Bathroom 15 June 2023

How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush

Having a toilet that won’t flush properly can be a frustrating situation for homeowners. Before contacting a plumber, you can try troubleshooting and fixing the issue yourself. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to diagnose and fix a non-flushing toilet, tailored to the standards and fixtures commonly found in English homes.

Check the Water Level

Start by checking the water level in the toilet cistern (tank). If the water level is too low, it may not provide enough force to flush effectively. Adjust the water level by adjusting the float or the fill valve to ensure it reaches the appropriate level.

Clear Blockages in the Flush Pipe

Blockages in the flush pipe can hinder the flushing action. Carefully inspect the flush pipe for any visible obstructions or buildup of debris. Use a plunger or a flexible plumbing rod to clear any blockages and restore proper water flow.

Inspect and Clean the Siphon

The siphon, located in the toilet bowl, is responsible for creating the flushing action. If it becomes blocked with mineral deposits or debris, it can affect the flushing performance. Carefully clean the siphon using a toilet brush or a wire coat hanger to remove any obstructions.

Check and Adjust the Flush Handle

Ensure that the flush handle is properly connected to the flush valve and that it lifts the valve completely when flushed. If the flush handle is loose or disconnected, tighten or reattach it as needed. Adjust the chain or lever connecting the handle to the flush valve to ensure proper operation.

Check the Toilet Fill Valve

A malfunctioning fill valve can disrupt the flushing process. Listen for any hissing or leaking sounds coming from the toilet cistern. If you suspect a problem with the fill valve, consider replacing it with a new one to ensure proper water flow and pressure.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and the toilet still won’t flush, it may require professional attention. A plumber can diagnose and fix any underlying issues with the toilet’s mechanisms or piping system.

Weak Flush or No Flush?

These are different faults, and telling them apart saves you time.

No flush at all, with the handle feeling slack, is nearly always the flush mechanism inside the cistern — a detached link, a broken lever or a failed drop valve. Take the lid off and watch what happens when someone operates the handle; the fault is usually obvious within seconds.

A weak or lazy flush, where water enters the bowl but does not clear it, is more often the water level being too low, a partially blocked rim, or a bowl that is slow to clear because the waste beyond it is restricted.

A flush that works but the bowl fills and drains slowly is not a cistern problem at all. That is a blockage further down.

Don’t Keep Flushing a Blocked Toilet

Worth saying plainly, because it is the most common way a nuisance becomes an emergency. If the bowl is not clearing, stop flushing. Each attempt adds several more litres to a pan that is already full, and the next one goes over the rim and onto the floor.

Reach for a flanged plunger instead, and be patient with it — steady, controlled strokes rather than violent ones, which just splash.

When to Call Us

Ring somebody if more than one fitting is backing up at once, if there is any smell of drains inside the house, if the outside gully or manhole is standing full, or if the same toilet blocks repeatedly. Those all point to the drain rather than the toilet, and no amount of work on the cistern will help.

Repairs are charged at £95 + VAT for the first hour, which is always billable, then £47.50 + VAT an hour after that. Most cistern faults and straightforward blockages are dealt with well inside the first hour, and parts are agreed with you before we fit them.

Call 01732 792 454 or see our plumbing services.