Common Causes of a Toilet Not Flushing Properly

While toilets are very reliable, at some point all of them fail to flush properly for one reason or another. When this occurs, it's a disgusting and frustrating situation that needs to be fixed quickly.

By having an understanding of some of the most common causes of a toilet not flushing properly, getting the problem resolved can be much easier than anticipated.

Improper Drain Line Ventilation

If the toilet's drain line does not have proper ventilation, the toilet will not be able to flush properly. This is due to not enough air being able to get into the drain, which results in a decrease in pressure and the toilet being unable to generate enough force for a full flush.

When this problem exists, a plumber in your Evansville area will be needed to open the drain line enough to allow for proper ventilation.

Clogged Siphon Jets

An often overlooked cause of toilet malfunctions, particularly in older models of toilets, clogged siphon jets can bring proper flushing to a halt. Most older toilets have a small hole at the bottom of the bowl where the water comes out, which is called a siphon jet.

However, when this hole gets clogged up with debris and mineral build-up, flushed water cannot be sent through the hole in the proper manner.

As a result, the water level in the toilet bowl will be at less than full capacity, leading to multiple flushes being needed to empty the bowl of its contents. As with drain line ventilation, a plumber should be called to examine this problem and clear the siphon jet.

Something’s Wrong With the Lift Chain or Flapper

The lift chain and flapper are critical components of a toilet tank. The flapper is a rubber fixture located at the bottom of the tank. It covers the drain leading from the tank to the bowl, acting as a seal to allow water into the bowl and prevent it from leaking when the toilet is not in use.

The lift chain, on the other hand, attaches to a long arm at one end, and the top of the flapper at the other. The arm is attached to the handle of the toilet. As such, pulling the handle raises the arm and brings the chain with it. This action causes the chain to lift the flapper.

When you flush the toilet, the flapper rises and lets water empty into the toilet bowl from the tank. It then lowers itself to hold enough water for the next flush. How high the flapper will rise or in older models how long it stays open is determined by the chain.

A loose or damaged flapper or lift chain that isn’t set to the appropriate height will allow water to slowly leak out of the tank and create lots of problems – including a weak flush. If the chain or flapper isn’t working properly, contact our professional plumbers to inspect your toilet and suggest a permanent solution to the problem.

Toilet is Too Old

Sometimes, the reason a toilet won't flush properly in your Evansville home is due to the fact that the toilet itself is too old and needs to be replaced. In some cases, the toilet is simply too old to be fixed and has so many problems that it would be cheaper to purchase a new toilet that is much more efficient and durable.

In these cases, spending money on new parts such as flappers and valves would make little sense, because more than likely the toilet will simply not work well for very long after any repairs are made.

When a toilet does not work properly, calling a trained plumber can often be the smartest decision. By letting a professional assess what repairs need to be made, the toilet can once again be working well in no time.

Your Evansville, IN home toilet issues can be a nuisance to the whole family. Call Buds Plumbing & Repair Service at 812-618-9638 today, and let's get your toilet back to its flushing state!