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Apr 08, 2025

Why Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing

Ever press the handle on your toilet and… nothing happens? Or maybe the water swirls but doesn’t go down? You expect your toilet to work without a second thought, but you're left wondering what went wrong when it doesn't. That’s where a little know-how and sometimes a trusted name like Express Plumbing & Rooter can help. This article will walk you through common reasons your toilet might not be flushing and tips before calling for toilet repair.

The Handle Feels Loose or Does Nothing

If you press the flush handle and it feels too loose or moves without doing anything, the problem might be inside the tank. Lift the tank lid carefully and take a look. There’s usually a chain that connects the handle to the flapper. That chain can fall off or break over time. If disconnected or too loose, the flapper won’t lift, and water won’t flush. Sometimes, a simple reattachment or chain adjustment is all it takes.

This is a quick fix you can try yourself. But if you’re uncomfortable opening up the tank, calling a plumbing service can make things easier. They’ll fix it quickly and ensure everything works as it should.

The Toilet Bowl Isn’t Filling with Water

Flushing won't work if your toilet bowl is empty or barely fills with water. Toilets need water to flush waste properly. The issue could be with the fill valve or water supply line. Check if the water shut-off valve near the bathroom is turned on. If it is, but the bowl still isn’t filling, the valve or float might be clogged or broken.

While it might seem small, this one might need a plumber. They can replace the valve or adjust the float inside the tank, so your toilet fills correctly every time you flush.

You Hear Water Running Constantly

That sound of running water isn’t just annoying; it means something’s wrong. The flapper might not seal properly if water keeps running after a flush. When the flapper doesn’t close all the way, water leaks into the bowl constantly, and the tank never fills up enough to flush again.

This wastes water and could increase your water bill. You can easily replace the flapper with parts from a hardware store. If that doesn’t work, call a toilet repair expert from Express Plumbing & Rooter.

Clogs Are Stopping the Flush

Clogs are one of the most common reasons a toilet won’t flush. It could be a simple blockage in the trap or something deeper in the pipes. Kids dropping toys or flushing too much toilet paper can cause these clogs. Try using a plunger first. If that doesn’t help, a toilet auger might do the trick.

But getting help from a plumbing service is a good idea for stubborn clogs that keep coming back. They have the tools to clear out tough blockages and check for other problems, like tree roots or damaged pipes.

The Tank Water Level Is Too Low

Sometimes, your toilet won’t flush well because the tank doesn’t have enough water. The tank needs a certain level of water to push everything down the drain. If the float is set too low or something is blocking the fill valve, you’ll get a weak flush or none at all.

Lift the tank lid and check the water level. It should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. Adjusting the float arm or replacing the fill valve can usually fix this. If you’re unsure how, an Express Plumbing & Rooter plumber can help quickly.

Hidden Problems in the Pipes

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the toilet; it’s deeper in the pipes. Old pipes can corrode, tree roots can grow into them, or a clog could be way down the line. You can’t see these things just by looking at your toilet, and that’s when you need expert help.

Don’t ignore signs like slow drains in other parts of your home. It might be time to call a plumbing service to check the system and keep things flowing properly.

Time to Call in the Experts

When all else fails or you don’t want to deal with it, it’s smart to call someone who knows what they’re doing. Express Plumbing & Rooter has experience fixing all kinds of toilet problems. Whether a simple handle fix or a full pipe inspection in Beverly Hills, CA, their team is ready to help.

If your toilet isn’t flushing, don’t let it ruin your day. With the right help, fixing the issue can be quick and easy.

Don’t Wait, Get Help Today!

If your toilet still isn’t flushing right after trying these steps, it’s time to take action. Don’t let a small problem become a big one. Call a trusted plumber or book a toilet repair appointment today with Express Plumbing & Rooter. They’ll take care of everything, so you can return to using your bathroom without worry.

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What Our Customers Say

Absolutely outstanding service.They were super professional, responsive, prompt, and knowledgeable. I'll definitely call them when something 'breaks' again. Highly recommend this! Such a great company, they did their job very well & were very nice workers, I recommend this company if you have a plumbing problem.

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Mike FloresAnaheim, CA

Very professional, honest and clean plumbers. They changed my sewer line in 2 days and their pricing was very reasonable. Thank you. I strongly recommend Express Plumbing & Rooter to anyone in the area looking to hire a local plumber.  I will use them as well in the future if I need a plumbing company again.

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Marcus AureliusLos Angeles, CA

Let me tell you folks what I went through last night after I came home from a party I walked in my bathroom and saw the bathtub and toilet overflowing with black water so I immediately went online and found a company this company was express plumbing and router the girl on the phone was really really friendly and nice she assured me that my problem will be solved and I should have no worries the technician will be arriving in 60 to 90 minutes she told me well that was true because he was here in 45 minutes  The technician came and unclog the drain for only amazing $55 when he came in to my house he was wearing booties so he said would not dirty my carpet that's a plus because I have white carpets in my house I would really recommend this company to my family and friends and whoever has a plumbing problem thank you express plumbing and rooter.

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John KanondzhyanManhattan Beach, CA

Lifesavers! I had a problem and needed someone to come down as soon as possible. They came and checked out the problem within the hour. They explained everything that had happened and fixed it so quick before all my guests had arrived! It was such a last minute problem and Im so glad Express was able to come fix the situation for such an amazing price!!

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Stella BCovina, CA

I made an appointment from 11a-12p this morning. I called at 10:50am to confirm the appointment was still happening. The girl on the other end said the plumber will arrive soon. They are on time and prompt. Thanks Express Plumbing And Rooter Service Los Angeles, California.

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Frank EvansAnaheim, CA

Left a review a few days ago on Yelp. Not sure what happened with the other review experiences here but my experience was great. They were very professional. I went there discussed my plumbing needs and they explained all the charges. Made an appointment and they came and fixed my plumbing. The whole thing went smoothly and I recommend them!

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Ali PourvaseiSylmar, CA