Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing Properly in Washington, Utah?
Your toilet is arguably the most important plumbing fixture in your home. However, you probably don’t think about it when it’s working perfectly. You turn the flushing handle or press the knob multiple times a day absent-mindedly, knowing that it will work until one day, it doesn’t.
You flush the toilet, and some waste is left in the bowl. You’re then forced to flush multiple times, and you start wondering, “Why is my toilet not flushing properly?”
As one of the most popular toilet repair experts in Washington, Utah, we receive this question regularly. Unfortunately, there are many possible reasons your toilet is not flushing properly. We’ll cover all of them in this post.
Malfunctioning Flush Handle or Chain
A malfunctioning flush handle or chain can also make flushing your toilet harder than it should be. The chain connecting the handle to the flapper must have the right tension to control the flushing mechanism effectively. If the chain is too loose or too tight, it will struggle to lift the flapper to flush your toilet properly.
Watch for the level of resistance you feel when you flush the toilet. If the flush feels tougher or weaker than usual, you can be sure the flapper will not lift properly. The fix here is to try adjusting the length of the chain.
Clogged Toilet
Many people with weak flushing toilets have a clog along the sewer line. Water will struggle to go down the sewer line if there is a clog. Hence, some of the waste will remain in the bowl after a flush.
Items most likely to clog your toilet include too much toilet paper, hair, sanitary products, and inorganic materials like children’s toys.
It’s easy to tell when you’re dealing with a clogged toilet. As you flush the toilet, the water in the bowl will rise higher than the normal level, and it will take more time than usual to dissipate. You can also judge the severity of the clog by how slowly the water level drops after you flush.
How To Unclog Your Toilet
If a toilet clog is your answer to “Why is my toilet not flushing properly?” then you have to explore ways to clear the clog. The most straightforward option is to call a plumber. Calling a plumber can save you time and energy if the clog is severe or further down the sewer line.
For less severe clogs, you can attempt these DIY approaches:
- Use a toilet plunger: These are the plungers with black bell-shaped cups; don’t use a sink plunger (with the red cups). Insert one into the toilet, allowing water to enter the cup to create suction. Next, apply some quick strokes to remove the materials that may have clogged your toilet.
- Use a toilet auger: This tool is simple to use. Insert the end of the auger down the toilet bowl and then move it around to catch the debris clogging your toilet. However, this approach has the same limitations as using the plunger, so it won’t work for clogs further down the line.
- Use some hot water: Pouring hot water into the toilet can help break down any organic clogs. For the best results, add some liquid detergent to the water and wait 10 to 20 minutes. Be careful to avoid using boiling water, as it might crack the toilet bowl.
You may wonder if you can pour a drain-cleaning chemical down your toilet to eliminate the clog. Unfortunately, while this might seem reasonable, it’s rarely a good idea. The chemicals are often too harsh for the connecting pipes that go from your toilet bowl to the sewer line.
Many homeowners in Washington, Utah, who attempted to clear toilet clogs with harsh chemical drain cleaners often had to deal with leaks around the toilet afterward.
Faulty Outlet Valve or Washer
An improperly flushing toilet could be due to a faulty outlet valve or washer. The outlet valve is one of the components in the toilet tank. The flush handle or buttons move the valve, forcing it to allow water to exit the tank into the toilet bowl.
Water can’t exit the tank freely if the washer or valve is broken or malfunctioning. Therefore, your toilet won’t flush properly.
You can check the outlet valve for signs of damage or to see if it’s jammed. If it’s jammed, you can ease it up using lubricant.
If the valve or washer is broken, you’ll need to get a replacement at any local hardware store. Be sure to go with the old valve to get the right size.
Water Pressure Issues
For your toilet to effectively get rid of waste, enough water has to flow into the bowl at a sufficient pressure. The water pressure is largely responsible for pushing down the waste, and gravity does the rest. If there isn’t enough water coming through from the tank, waste can’t leave the toilet effectively.
The water pressure problem is two-pronged. First, you must confirm that the tank gets enough water from the supply lines. Open the tank lid when it’s refilling to confirm that water is entering it fast enough.
If the speed is too slow, you may end up attempting to flush waste with half the right volume of water.
On the other hand, the tank may fill up quickly but still release water too slowly during a flush. In this case, you’ll need to inspect toilet tank components like the float mechanism, the flush valve, the flapper, etc., for signs of damage. The mechanism needs fixing if you hear gurgling sounds during a flush.
An experienced plumber can evaluate the tank and recommend fixes for you.
Clogged Rim Holes
The rim holes let water into the bowl from the tank. If you have hard water, the holes can clog. Lime, calcium, and other minerals in the water can accumulate around the hole, reducing the flow of water into the toilet bowl.
It’s not a common answer to “Why is my toilet not flushing properly?” but it’s something you should check nonetheless. You can confirm this by inserting a thin wire into each hole and watching for mineral bits falling into the bowl. If you find deposits, you can use the wire to dislodge as much of it as possible.
An alternative is to pour vinegar into the toilet tank to clean the holes or to use a standard toilet cleaner that can remove calcium deposits from marble. If your water’s hardness is a problem for your plumbing system, you should consider talking to your plumber about a water treatment system.
Using hard water for too long will cause more than a weak flush over time.
Plumbing Vent Problems
Every toilet needs a vent to work correctly because it allows air to enter the pipes. This helps prevent suction, allowing water to flow smoothly across the drainage system. Therefore, any clog in the vent can stop your toilet from flushing properly.
Plumbing vents can trap dirt and debris easily. Rodents and birds may also block the vents inadvertently.
One sure way to confirm that you have a plumbing vent clog is to listen for gurgling sounds in sinks and drainages. Slow drainage in multiple fixtures, in addition to improper flushing, can also confirm the problem.
Clearing a clogged plumbing vent is not a DIY job, though. The clog may occur too far down the vent for any tools in your garage to reach. Also, you may need to climb a ladder to reach the vent entrance. It is another one you should leave for the professionals.
Poor Toilet Installation
Is your new toilet not working properly? You may need to call another plumber to evaluate the installation. Toilet installation goes beyond mounting any toilet you can find to the floor; it’s possible to make costly mistakes.
For example, if your installer chose an old toilet design or got the drain slope wrong, you may experience difficulties flushing the toilet. Similarly, installing a wall-mounted toilet in certain sewer system configurations can make flushing the toilet difficult.
Experienced, reputable plumbers will choose a toilet that is efficient at eliminating waste and will make no mistakes during the installation. When installation is the problem, professional help is the best solution.
Get Expert Help With Your Toilet Problems From Your Local Plumbers in Washington, Utah
A toilet with a weak flush is a major inconvenience. Fortunately, it is something you can tackle if you are willing to roll up your sleeves. However, if you find yourself still asking, “Why is my toilet not flushing properly?” after trying the DIY approaches above, it’s time to call our experts.
There’s no better team than the emergency plumbing crew here at Iron Mountain Plumbing. Many homeowners depend on us to address the different types of plumbing problems plaguing their property. A toilet with a weak flush is just one of the problems we fix every day in Washington, Utah.
Call us now to schedule a consultation.