Toilet Flushing Issues

A toilet is one of those things we all take for granted—we expect our toilets to work.

Until they don’t.

Choate’s has more than 60 years of experience dealing with toilets—and with any issue that arises when it comes to plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Our advice: if you suspect a toilet issue, get in touch. Toilet issues can seem like easy fixes but, if not dealt with quickly, they have the potential to become very large and very expensive.

In the meantime, if your toilet refuses to flush, start with these common issues—issues you may be able to troubleshoot on your end.

Of all the likely issues contributing to a non-flushing toilet, a clog is the most common. Reasons for this stem from a child trying to flush a toy, too much toilet paper, flushing anything other than the toilet’s intended use, and other unmentionable impediments.

Your first line of defense is a toilet plunger or auger. Plungers create suction around the drain hole and the force helps dislodge clogged pipes. An auger uses a circular motion to break up obstructions. However, if you try this and the issue persists, there might be more serious problems further into the sewer lines.

The little chain that connects to and lifts the flapper doesn’t look like much, but it’s a critical component of toilet operations. This chain sometimes disconnects from its plastic arm or there might be too much slack. Check and adjust as necessary. A pair of needle-nosed pliers is handy to reconnect the chain to the plastic arm.

An issue related to this is the flapper itself, which could be warped, worn out, torn or otherwise not sealing. Without a proper seal, the tank won’t refill or flush properly.

The little chain that connects to and lifts the flapper doesn’t look like much, but it’s a critical component of toilet operations. This chain sometimes disconnects from its plastic arm or there might be too much slack. Check and adjust as necessary. A pair of needle-nosed pliers is handy to reconnect the chain to the plastic arm.

An issue related to this is the flapper itself, which could be warped, worn out, torn or otherwise not sealing. Without a proper seal, the tank won’t refill or flush properly.

The small, oval-shaped holes near the inside top of the toilet bowl are where the water comes into the bowl from the tank. Over time, mineral deposits can build up and slow incoming water to a trickle. Try pouring a little hot vinegar or other lime removal product in and see what happens—often this easy home remedy is enough to get things up and running again.

Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet and ensure the tank is empty, then pour the vinegar or similar substance into the fill valve. Use a wire or slim brush to remove excess build-up. Turn the water back on and flush. Water flow should be back to normal.

Contact Choate’s for help getting your toilet—and your plumbing—back up and running. Get in touch now at (901) 755-4797 to schedule same-day and next day appointments.