How To Fix A Toilet Not Flushing Properly

It can be frustrating and inconvenient when your toilet doesn’t flush properly. It’s unpleasant and unsanitary and leaves a bad odor behind. It can be very difficult to clean which is embarrassing, especially if you have guests around. A toilet not flushing properly may indicate plumbing problems which can be expensive to repair. But you no longer have to worry!  With this guide, you can fix your toilet in no time. Continue reading and find out how to fix a toilet not flushing properly.

Check the Tank’s Water Level

To start off, you must check the tank’s water level before anything else. Keep in mind that a low water level does not create enough force to properly flush your toilet. Here are the steps on how to check the tank’s water level:

• Detach the lid from the toilet tank.
• Check the water level and ensure it’s just an inch below the overflow tube.
• Adjust the float to raise the water level if the tank’s water level is too low.

Check the Flush Valve

The tank’s component that controls the flow of the water into the bowl is the flush valve. If it doesn’t work properly, the toilet will not flush properly. Here’s how you can check the flush valve:

• Remove the tank’s lid
• Flush the toilet and observe the valve. It should visibly open fully and then close completely.
• If the flush valve is not opening or closing properly, you may need to replace it.

Check the Flapper

The rubber valve responsible for allowing the water to flow from the tank to the bowl is called the flapper. Keep in mind that if it doesn’t seal properly, the water will leak and your toilet will not flush properly. Follow these steps on how to check the flapper:

• Detach the tank’s lid
• Flush your toilet and watch out for the flapper. This rubber valve should lift up when it’s open and seals tight when it closes.
• If the flapper does not seal properly, you may need to clean it or replace it.

Check the Toilet Bowl

If everything above is working perfectly, then the issue may be because of the toilet itself. Try pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl and observe what happens. If the water flushes easily, then there’s a problem with your tank’s water flow. However, if the water does not flush easily, there may be some blockage in the toilet bowl. Use a plunger to try and clear the blockage. If this doesn’t work either, use a drain snake to remove a stubborn blockage.

Conclusion

You don’t have to call a plumber right away when your toilet does not flush properly. Although it can be very frustrating, it is quite easy to fix your toilet’s problem. Carefully follow the steps above to check and see what the problem is. If none of the steps above work, then call the best plumber for a toilet repair. Head on to Made’s Plumbing and contact us if you need help with your flushing problem.