The Top Reasons Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing Properly

There is nothing worse than a toilet that doesn’t flush properly. Not only do you have to call in a plumber, but it causes a significant dent in your time, schedule, and wallet—all things that you don’t have to spare.

There are several reasons why your toilet is not flushing correctly. In this article, we’re going to address the most common reasons behind an inconsistent toilet flush. Don’t fret; we have an array of solutions to offer, as well.

We realize that your toilet is an important aspect of your daily chores, so a hindrance on that front could be immensely inconvenient. Let’s dive right into the reasons why your toilet no longer flushes the way it is intended, as well as some of the ways you can fix it yourself.

Don’t leave a poorly flushing toilet as is for too long, though. If the issue is something that is not a quick and easy fix, you will end up with rising water utilities and potentially expensive repairs in the future.

Troubleshooting Toilet Flushing Issues

Low Water Level in the Tank

Low water levels can indicate a few different issues, so determining what’s causing it quickly will allow you to fix the issue faster. If, however, you have figured out the issue and are still unable to fix it, then call a plumber to come and assist.

Inside the cistern or toilet tank, you should find a water level mark. This will tell you how high the water should be. If the water is under this level, then check the toilet fill pipe. This could be clogged with debris and may have shifted out of place.

If this pipe is fine, then check the water ball. You can adjust the level at which this ball shuts off the water when the tank is filling up. If it’s set too low, then the tank won’t fill all the way

If these are good, then check the tank for cracks as this could be allowing the water to slowly seep out.

Damaged Overflow Tube

This is the pipe or tube found near the centre of the tank and is open. It’s designed to move water directly to the bowl if the flush mechanism fails in any way in order to prevent flooding.

If this tube has been damaged in any way, it can cause issues with the overall function. Factors like debris clogging it up, cracks, or even moving it just a touch will throw everything into disarray in the toilet.

Many of these tubes are easy to replace, especially if they were properly installed to begin with. Always remember to turn off the water and drain the tank prior to attempting any repairs.

If this pipe is clogged, then reach out to your plumber and see if they can locate where the debris is coming from so that it can be prevented in the future.

Loose Flush Handle Chain

This little chain has a big role in the toilet system. It controls the flapper valve that releases the water from the cistern to the bowl. When you press the handle to flush, the flapper valve is opened. It is operated via a chain that connects the handle to the valve.

If this chain is set too long, then the flapper valve won’t stay open long enough and the bowl will not fill all the way. Simultaneously, if set too short, then the valve remains open for too long and can cause flooding.

The chain can be easily adjusted on the pole, but if it is damaged or rusted, then you should look at replacing it. You can purchase them cheaply at most hardware stores, or call your plumbing team to fix them.

The Flapper Is Warped

The flapper is made purely with rubber, thus it is not invulnerable. It is not durable against debris and other damage within the toilet’s tank or flapper. A loose, old, and warped flapper should be fixed or replaced.

Any damage to the valve would hinder you from sealing the flapper when flushing, resulting in the water not getting refilled aptly. Replacing this valve is simple and easily done in less than half an hour.

They look like bath stoppers and are inexpensive to purchase from a local hardware store. As they are not all the same size, take the old one with you to double-check. A store clerk can help you if you are in doubt.

If you cannot find what you need, or are having difficulty, then your local plumbing services in Toronto are on hand to help out.

Clogged Inlet Holes

These small holes are located at the bottom of the cistern towards the back. Their purpose is to help fill the bowl with water when you flush, as well as provide a connection to the water supply.

These small holes are susceptible to filling with debris, preventing them from performing as designed. They can be easily cleaned out by adding vinegar to the overflow tube and letting it sit all night. You can then use a small wire brush to clean them out before flushing.

If you live in an area where the water is “hard”, then a softener option should be explored to reduce the resulting deposits.

The Best Ways to Resolve Toilet Flushing Problems

Whether you need a quick fix or a complete replacement, there are plenty of options that you and your family can choose from to minimize or completely eradicate a toilet flushing problem. Let’s talk about some of them.

Turning Off the Water Supply

Before any repairs or investigations are done, you need to ensure that the water supply has been turned off, but only to the toilet you are working on (not to the whole house).

Under the cistern, close to the wall, you will see a small metal pipe with a handle on it. Turn this handle to shut off the water. Then, flush the toilet to drain the bowl and cistern. This helps to prevent splashing water and spills, and allows you to work without getting wet.

Another benefit to turning off the water first is that should any big damage happen to the cistern or bowl, then you won’t flood the bathroom and have to deal with another problem.

Opening the Cistern

The toilet cistern houses all the mechanisms that allow the toilet to work. This is also often referred to as the tank; it is the large porcelain tank situated on the wall directly behind the toilet seat.

Once the water has been turned off, it’s a good idea to put a towel on the floor to rest the cistern lid on. The cistern lid is heavy and should sit flat on the floor on a towel or bath mat.

Once the cistern lid is removed, you can access the chain, flapper valve, inlet holes, and overflow tube. These are all the mechanisms that allow the toilet to function properly.

Replacing the Flush Valve

The flush valve is the component that releases the water quickly into the bowl to flush away waste. Over time, this valve can wear down and begin to disintegrate.

Located under the flapper valve near the overflow tube, you may need to take the cistern off the wall to access the valve and inspect it. If it needs replacing, then the cistern will need to remain off the wall.

Remove the valve and clean the pipe so that it is free of debris before inserting the new valve. However, not all valves are simple and easy to replace, so you may need to call a plumber for complicated replacements. Drain King Plumbers are the experts on hand to help you replace this valve.

Professional Plumbing Services

An expert plumber working in your area is an amazing service to have on hand, especially when they provide 24/7 services so that even clogged toilet emergencies are no worry.

Not fixing toilets that don’t flush properly ends up costing more money in the long run. For instance, leaks can increase water bills, and incomplete flushes and clogs can cause water to back up and foul smells to permeate throughout the home.

Your plumber should be able to cater to any and all situations, regardless if it is regular drain cleaning, water heater servicing, or renovations.

With services such as flood protection, general repairs, frozen pipe issues, fixture installation, and maintenance, in addition to emergency services like overflowing toilets and cracked and/or burst water mains pipes, you are in good hands with a professional plumber.

Drain King Plumbers has been working with residents and businesses in Toronto and the GTA for years, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to deal with all plumbing situations. For an expert plumber in Hamilton, call Drain King Plumbers at 833-983-5663 or contact us online.