Toilet Not Flushing Properly | Troubleshooting Guide

Q: Can I fix a running toilet myself or do I need a plumber?

It&#39;s always a good idea to try to fix a running toilet yourself. Most issues are simple and can be taken care of without calling a professional. Check the flapper for dirt or wear and tear. Sometimes, simply adjusting or replacing the flapper will fix the problem. If not, it might be a matter of adjusting or cleaning the fill valve in the cistern. Or, the fix could be as simple as tightening a loose connection on the water supply line. If you suspect low water pressure or that your cistern is cracked and leaking, it would be best to call a professional.

Q: How often should I replace the working parts of my toilet?

It&#39;s a good idea to replace the flapper and fill valve every five to seven years. The frequency will depend on the quality of your water. If you have hard water, you will probably need to replace them more often. If you notice that your toilet is running occasionally or that your flush seems weak, it&#39;s time to take a look at the flapper and fill valve. It&#39;s always a good idea to address these issues quickly to avoid wasting water.

Title: How To FIX A SLOW & Weak Flushing Toilet 4 Different Ways Guaranteed! DIY For Beginners! Upload Date: Jun 8, 2022 Description: Repair a weak flushing toilet or a lazy flushing toilet. 4 different methods to fix a slow or weak flush, including cleaning rim jets, adjusting fill valve, replacing flapper, and checking water supply. Video Credit: Fix This House

Why Your Toilet Isn't Filling or Flushing

A toilet not flushing properly can quickly go from bad to worse. I've seen it time and time again, a homeowner waits weeks to fix their weak toilet flush and then calls a plumber on a Sunday night to clear a complete blockage. Most weak flushing toilets can be traced to a few common issues that are simple to repair. Here's what you should look for. In 90 per cent of cases, a toilet not flushing is caused by either a restricted water supply, faulty fill valve or a damaged flapper. These three things are responsible for a functioning flush and if one of them isn't working properly then neither will the flush. A weak flush is different to a toilet that doesn't flush at all. A weak flush could be caused by low water level in the cistern or a partial clog. If the toilet doesn't flush at all then it's likely the water supply has been cut off somewhere.

Before you begin dismantling your toilet, remove the cistern lid and check the water level. It should be set at a height of about 25mm below the overflow tube. If it is lower than that, then you need to investigate.

Flexible water supply line with connection valve behind toilet

Checking the Water Supply Line

The water supply valve is the first thing I always check. It amazes me how often this is the actual cause of the problem. Have a look at the water supply valve behind the toilet, usually near the floor. Make sure the valve is fully open. I've been called out to jobs where the homeowner had accidentally knocked the valve while cleaning or mopping. Also, take a look at the flexible water supply hose connecting the valve to the cistern. It doesn't take much of a kink to restrict the water flow. If the hose is old, cracked or kinked then it's probably time for a replacement. Flexible hoses are inexpensive, usually between $15 and $25, and can be picked up from Reece or Bunnings. They only take a few minutes to swap over.

Toilet fill valve with float mechanism inside cistern

Fill Valve Problems and Adjustments

The fill valve is the tall mechanism inside your cistern and it controls how water enters the cistern. When the fill valve isn't working, you'll probably notice one of three things: the cistern takes a long time to fill, the water level doesn't reach the proper height, or you'll hear a toilet hissing sound that won't quit. If you hear a hissing sound coming from your toilet then it's likely the fill valve seal is damaged. This means that water is able to seep past where it shouldn't be, causing the hissing sound. Before replacing the fill valve, try adjusting the float arm. Most modern fill valves have a screw or clip that allows you to change the height of the water in the cistern. If adjusting doesn't work then it's time to replace the fill valve. A standard fill valve costs anywhere from $20 to $40. I always recommend using a Fluidmaster fill valve, they're reliable and you can get them anywhere. To replace the valve, turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the cistern. Then it's just a matter of unscrewing the old valve from underneath and fitting the new one. It should take about 20 minutes if you're not fazed by the idea of getting your hands dirty and understanding how to fix toilet flush button mechanisms and cistern internals.

Worn toilet flapper valve seal showing deterioration and damage

Flapper Issues and Replacement

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the cistern. When you press the flush button, the flapper lifts, and water runs into the bowl. Over time the rubber deteriorates and it warps, cracks, or develops a build-up of mineral deposits. When this happens, the flapper no longer makes a tight seal and water slowly leaks from the cistern into the bowl. If the cistern can't hold enough water because the flapper is leaking, you'll end up with a toilet not flushing properly no matter what else you do.

Here's a quick and easy way to check if the flapper is the problem. Drop a few drops of food colouring into the cistern and wait for 15 minutes. Don't flush the toilet during this time. If the colour appears in the bowl, then the flapper is leaking. A leaky flapper is one of the most common reasons for a toilet not flushing properly, but the good news is that it's a very easy and cheap fix.

You can find toilet commode parts at any hardware store or online. Make sure that you take note of the size and brand of your cistern so that you get the right flapper. It's always a good idea to take your old flapper and make the purchase. Replacing the old flapper with the new one should take you no more than 15 minutes, if that. A leaky flapper is an easy and inexpensive fix.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

If you have checked the water supply line, fill valve, and flapper, and the toilet is still not flushing properly, it could be low water pressure. This is not as common, but is often found in older homes or homes that are at the end of the mains water supply. Quick Fix: While flushing the toilet, turn on the tap in the bathroom. If the flow of water from the tap decreases significantly, it is likely that you have a low water pressure problem. This is more of a whole-house issue, and if that's the case, it's worth calling a licensed plumber to evaluate the issue. He or she may need to install a pressure-boosting pump. If you're in the market for a new toilet, consider purchasing a smart toilet. There are models available with pressure-assisted flush mechanisms that can perform better with low water pressure. Alternatively, you might want to consider a bidet with toilet that combines both functions in a single unit, saving both space and water. If the water pressure is fine but the flush is still weak, check the rim of the toilet bowl for mineral build-up. The little holes under the rim are responsible for the water rinse. If they are blocked, the flush won't have as much force. A toothbrush and some vinegar will help clear the blockage.

FAQs

What are the most common causes of a slow-flushing toilet?

A slow flushing toilet is most commonly caused by a partial blockage in the drain line or mineral build-up around the rim jets. Most of the time a plunger will take care of the problem. If a plunger isn't doing the job, it's possible that the small holes under the rim of the toilet bowl are clogged with mineral deposits. This prevents the water from rinsing effectively, and the toilet doesn't flush as well as it should. A toothbrush and white vinegar will help clear the blockage.

Can I fix a running toilet myself or do I need a plumber?

It's always a good idea to try to fix a running toilet yourself. Most issues are simple and can be taken care of without calling a professional. Check the flapper for dirt or wear and tear. Sometimes, simply adjusting or replacing the flapper will fix the problem. If not, it might be a matter of adjusting or cleaning the fill valve in the cistern. Or, the fix could be as simple as tightening a loose connection on the water supply line. If you suspect low water pressure or that your cistern is cracked and leaking, it would be best to call a professional.

How often should I replace the working parts of my toilet?

It's a good idea to replace the flapper and fill valve every five to seven years. The frequency will depend on the quality of your water. If you have hard water, you will probably need to replace them more often. If you notice that your toilet is running occasionally or that your flush seems weak, it's time to take a look at the flapper and fill valve. It's always a good idea to address these issues quickly to avoid wasting water.