Alvarado Pumping Septic Service
(209) 581-3600
  • Home
  • Septic Pumping Services
  • Plumbing Services
  • Gallery
  • Feedback
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

What to Do If Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing: Tips from a Plumber in Modesto, CA

Posted by Writer - May 2, 2018 - Emergency Plumbing, Plumber, Plumbing
0

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Blog Categories

  • Backflow Preventer
  • Backflow Repair
  • Cesspools
  • City Sewer Line Connections
  • Drains
  • Emergency Plumbing
  • Garbage Disposals
  • Plumber
  • Plumbing
  • Septic Contractor
  • Septic Field
  • Septic Maintenance
  • Septic Pumping
  • Septic Service
  • Septic Tank
  • Septic Tank Installation
  • Toilet Repair
  • Water Quality
Google
Bing
Follow us on Facebook
yelp
manta

Call Us Today

For the pumping, repairs and maintenance you need to keep your septic system running smoothly, call Alvarado Pumping Septic Service today.
Learn more




    Map of Modesto

    Click to open a larger map

    Location

    Alvarado Pumping Septic Service
    Modesto, CA 95354
    Phone: (209) 581-3600

    Business Hours

    Open 24 Hours
    © 2025 Alvarado Pumping Septic Service | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy