Clogged Up? 3 Ways to Get Your Toilet Flushing Again

Introduction

A toilet that won't flush can be frustrating and inconvenient. There are several common reasons why your toilet may not be flushing properly.

The most common causes of a toilet not flushing are:

• The water level in the tank is too low
• A faulty flapper
• An issue with the fill valve
• Clogs or obstructions in the trapway or drain pipe
• A problem with the flush valve or other internal components

The good news is that most toilet flushing issues can be fixed with some basic tools and DIY troubleshooting. Oftentimes, the culprit is a simple clog or worn out component that just needs to be cleaned or replaced.

In this guide, we will walk through the steps to diagnose and fix a toilet that won't flush. We'll cover the most likely causes and solutions, from adjusting water levels to clearing clogs and replacing parts.

With some handy tips and the right guidance, you can get your toilet flushing properly again and avoid the costs and hassle of calling a plumber.

Check the Water Level in the Tank

The water level in the toilet tank plays an important role in creating a flush that is strong enough to clear waste. Start by removing the tank lid and checking the water level. The water should be at the marked "full" or recommended level in the tank. This is often around 1 inch below the overflow tube.

If the water is too low, the float may need to be adjusted. The float controls the fill valve and shuts off water flow when the tank is full. If the float is set too low, water will stop filling before the tank is adequately full. Carefully bend the float rod upwards to raise the water level. Make small adjustments and recheck until the correct level is reached.

Having the right water volume is key for a gravity-based flush. When the tank is too empty, there may not be enough water to siphon over the rim of the bowl and provide a complete flush. A simple float adjustment can often resolve a weak, incomplete flush.

Inspect the Flapper

One of the most common reasons a toilet won't flush properly is a worn out or faulty flapper. The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts up when you flush, allowing water to empty into the bowl.

Over time, flappers can become cracked, misshapen, or develop mineral deposits that prevent them from sealing water in the tank. To inspect your flapper:

• Remove the tank lid and set it aside. Locate the flapper at the bottom of the tank. It is connected to the flush handle by a chain.
• Check the flapper for any cracks, warping, or buildup of mineral deposits. Give it a gentle tug to see if it is loose or deteriorated.
• If the flapper is stained or misshapen but still intact, try cleaning it first. Turn off the water supply and flush to empty the tank. Then use a scrub brush and vinegar or lime removal cleaner to scrub the flapper.
• If cleaning doesn't restore the flapper, or if it is cracked or torn, it will need to be replaced. Flappers are inexpensive and easy to swap out. Make sure you get an exact replacement.
• While the tank is empty, give the chain a test pull to make sure it has the right amount of slack and is operating smoothly. Adjust or replace the chain if needed.
• Reconnect the water supply and test flush. The toilet should flush strongly without any water leaking into the bowl, indicating a tight seal. If it still doesn't flush properly, move on to inspecting other components.

Check the Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the water supply into the toilet tank. Make sure it's allowing enough water to flow into the tank. Listen closely to hear if water is running continuously, which indicates a problem with the fill valve.

To inspect the fill valve, remove the toilet tank lid and flush the toilet. The fill valve will rise up and water will run into the tank through a vertical tube. Watch to see if the valve shuts off completely when the tank is full. If water continues running, the fill valve needs to be cleaned or replaced.

First try cleaning the fill valve. Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Unclip the fill valve from the overflow tube and scrub the valve clean. Rinse thoroughly. Clip it back into place and turn the water on to test it.

If cleaning doesn't stop the continuous water flow, you'll need to replace the fill valve. Turn off the water and empty the tank. Unclip the old fill valve and disconnect the water supply line. Install a new fill valve designed for your toilet model. Connect the water line and turn the supply back on to test for leaks before replacing the tank lid.

A properly functioning fill valve ensures the correct amount of water refills the tank after flushing. Check this essential part if you have a toilet that won't stop running. Replacing a worn-out fill valve can often solve the problem.

Clear Clogs in the Trapway

One of the most common reasons a toilet won't flush properly is a clog in the trapway. The trapway is the curved pipe behind the bowl that connects to the drain. Clogs here can prevent water from leaving the bowl during a flush.

Before calling a plumber, try clearing any clogs yourself using a plunger or a closet auger:

• Use a plunger - Plunging is usually the first step for clearing toilet clogs. Place the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the bowl to form a tight seal. Quickly plunge up and down 10-15 times to forcefully dislodge the clog, allowing water to drain. Flush to see if the clog clears after plunging.
• Try a closet auger if plunger doesn't work - If plunging fails to clear the clog, use a closet auger (sometimes called a toilet snake). Insert the auger's flexible metal cable into the toilet drain and twist it to break up and hook onto the obstruction. Slowly pull back the auger to extract the clog. Running hot water down the drain while augering can help dissolve some clogs.

A plunger or auger can clear most trapway clogs without a plumber. But if you can't seem to clear the obstruction yourself, calling a professional may be required. They have high-powered augers that can reach deep into the drain to clear even the most stubborn clogs.

Remove Obstructions in the Drain Pipe

One of the most common reasons a toilet won't flush properly is a clog or obstruction in the drain pipe. The drain pipe is the curved pipe that leads from the base of the toilet down to connect with the main sewer line. Over time, obstructions like mineral deposits, hair, and debris can build up in the drain pipe, partially blocking the flow of water. This prevents the toilet bowl from fully draining when you flush, leading to a weak or incomplete flush.

The most effective way to remove obstructions in the drain pipe is by using a drain snake, also called an auger. To use a drain snake:

• Insert the drain snake into the toilet bowl and feed the cables down into the drain pipe. Push it down approximately 3-4 feet.
• Turn the handle of the drain snake clockwise while applying a light downward pressure. This will work the cables through the pipes to break up and hook any obstructions.
• Once you feel the cables bite into something, keep turning the handle while pulling up slowly to dislodge the clog. Remove any hair or debris that comes up wrapped around the cables.
• Repeat the process several times, working the cables farther down the drain pipe each time, until you've cleared the full length of the pipe. Flush the toilet to test proper drainage after each attempt.

