Fixing Bathroom Problems: Common Causes of Toilet Not Flushing Properly and How to Fix it

Fixing Bathroom Problems: Common Causes of Toilet Not Flushing Properly and How to Fix it

We already know how to fix a noisy toilet but a toilet not flushing properly is another headache. Looking at your solid bodily waste discharged widely known as poop just floating in your toilet is gross and annoying.

If you ever encounter this problem, here are probable causes you can check on to give immediate solution to your toilet flushing problems.

COMMON CAUSES OF TOILETS NOT FLUSHING PROPERLY AND HOW TO FIX IT

1. The Old Toilet is Clogged Again

If your toilet is not flushing all the way, chances are there’s something stuck in the sewer line. Avoid flushing wipes and other items which can lead to blockage to your toilet pipes.

In some cases, flushing takes a bit of your time, this may be caused by a partial clog. A partial clog can still enable you to flush but not very strong. One way to check it is to pour a bucket of cold water onto the toilet. If it does not flush, chances are it is partially clogged.

What You Can Do:

  • Use a plunger to loosen things.
  • If you don’t have a plunger, use the baking soda mixture. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and two cups vinegar into the toilet. Allow it to fizz for half an hour then flush it.
  • Turn off toilet’s water, pour hot water to the bowl. Let it sit for several minutes then flush it.
  • If you experience frequent toilet clogs, it’s time to reconsider a thinner type of toilet paper. Or use toilet papers that can easily be dissolved.

 

2. Water Too Low or Toilet Tank Not Filling Up All the Way

A successful flush requires a lot of water. Manufactured tanks are designed with mark inside to show you how much water the tank is designed to receive. If the water is set too low, it can’t create the necessary pressure it needs for a strong flush.

What You Can Do:

Check and see the float and fill line. Adjust the float by moving its position on the arm that connects it to the refill tube. Then flush it again.

If your toilet has a floating cup ballcock, this kind of float can be adjusted with screw on top. Turn the screw clockwise and raise the float up to the fill line.

3. Having Problems with the Flapper

A toilet’s flapper usually lasts around 4-5 years and then it is expected to be replaced else it will cause problems in the bathroom.

Be sure to check the flapper and chain action when you flush the toilet. If the flapper is old or damaged or the chain is not set to an appropriate length, water will leak out of the tank which will cause problems on your next flush when the water became too low.

What You Can Do:

  • Flapper chain length issue. Be sure to have about ½ inch of slack to your chain.
  • Damaged or old flapper. Replacing the flapper is the best solution for this problem.

 

4. Toilet Drain Pipe Design is the Culprit

If you’ve checked all the problems from above and slow flushing still occurs, this might be caused by poor toilet drain pipe design.

The toilet drain pipe should be designed in a downward slope so wastewater can flow smoothly down the toilet bowl.

If it does not follow the downward slope design, you will be stuck with pool of water and flushing will be stalled.

What You Can Do:

Ready your wallet as this can cost you quite a bit. Hire a professional to inspect your pipes and ask them for the best solution they can offer. Redesign might be necessary.

Over to you...

You have identified the problem but don’t want to get your hands dirty? No worries, we are here to help. Just leave us a message or chat us up and let us arrange on how your toilet problem can be fixed. Happy flushing!