When you’re doing your business, and your toilet won’t flush, it is not just frustrating; it is a veritable nightmare. Not only is it gross, but it can lead to further plumbing problems if not quickly taken care of. If it happens, call reliable plumbers in Vancouver because it’s cost-effective; the plumber will take care of other issues that need fixing. Read to learn why your toilet won’t flush.
It Has Clogs
It can result from hair or debris from the bathroom floor being flushed down the toilet and objects thrown into the toilet (like rocks or coins).
To check if it has clogged, try plunging it: put on some rubber gloves, and then put a plunger upside down over the hole in your toilet. Push it down firmly and quickly, then pull it up again. If there’s still water in the bowl after doing this once, repeat until nothing comes out anymore.
There’s a warped Flapper
It’s the rubber stopper that seals the toilet tank. The flapper can warp over time, causing it to stick in place and not close properly. Replacing a worn-out or broken flapper with a new one will ensure your toilet will continue to perform at its best.
Check for any signs of wear or tear on old ones to know if you need a new flapper. If there are holes in it or cracks around where it attaches to pipes inside your tank, chances are good that it should be replaced soon.
Broken Chain
The chain hangs from the handle and hooks onto a lever to pull the flapper and tank lid down into place, allowing water to flow through. If this chain is too long or broken, it will prevent water from reaching the bowl and allow it to remain stuck in the tramway. You need to shorten the chain for the toilet to flush.
The Tank Water Level Is Low
First, ensure the flapper (the rubber part that seals the opening from the tank to the bowl) is seated properly. Then, lift it to see if there’s any water. If not, you should refill your tank with water from your sink faucet until it reaches about 1 inch below the overflow tube.
Here are some things you can try:
- Check to ensure the float ball isn’t stuck on the rod or chain. If it is, pull it up and let it go back down again.
- Ensure your supply line isn’t leaking between where it connects to the wall and where it goes into the toilet tank. If there’s a leak, you’ll need to replace it or contact a plumber for help with repairs.
- Check if the valve is shut.
Call a plumber if you correct all the above and it doesn’t flush.
There Is Leakage
If you notice a puddle of water at the base of your toilet tank, there could be a leak somewhere in the system. The first thing to do if you suspect this is to check for leakage by placing a few drops of food coloring into the tank and then flushing. If you see color in the bowl, there is likely a leak.
Check for the broken flapper. The flapper is what lets water into and then out of the bowl when you flush it. It should seal tightly so that no more than one gallon per minute escapes from your toilet when you flush it. If this part isn’t working correctly, leaks can cause problems with low-flow toilets or even backups in your home plumbing system.
To fix a leaky toilet, turn off the water supply and remove the tank lid and any rubber O-rings or gaskets around its base. Clean these thoroughly with disinfectant, then replace them. Next, seal all surfaces and joints within the tank and bowl. Let it dry completely before turning on the water supply again.
Broken Handle
If the handle is broken, it can be difficult to flush. If you can’t get the handle to work, you might need to replace it.
To replace a toilet handle, shut off the water supply. You can find where this is by looking at the back of your toilet tank or behind the toilet itself. Before continuing, ensure all the water has drained out of your tank.
Leaking toilet tanks are easily fixed if you have the right tools and know what to do. It’s a fairly simple DIY (do it yourself) project, but if you are uncomfortable with plumbing, you should hire a plumber. Never hesitate to call an expert if it means saving money, getting water damage repaired quicker, or protecting your property, family, and friends.