Using a drain snake is an effective DIY method for removing obstructions without chemicals or dismantling pipes. For severe obstructions, you may need to call a professional plumber with a high-powered electric auger to fully clear the drain. But for minor buildup, a simple hand-crank drain snake can often get your toilet flushing strong again.

Replace the Flush Valve

If you've inspected the flapper, fill valve, and drain and ruled those out as the cause of the toilet not flushing properly, the next thing to check is the flush valve. The flush valve is the mechanism inside the tank that releases the water into the bowl when you depress the toilet handle.

Over time, the rubber seal inside the flush valve can wear out and prevent the valve from sealing properly after a flush. This allows water to continuously trickle from the tank down into the bowl, resulting in a toilet that runs constantly. Replacing the entire flush valve assembly is usually a straightforward DIY project.

Start by shutting off the water supply valve behind the toilet and flushing to empty the tank. Then disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank. Remove the lock nut connecting the tank to the bowl and lift off the tank.

Locate the flush valve on the left side of the tank. Unscrew the lock nut and remove the old valve. Take the new flush valve and insert it into the tank opening. Tighten the lock nut to secure it in place.

Reattach the tank to the bowl and connect the water supply line. Turn the water back on and test to make sure the new flush valve seals properly after flushing. Adjust as needed to ensure it operates smoothly.

Replacing the flush valve assembly should solve any issues caused by a defective or leaking flush valve. This repair often gets a poorly flushing toilet working like new again.

Replace Internal Components

If multiple internal parts like the flapper, fill valve, and flush valve are failing, it may be time to replace the entire tank kit. A toilet tank kit includes all the internal workings in one convenient package.

Replacing the whole kit at once avoids having to make multiple trips to the hardware store as parts fail one by one. It can also be more economical than buying individual replacement parts.

Follow these steps to replace the tank kit:

1. Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank or bowl.
2. Disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve. Unbolt the tank from the bowl and set it aside.
3. Remove all the old tank parts including the flapper, flush valve, fill valve, bolts, and gaskets. Clean off mineral deposits from the bottom of the tank.
4. Install the new tank kit gaskets and bolts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve.
5. Install the new flapper, flush valve, and fill valve. Make any necessary adjustments so they fit and function properly.
6. Reattach the tank to the bowl and turn on the water supply. Test flush several times and check for leaks.

Replacing the entire toilet tank kit restores full flush performance and ensures all components are in good working order. This prevents frustrating partial flushes or constantly having to tinker with different failing parts.

Replace the Toilet

If the internal components are very old and deteriorated, or if you want to upgrade to a more efficient toilet, replacing the entire toilet may be the best option.

Replacing a toilet is not overly difficult, but does require turning off the water supply, disconnecting supply lines, removing the old toilet, and installing the new toilet in its place. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You'll also need to have a new wax ring and toilet bolts on hand for installing the new toilet.

When shopping for a new toilet, look for a model that is WaterSense certified for water efficiency. Many modern toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush while still providing ample flushing power. Replacing an old water-guzzling toilet with a new efficient model can save significant amounts of water over time.

Some key steps for replacing a toilet include:

• Shut off water supply and flush tank to empty remaining water
• Disconnect and remove supply line. Place rag under valve to catch drips.
• Remove old bolt caps and bolts securing base of toilet to floor.
• Rock toilet back and forth to break seal and lift off old toilet.
• Remove remaining old wax ring from toilet flange. Clean area thoroughly.
• Place new wax ring on flange. Mount new toilet bolts.
• Lower new toilet into place, pressing down firmly to set wax ring.
• Install caps on toilet bolts, connect supply line.
• Turn on water and test for leaks. Fill tank and test flushing.
• Seal base of toilet to floor with silicone caulk.

Replacing your toilet with a new efficient model can save water and eliminate leaks or other problems with an aging toilet. Just be sure to follow all steps carefully for a smooth installation.

When to Call a Plumber

Even though most toilet issues can be addressed with some DIY troubleshooting and repairs, there are certain situations where it's best to call in a professional plumber:

• If trying the common fixes doesn't solve your flushing problems, the issue may be more complex and require a plumber’s skills. They have specialized tools and expertise to thoroughly diagnose and address tricky clogging, mechanical, or plumbing problems.
• For major obstructions that you can't clear on your own with a plunger, auger, or drain snake. Plumbers have high-powered equipment to remove stubborn clogs beyond the toilet trap.
• If you have a blocked main sewer line leading out of the house. This requires excavating under the foundation to access and clear the exterior drain pipe.
• For possible pipe damage or leaks. If a toilet overflow has caused water stains on walls or ceilings below, a plumber can check for cracks or leakage in supply lines or drains that may need repair.
• For toilet replacement or complex installations. If replacing the entire toilet, a plumber can ensure the new toilet is properly fitted and installed to drain and function properly.
• For other plumbing work beyond the scope of DIY repairs. Plumbers have expertise in handling toilet valves, pipes, water pressure, vents, seals, and connections to code.

The bottom line is if you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps and your toilet still won't flush properly, it likely requires professional equipment and skills to get it functioning optimally again. Calling a licensed plumber will give you peace of mind knowing the issue is fixed correctly.

For more DIY tips and tricks, DIYwithHelp has got you covered…

If you need some professional guidance for your project, be sure to sign up for a free account with DIYwithHelp.com. Once you have an account, you can search our site (or fill out a project request form) and connect with expert tradespeople who are willing to lend their advice over scheduled video-calls.