If you're like most people, you take your toilet for granted, expecting it to work perfectly whenever you flush. It's only when it doesn't work that you give it a second thought — and usually, by then, it's an emergency. A toilet that won't flush can present a health and sanitation hazard; if it overflows or leaks, it can cause damage.
Rainforest Plumbing & Air provides the best toilet repair service in Phoenix, AZ, and has the answer to your question, "Why won't my toilet flush?" Our professional plumbers provide emergency services to restore your toilet's function and prevent further problems. We have over 20 years of experience and can quickly identify the issue and make effective repairs without breaking your budget.
Our troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose toilet problems and decide whether to call a professional plumber for help. If you can't fix the toilet, call us at 480-360-5278 to have one of our licensed and insured team members schedule service to diagnose and repair the problem.
The Most Likely Reasons Your Toilet Won't Flush
If you find yourself asking, "Why won't my toilet flush?" there's a good chance you have one of these problems and need repairs or a toilet replacement.
1. Clogs
Clogs are one of the most common reasons for toilet problems. Toilets can only handle a certain amount of waste, and flushing too much toilet paper, sanitary products, or non-flushable items like toys, wipes, or kitty litter can block the sewer line in no time.
If the clog is relatively small and close to the toilet surface, you can probably dislodge it with a plunger. If the blockage is further down the drain lines or large, you need a plumber to clear it with an auger.
2. Low Water Level
When you flush a toilet, the ballcock in the tank rises to open a valve and release a rush of water from the tank into the toilet bowl and down the drain. However, if there isn't enough water in the tank, the toilet won't flush.
Several issues can cause a low water level. There could be a problem with the water supply preventing water from entering the tank, such as a plumbing leak, a water pressure problem, or mineral deposits in the pipe blocking water flow. Clogged inlet valves can cause the toilet to drain slowly, flow straight down the bowl instead of diagonally, or only flow down parts of the bowl and not others.
3. Overflow Tube Issues
The overflow tube in the toilet tank directs excess water into the toilet bowl if the water level gets too high. If the tube cracks, which is common with age, water will drain into the toilet bowl continuously. This causes the tank water level to drop, preventing the toilet from flushing.
If you see cracks in the overflow tube, replacing it should solve the problem and allow the toilet to flush again.
4. Broken Fill Valve Assembly
A float ball helps trigger the intake valve to stop filling the toilet tank. If it's improperly adjusted, the tank will stop refilling too soon, and it won't contain enough water for the toilet to flush correctly. Adjusting the ball to the right level or replacing the fill valve assembly will solve the problem.
5. Problems with the Flushing Mechanism
Sometimes, a faulty flushing mechanism is a reason the toilet won't work. Pushing down on the button or lever engages a linkage mechanism to lift the ballcock or flapper and release water into the bowl. If the linkage breaks, nothing happens when you try to flush.
The solution may be as simple as reattaching the chain so the lever can lift the flapper. If the chain keeps detaching or the flapper doesn't cover the entire seal, you may need to replace the entire flushing mechanism.
Call Rainforest Plumbing & Air for Help with Toilet Problems
Toilet problems are never convenient, but they always seem to happen at the worst possible time. The professional plumbers of Rainforest Plumbing & Air are here to help with 24/7 emergency services that will get your toilet flushing again as quickly as possible. Don't hesitate to call us for help if you have to ask, "Why won't my toilet flush?" after troubleshooting. As the top-rated plumbers in the Phoenix Metro area, we provide local home and business owners with prompt, affordable services. From fixing toilets that won't flush to making shower and tub repairs, there is no plumbing problem we can't handle. Call for an appointment today at 480-360-5278.
Author Bio:
Ike Tippetts
He founded the company and soon found himself answering phones and dispatching team members around the clock! Rainforest Plumbing & Air has come a long way since they started in 1999 as a two-truck operation.
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