Are you the family handyman? More often than not, you may family members rushing in to complain about plumbing issues.

“It won’t flush!” can be frustrating to hear. Even worse if your house only has one.

However, it’s safe to say this is an issue most households deal with. It’s also a problem that has multiple reasons behind it. Luckily, there’s quick ways you can get the toilet flush to work – without having to hire a professional.

Here are a few reasons why the toilet flush isn’t working, and how you can set it back in motion.

1.     Clogged Toilet

Most commonly, clogged toilets are a direct result of excessive toilet paper being flushed down the drain. However, if you have toddlers, you can expect to find toys along the pipe too. This blocks the pipe and prevents anything else from making it through.

How To Fix It

You can use either a toilet auger or a toilet plunger to get the job done. Check the dimensions of your toilet to find the best fit, as this will reduce splashing.

If you’re using a toilet auger, your aim should be to maneuver the obstruction through the drain. It has a long, flexible shaft which lets you push back quite far into the drain.

On the other hand, if you’re using a toilet plunger for suction, so you can remove paper waste easily.

That said, if you experience frequent clogs, we recommend simply switching to thinner toilet papers.

2.     Low Water Level In The Tank

Generally speaking, your toilet’s tank water level should be one inch down its top overflow tube. So, if you find that the water is inadequately low, you should immediately check the water valve. Chances are, it might have turned off.

How To Fix It

Turn on the water valve and monitor the tank closely to check if the water level rises back up.

Quick test run: flush the toilet to check if it’s functioning properly.

3.     Bent Flapper

Every time a flush is used, a rubber flapper discharges water into the tank and shuts the hole to prevent water intake afterwards. To break it down, it’s supposed to ensure that an adequate amount of water remains inside the tank at all times.

So, if you find that your flapper’s rubber bent or wrapped, you need to replacing it.

How To Fix It
Rubber flappers are low-cost objects, so you can easily find them at nearby hardware and DIY stores in your area.

Before you replace it, make sure to drain the entire tank drain first. Swap the new flapper with the old one and you’re good to go!

Fill the tank up, and use the flush to check if the flapper works properly.

4.     Faulty Lift Chain

A lift chain connects the rubber flapper to the flush handle. Many times, it simply stops working due to excessive slack, which stops the handle from raising the flapper. Ultimately, this cause flushing issues to arise.

How To Fix It

Alter the length of the lift chain and make it shorter. This way, the chain gives adequate pull to lift the flapper from the tube and allows an uninterrupted water flow.

 

If you notice any of problems mentioned above, try to fix them as soon as possible. Delaying them will only worsen the problem and cost you hard-earned dollars in hiring professional services later.

With that in mind, call a plumber for help if the problem may be more severe than these DIYs can fix.