What to Do if Your Toilet Won’t Flush

So, you flush your toilet like normal, except…nothing’s happening? Here’s what to do when your toilet won’t flush.

Check the Water Shut-off Valve

First, make sure that the water shut-off valve is turned all the way on. If it’s been nudged, it may have turned off, which will prevent your toilet from flushing. If this is the case, all you need to do is turn the valve to the “on” position and you should be good to go.

Plunge the Toilet

Another common culprit of a toilet that won’t flush is a clog. This is often the result of flushing products like sanitary wipes, tampons, paper towels, or kitty litter. First, make sure that the water level isn’t so high in the toilet that it will overflow when you plunge it. If the water level is high, use a plastic container to remove some of the water from the toilet bowl. Next, insert a plunger so that the flange is tightly sealed over the toilet drain. Pump the plunger’s handle up and down vigorously for about 30 seconds. This should loosen the clog and allow your toilet to flush again.

Check the Flapper & Chain

To check the flapper and chain, carefully remove the lid of your toilet’s tank. The flapper is the part that looks a bit like a balloon. If it looks warped or damaged, you may need a new flapper. Flappers can be purchased at a low price at your local hardware store and are simple to replace yourself–just follow the directions that come with the part.

If the flapper doesn’t look damaged, take a look at the lift chain. This is the small chain in the toilet tank. It should be connected to the flapper. If it has fallen off, your toilet won’t flush. The chain can also cause flushing problems if there is too much slack in the line. You can easily adjust the length by slipping a different link in the chain over the hook located on the same end as the lever.

If none of these work, it’s time to call a plumber to identify and fix the problem. Get in touch with Lone Star Plumbing & Heating today to book service.