How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush

A malfunctioning toilet is not something you want to deal with regularly. But it is a common toilet problem, and in most cases, you can fix it yourself. However, if your toilet continues to operate erratically after making the repairs, you may need to call in for a reliable solution, such as the Wasden Plumbing Services. 

Here are some common toilet issues and how to resolve them.

If the Water Level is Too Low

Start by turning the water off, then on again. You can do this by pressing the handle’s stop button, turning the knob or lever completely off, waiting a minute, then flush again. 

If that doesn’t work, there are three major possibilities you should check. The first one is dirt and debris in the ballock, and you can clean or replace it to solve the problem. However, if there’s not enough water in the tank, there might be an obstruction somewhere in your plumbing. You can solve this issue by sticking something down there to unblock it. 

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call a plumber.

If There’s a Problem with Your Flapper

You can dismantle the flapper by removing any screws and dislodging the old seal from the porcelain seat. Once dismantled, polish the inside of the “U” with salt mac nuts, plumbers putty, or wax. Also, make sure there’s enough water in your tank, so it doesn’t have to be siphoned up from below. 

You can also use a plunger to dislodge any obstruction in the drain line. The position of your float may also need adjusting, which translates to removing the tank then adjusting the float rod accordingly.

There’s a Problem With Your Lift Chain

If you have a problem with your lift chain, remove it and check for obstructions. You can try manually opening and closing the valve to see if that does anything. If it doesn’t, there could be an obstruction higher in your line that’s preventing water from getting in your tank.

It’s also important to make sure you have the right lift chain installed. It should be a “J” hook with a rubber washer to prevent pinching. If you have a “C” hook chain, you can simply replace it with a J-hook one.

If that doesn’t solve the issue, consider replacing the lift chain or the flapper. But you can call in a plumber if you still see problems after taking these steps.

The Toilet is Clogged

You may dislodge the clog with a plunger, but make sure you plunge from above the waterline so it doesn’t splashback. If that didn’t work, try pouring some boiling hot water down the drain if there’s enough room. You can also try an over-the-counter product like Drano that will loosen debris. However, these products can discolor your toilet, so they should be your last option.

Finally, if none of those ideas work or there’s a persistent smell coming from your pipes, call in a plumber for professional help. Remember, you need to completely flush out any unsavory chemicals before using your toilet again. You can do this by running cold water through it.

Make Sure You Have an Emergency Tool Kit

You should have gloves and towels for drying up spills and wiping down surfaces after completing wet work. You might also want to stock a variety of pipe wrenches, depending on the task at hand. Smaller size wrenches come in handy when working in tight spaces that your normal-sized tools can’t fit. Cable ties and electrical tape are also a nice addition to your emergency tool kit.

You’ll also want to buy various sized pipes. They can be steel conduit, copper pipe, or galvanized steel, depending on what you have in your home. You can use these for replacements or extend your existing plumbing using threaded joints or bendable fittings. You may also want to have a plunger, a sink snake, and various adapters just in case.

When to Hire a Plumber

If you have any lingering issues after trying all these DIY steps, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. Maybe you need a more complex fix, and you don’t have the tools or expertise to perform it. Or maybe your issue is just too much work for you, and you have time constraints. In either case, it’s always a good idea to have a reliable plumbing service on call.

To find the best plumbers, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Or check online to see if there are any reviews of certain plumbers in your area. Reddit is another great place to check for plumber reviews, as people tend to be brutally honest on the site.