At some point as a homeowner, you’re going to have problems with your toilet. It’s almost inevitable. However, you can save a lot of time, money and headache by knowing what causes some of the most common toilet problems in the first place so you can fix it yourself without having to call in an emergency plumber in Modesto, CA.
So what should you do if your toilet isn’t flushing? Here are a few examples of some of the most common issues that prevent a toilet from flushing properly, and the steps you can take to resolve those issues.
Clogged toilet
Perhaps the most common toilet-related problem is clogs. Clogs happen when you try to flush too much toilet paper, or try to flush just about anything that isn’t toilet paper and isn’t designed to break down quickly in water. These items can clog the drain pipe, which makes it impossible to flush without the whole system backing up.
Try using a toilet plunger first to push waste down and allow the toilet to flush properly. The plunger can also create a sort of suction that will dislodge any paper waste blocking the pipes. If you have frequent clogging problems in your house, you should either try out a thinner type of toilet paper or make sure everyone in your household knows which items should and should not be flushed down a toilet.
Lift chain not working
There are some circumstances in which the lift chain, which connects the flapper to the flushing handle, has too much slack, which means the handle will not be able to lift the flapper to begin the flushing process.
This solution is fairly simple. Adjust the length of the chain so it is short enough to provide the needed tension to lift the flapper.
The flapper is damaged
If your rubber flapper is bent or warped, you’ll need to replace it. Flappers can be purchased at low cost at any hardware or home improvement store. Turn off the water to your toilet and fully drain the tank, then pull out the old flapper and swap it for the new one. After you have completed the exchange, turn the water back on and try flushing the toilet again. If the flapper truly was the issue, this should solve your problem.
The water level is too low
You can have difficulties flushing your toilet if you’re not getting enough water into the tank. As a general rule, the water in the tank should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the water is too low, take a look at the water valve. There’s a chance it could have been accidentally turned off. If this is the case, turn it back on and make sure the water in the tank gets back to the correct level. Then, flush the toilet to make sure it’s functioning properly.
For more information about how to resolve common toilet problems in your home, contact Alvarado Pumping Septic Service for reliable plumbing services in Modesto, CA.