Why Won’t My Toilet Flush

If you’d rather consult with a plumber or request emergency toilet repair, then call Express Rooter to get in touch with a live member of our team today. We are happy to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch for as soon as possible.

Potential Cause 1: Flapper issues

The flapper is a rubber valve at the bottom of the toilet tank, and it opens to let water flow into the bowl during a flush. A malfunctioning flapper can lead to weak flushing. Common reasons for a malfunction include a worn-out seal or a problem with the chain connecting the flapper to the flush lever.

Make sure the chain has enough slack to allow the flapper to open fully but not so much that it gets caught. Check the flapper for wear and tear and replace it if necessary.

Potential Cause 2: Low water level in the tank

The water level in the toilet tank should be at the marked line or about an inch below the overflow tube. If it's too low, the flush will be weak. A misadjusted float ball or a malfunctioning fill valve are two possible culprits. The float ball should be set to allow the tank to fill to the appropriate level, and faulty fill valves should be replaced.

Potential Cause 3: A blockage in the drain or sewer line

The most straightforward cause of a weak or non-existent flush is a clog in the toilet drain or the sewer line. This blockage can prevent water from flowing correctly through the toilet and into the sewer line.

The only things you should flush are toilet paper, pee, and poo. Everything else, including wet wipes, cotton swabs, hygiene products, kitty litter, and paper towels should go in the trash bin! A plunger or plumber’s snake should dislodge the blockage. If not, you may need to schedule professional plumbing repair service.

The importance of sewer line cleaning

Who would’ve thought you’d have to clean the sewer line? It’s filled with vile gunk anyway. It turns out, this stubborn muck can slow the drainage and even cause blockages. Sewer line cleaning once every couple of years keeps the sewer line flowing seamlessly, and can save you from unnecessary repairs.

If you notice signs of a clog in multiple drains, sinks, toilets, and tubs, then it’s probably past time to have the drains cleaned. Neglecting this essential maintenance task can have you scrambling for urgent sewer repair.

Need sewer repair or a sewer line replacement? Call Express Rooter

Whether you need an urgent sewer line repair or it’s time for a replacement, the professionals at Express Rooter are ready to help. We employ trenchless sewer line replacement and repair methods to save you from the hassle of extensively restoring your property when the plumbers leave. Call Express Rooter to learn more about our services, prices and fees, and availability today.