Troubleshooting Guide: What To Do When Your Toilet Won’t Flush Properly

We’ve all been there: you press the flush lever, and instead of that reassuring whoosh, the water just swirls sluggishly or, worse, barely moves at all. A malfunctioning toilet can be a major inconvenience, but don't panic. We're here to guide you through the troubleshooting process when your toilet is not flushing properly.

Why your toilet is not flushing

First, it’s important to identify the specific issue. There are several common reasons why a toilet might not flush properly:

• Clogging — The most frequent culprit is a clog, which could be caused by too much toilet paper, foreign objects or buildup in the pipes.
• Low water level — Toilet won’t flush but isn’t clogged? The water level in the tank might be too low, not giving enough force to flush properly.
• Faulty flapper — The flapper is the rubber valve at the bottom of the tank that lifts to let water flow into the bowl. If it doesn’t open or close properly, flushing issues can occur.
• Broken chain or handle — The chain connecting the flush lever to the flapper can become detached or broken, and the handle itself can wear out over time.
• Blocked rim holes — These small holes under the toilet rim allow water to flow from the tank to the bowl. Clogging of these holes can lead to a toilet not flushing.

Fixing a toilet that won’t flush properly

Now that we’ve pinpointed some potential causes, let’s walk through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem.

1. Check for clogs

Before reaching for the plunger if your toilet is not flushing, identify the clog’s location. If water rises to the top of the bowl without draining, the clog is likely near the top. If it drains slowly, the clog might be deeper in the pipes. For shallow clogs, use a plunger with a good seal around the drain and plunge vigorously. If the water starts to drain, you’ve likely dislodged the clog.

2. Inspect the water level in the tank

Carefully lift the lid off the toilet tank and set it aside. Check if the water level is about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. If it’s lower, adjust the float to raise the water level. After adjusting, test the flush. If the problem of your toilet not flushing persists, proceed to the next step.

3. Examine the flapper

Flush the toilet and watch the flapper as the tank refills. It should lift completely and stay up until most of the water has left the tank. A flapper that is cracked, warped or doesn’t close properly may be the cause of the toilet not flushing. It needs to be replaced, which is usually easy with a replacement from a hardware store.

4. Check the chain and handle

Inspect the chain connecting the handle to the flapper to ensure it isn’t too loose or too tight. It should have a little slack when the flapper is closed. Push the handle to see if it lifts the flapper correctly. If the handle feels loose or doesn’t move the chain properly, it may need to be tightened or replaced.

5. Clear the rim holes

Using a small mirror, check the holes around the rim of the toilet bowl for mineral deposits. Carefully poke a piece of wire or a brush into each hole to clear any blockages, being gentle to avoid damage. After clearing the rim holes, test the flush to see if the water flows more forcefully. This can help if your toilet is not flushing properly.

When to call a professional when your toilet is not flushing

While many flushing issues can be resolved with these steps, some problems require a professional plumber:

• Persistent clogs — If you’ve tried plunging and the toilet still won’t flush properly, there may be a more serious blockage in the pipes.
• Leaks or cracks — Any signs of leaking or cracks in the toilet tank or bowl should be addressed by a professional.
• Complex repairs — Issues with the toilet’s internal mechanisms, such as the fill valve or flush valve, may be too complicated for a DIY fix.

Contact Proximity Plumbing to get your toilet fixed and flushing in no time

Is your toilet not flushing despite your best efforts? It’s time to call in the experts. At Proximity Plumbing, we offer professional toilet repair services in Sydney. Our experienced team can diagnose and repair any issues to make your toilet functioning smoothly again. Plus, we'll be at your home in just 30 minutes.

Don't let a malfunctioning toilet disrupt your day — contact Proximity Plumbing for reliable and professional service.