04/22/2023
Part 2 of our ‘How To’ segment: that tragic moment when you realize your toilet it not flushing as it should or not flushing at all! The root of this particular issue can vary from a small list of problems and be fairly simple to fix or slightly more involved, but here are few things to keep an eye out for in case your commode starts misbehaving:
– check to see if your toilet handle is going down properly. This is one of the easier problems to repair. If you aren’t hearing/seeing any water move when you press down on the handle, chances are your handle is disconnected which could be the result of a broken chain or loose nut🔩. Fixing it is as basic as reconnecting a couple of parts
– look for low water levels. If there isn’t enough water in your tank, the toilet can’t flush because it can’t dump enough water into the bowl. To confirm whether this is the source of your flushing problems, look in the back of the toilet tank. The water should be about 1 inch below the top of your overflow tube. This is typically an easy fix and can be as simple as twisting the flush valve. In some cases it could also be the float ball is adjusted improperly signaling the tank is full before it actually is or in more difficult cases, it could indicate water pressure problems or leaky pipes which may require a technician’s assistance
– if the toilet water won’t stop running it could be because of a flapper or fill valve problem which can lead to more problems flushing in the future and a major waste of water 💦. In this scenario, the flapper seal will appear bent or broken and may need to be replaced
– do you see any obstructions in the toilet? This could indicate a clog which can also be a root cause to a toilet not flushing properly. Toilets can get clogged fairly easily with things like sanitary products, the occasional kid’s toy, or just too much tp 🧻. You may be able to plunge it yourself if the obstruction is close to the surface, but more stubborn clogs may ultimately need professional help
– if everything else checks out okay with your toilet and it still isn’t flushing right, it’s likely you may have a drain line problem. This deeper rooted issue has the potential to affect other areas of your home such as sinks, showers and tubs so be aware of slow draining water 🚿.
As mentioned before, some of these scenarios can be easy fixes and manageable for most homeowners, but for your more complicated repairs reach out to a trusted technician🚽🪠🔧🧰. For whatever your sewer or plumbing needs are, call Coldspring Plumbing & HVAC