Toilets that don't flush completely are one of the most frustrating plumbing issues. It is not only inconvenient but also a safety hazard. We all take our toilets for granted. But what do we do if they stop working? Continue reading to learn more.
Reduce Possible Problems
There could be many reasons why a toilet won't flush fully. First, check the tank. You will need to find out why the toilet tank isn't filling up completely and then fix it. If your tank is not filling correctly, it could be a blockage or other problems at work.
The handle and chain of the toilet are other easy items to inspect. If the handle does not respond to your pressing, or if it swings freely, it is likely that there is an issue with the handle or the chain connecting it to the flapper. If you find a broken handle or chain inside your toilet tank, replace it to get your toilet running again.
Clear a Clogged Toilet
Clogs are the most common reason why a toilet won't flush. A clog can be severe, ranging from a blockage that is complete to a partial blockage. Toilet paper, wipes, and other items can accumulate in the sewer lines. This could cause slow flushing, which may not completely clear the bowl.
Use a toilet auger or a plunger to solve this problem. Make sure the plunger is flange-style to ensure it seals with the bowl. To loosen any material that could be clogging the sewer lines, use the plunger several times. Finally, flush the toilet to check if it is working well. You may need to flush the toilet once more if the flushing is improving.
Follow the instructions on how to use a toilet auger. Then flush the toilet to check if it has improved.
Hot water is another option, even if you don't have an auger or a plunger. Sometimes, this will be enough to clear mild blockages. But, do not boil water. This can cause damage to the seals and toilet.
You may not have a problem if none of these methods work. You'll also find other problems that could cause a clog.
The Flapper
The bottom of the toilet tank is where you will find the flappers. When closed, they should be sealed tightly. This can cause problems with the flushing of your toilet. To check if the flapper is properly sealing, remove the tank lid. You can check for a running toilet by listening to it. This indicates that the tank is draining water even though the flapper should remain closed. You can find a replacement flapper at your local hardware store and follow the instructions to install it.
The Inlet Holes are worth a look
Water drains from the toilet tank when you flush it. There are small holes at the underside and rim of the toilet bowl that allow water to drain. If the inlet holes are blocked, the water will slow down and drain into the bowl. These signs will help you determine if your inlet holes have become blocked.
When your tank flushes, it drains slowly.
The bowl is designed to allow water to flow straight down from its rim.
It is possible to see the areas where water isn’t flowing when you flush.
These signs can indicate blocked jets. To get water flowing again, use a toothbrush, scrubber, or toothpick to remove any mineral buildup.
The Overflow Tube is available for inspection
The tube at the bottom of the toilet's tank is called an overflow tube. This tube is designed to drain any excess water from the toilet bowl in the event that the tank fills up. Overflow tubes can crack over time and cause water to pool in the bowl. This causes the tank to drain less water, which leads to slow and inefficient flushing. Replace the overflow tube if you find cracks.
Check out the Fill Valve Assembly
The fill valve could be the cause of your toilet not flushing completely. Check the float of your fill valve. This float can be either a bulb at the end of a rod of metal or a circular float that fits around your fill valve. The float shuts off the fill valve once the water level reaches a specified level. Incorrectly adjusted floats or stuck floats can cause the water level to rise, leading to a tank that is not full and poor flushing.
If the fill valve is blocked, underfilling may also occur. This can be checked by flushing the toilet to drain the water from the tank and then watching the fill valve to make sure that it is functioning as it should.
You'll likely find the problem with your toilet if you check each of these items. These solutions may not fix the problem sometimes. You might need to call a professional or upgrade your toilet.
