Toilet Not Flushing?
We’ve all been there before. You flush the toilet only to realize that the water isn’t going down. Panic sets in because you begin to wonder if it’s going to overflow and cause a flood in your Orange, CA, home. While it’s a nerve-racking moment, there’s not too much to stress over. A toilet that won’t flush is usually simple to fix.
This article will explain some of the main reasons your toilet won’t flush, along with solutions to fix the problem quickly. You may be able to do some of these solutions yourself, but safety should always be your top priority. If you don't feel confident in your own plumbing abilities, it’s best to call in a professional plumber in Orange, CA, to get your toilet back up and running.
Break Up the Blockage
The most obvious reason your toilet won’t flush is that something has it clogged. Toilets can flush certain kinds and amounts of waste, so it can be pretty easy for them to get clogged. Never flush anything down your toilet besides toilet paper and waste. Wipes, sanitary napkins, and other objects can build up and form a block in your sewer line.
Some clogs occur further down the pipes and could be partial. Your toilet may still flush, but it won’t be as strong. You can test for a partial clog by pouring a gallon of cold water into the bowel. If your toilet won’t flush properly, it’s likely due to a partial clog.
You can attempt to remove small clogs close to the surface on your own. You might be able to use a toilet plunger or poke it with a toilet brush to break things up. For larger clogs, you may need a plumber in Orange, CA, to use a toilet auger to fully remove the blockage.
Measure the Chain Length
When you press down on the handle to flush, does it do anything? If not, you may have a minor problem with a simple solution. Typically, if your toilet won’t flush when you press the handle, it means your toilet handle is disconnected. The handle connects to the valve (called the flapper) that holds water in the tank. A chain connects these two parts of the toilet, sometimes getting disconnected.
Other times, the chain installed is the wrong length. When the handle is pressed, the chain pulls up on the flapper to begin the flushing process. If the chain is too long, it won’t be
able to pull up on the flapper. Without the flapper opening the valve, the toilet won’t flush. If the chain is too short, then the flapper won’t have a proper seal, and your toilet will continue to run and never fill the tank with water.
You can check for this problem by lifting the lid off the toilet tank. Make sure that both ends of the chain are secured, and if they are not, then clip them back into place. Press the handle to test the chain length if both ends are connected. It is the right length if it lifts the flapper and allows it to fully open and tightly close. Have any questions or can’t figure it out? Call Moffett Plumbing & Air. We’ll get someone over to repair your issue fast and restore your toilet to working order.
Adjust Position of the Float
When the toilet flushes, water rushes from the tank into the bowel. As the water is released, it creates the suction necessary to flush the toilet. If the tank doesn’t have enough water, there won’t be enough pressure to initiate a strong flush.
To repair this, open your toilet tank and find the float and fill line. Flush the toilet and watch the water drain and fill back up. If the float doesn’t reach the fill line, your toilet won’t flush enough to remove the waste. Adjust the float position by moving the arm that connects it to the refill tube. Test it again to see if the problem is solved.
These are just a few simple reasons your toilet won’t flush, but unfortunately, there are many more. You may be able to repair these minor issues quickly and on your own, but others will require the services of a professional licensed plumber near Orange, CA. Call us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll help you get things moving again! When your toilet doesn’t flush, you’ll search “best plumbers near me,” and our name (Moffett Plumbing & Air) will appear.