One common call plumbers often receive is the toilet is not flushing. Plumbers 911 is here to help you understand what might have happened and how you can fix this toilet problem.
Diagnosing your toilet problem
If the flushing power on your toilet is lower than usual, or if your toilet does not flush at all, you may have any number of problems.
The very first thing you should do is to check your water supply line and make sure it is on. If there is no water in the toilet tank, then you cannot flush the toilet.
If there is water in the tank, the next item to check is the flapper, which is the rubber piece inside of the tank that opens to let water into the toilet bowl and closes to restrict the flow of water into the toilet bowl. Since flappers are made of rubber, they may break down over time. This is a relatively inexpensive fix, which can be completed by most homeowners in minutes after you purchase a new flapper from the hardware store.
Another element to look at when diagnosing your toilet’s flushing problem is the lift chain, which is attached to the flapper and the toilet handle. When you flush the toilet, the chain handle pulls the chain upward, which in turn then pulls the flapper up and allows water to flow into the toilet. Sometimes the chains can break, kink or become loose. This too is a relatively inexpensive fix and can be fixed by the homeowner.
If the aforementioned were not the problem, then the answer is likely a problem with the toilet float, located inside of the tank.
The float controls the level of the water and may not be set to the correct position. Fixing the float may call for some trial and error. By adjusting the float, a homeowner can get the water to a correct level, where there is enough water in the tank to force water in the toilet bowel down through the trap in order to empty the bowl.
While old toilets have a ball float, new toilets use a more complicated mechanical float, which contains a number of rubber gaskets. Just like the flapper, these gaskets can go bad over time, causing flushing issues.
Should I repair my toilet myself?
Most homeowners who do not mind sticking their hand into the toilet tank should be able to change out a flapper or install a new chain.
When it comes to the float, some homeowners may not be comfortable attempting to replace or adjust the float. Their reasoning is solid, if they make a mistake, there is a chance water could get all over the floor and cause a bigger mess. Additionally, if they try to adjust the float, but instead damage it, the ultimate result could be significant water damage to the bathroom and the room below, if there are any.
When in doubt about doing your own plumbing work, contact Plumbers 911! Plumbers 911 has a network of expert plumbers throughout Canada who are on-call and ready to help with any plumbing emergency.
Plumbers 911 expert plumbers have gone through rigorous background checks and screenings in order to prove they are trustworthy to enter homes. When you call Plumbers 911, you are getting an expert plumber who has experience working in the field.
No matter what the problem is, it is always in your best interest to contact Plumbers 911 to get local, reliable, professional help.