilet flush is broken

The flush problem that occurs is while the handle becomes disconnected from the flushing mechanism. To have a check on the toilet flush, open the top of your tank and check the handle if connected. The lever handle is usually connected to the chain that works for lifting the flush valve.

Broken or warped flapper 

The valve that sits at the cistern's base and lets water flow out is called a flapper. You won't be able to achieve a full flush if the toilet's water supply is constantly running and it is never able to fill up. If this occurs, your cistern's flapper has to be replaced.

Clogging issue 

The flushing mechanism might be stopped due to clogging into the flush tank. You can simply use a drain cleaner or muriatic acid to clean it. Let the cleaner settle down for a few minutes and then pour a gallon of hot water. If the water level drops, the flush is once again operational.

How to Repair a Toilet That Isn't Flushing Due to a Drainage Problem 

A toilet blockage is typically the root of drainage issues. When too much toilet paper is used, blockages might develop. Or people flush things down the toilet that shouldn't be, like sanitary supplies or baby wipes.

Here are some of the reasons and solutions,

The flush can be hampered by a blocked toilet

Flushing too much toilet paper can clog the pipeline and flushing becomes impossible. If you want to get rid of the waste and normalise the flushing, try using a toilet auger or a plunger.

The flushing is comparatively weak 

Mineral and dirt deposits create excessively slow flushing by obstructing the water's path beneath the rim. By using a wire brush and white vinegar to scrape below the rim, you can get rid of the partial obstruction.

Incessant flushing 

Too much flushing is also not considered good, as it leads to excessive water loss and huge water bills. Keep a check on the float arm and the functioning of the ball without obstruction.

Fill valve failure 

The tank may not be fully filled, due to the failure of the valve. When you press the handle, the ball cock is to blame if you don't hear the sound of gushing water. When mounting the fill-valve nut to the tank, be careful not to over-tighten it otherwise the tank may break unexpectedly.

How to fix a toilet handle that won’t flush 

When you want to flush the toilet, you pull the handle on the outside of the cistern. When you depress the flush handle, a trip lever and link inside the cistern activate the flushing mechanism. 

The simplest issue to identify is typically a defective or broken flush handle. The handle stops interacting with the link and flushing mechanism when it either becomes too loose or too tight. Sometimes all that needs to be done to correct it is to tighten the mounting nut on the handle's rear. 

It's also possible that the handle stiffened as a result of limescale build-up. If so, all it requires is a thorough cleaning. 

How to fix a toilet handle that won’t flush 

You will need a replacement flush handle.  If you are trying to replace the handle on your own, here are a few tips that could be helpful, 

·        Take the lid off the toilet cistern and remove the trip lever. It connects the handle and other parts of the cistern. 

·        Take off the screws which are placed on the handle. Turn the screws clockwise to remove them. 

·        Remove the handle and place the new one purchased. Screw the nuts firmly by a wrench anticlockwise, making it tight but not over-tighten. 

·        Re-hook the trip lever by sliding on the end of the handle. It is the most critical and tricky thing to get the wrench in position again, as the whole flush mechanism works on it. So try to check the flush, after fixing it 

·        Change the cistern lid back.

Takeaway 

Your toilet bowl will last longer if you are able to do simple repairs. Lifting the tank lid is required to check the flapper, fill valve, chain, and water pressure for functionality.

If you still have trouble getting your toilet to flush, get help from plumbing and drainage professionals.

You don't need the chaos that a busted pipe or clogged drain can produce in your home for you or your family. It can cause disruptions to routines, prevent you from getting on with your day, and be very expensive to fix. Smart Cover is there with excellent plumbing and drainage cover.

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