Toilet not flushing? When you go to flush, does the water stays in the toilet? The situation can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. Some problems are easy to fix. Depending on the issue, you can make simple repairs or may need a professional Los Angeles plumber. To help you understand the next best step, here are some reasons why your toilet won’t flush.
The Toilet Handle Doesn’t Work
The handle can disconnect from the arm and toilet flapper. Pressing the handle normally raises the flapper so that water is released. A broken chain or loose nut can prevent this from happening. But it’s easy to fix, as you’ll only need to reconnect and/or tighten some parts to fix your toilet not flushing.
The Water Level Is Too Low
If the toilet can’t dump enough water into the bowl, it won’t flush. You can check the back of the tank to determine the cause. The water level should sit one inch below the overflow tube, but may be off if something hits the intake valve. To fix this, twist the flush valve until it’s in the proper position, or re-adjust the float ball so it’s at the proper height.
However, water pressure issues, leaks, and other plumbing problems may cause low water levels, so call your trusted Los Angeles area plumber if there’s no easy fix.
The Toilet Is Clogged
Toilets clog up pretty easily. You should only flush toilet paper, but even a lot of toilet paper will cause a clog. Sanitary products are also common culprits while kids often drop things in the bowl that shouldn’t be flushed.
As a non-plumber, there are multiple options when it comes to unclogging a toilet. You can plunge it or poke a toilet brush down to push whatever is blocking the pipe. If you know how to use a plumbing snake, you can crank it until the clog is pushed through or can be pulled up. If not, it’s best to call a residential plumber.
The Flapper or Fill Valve Isn’t Working
If your toilet flushes normally but won’t stop running, flushing it again may be difficult. Water is running through the system as this is happening, so you’ll be consuming more than necessary, which can increase water bills. A common cause of running toilets is a bent or cracked flapper seal. A buildup of hard water minerals in the fill valve can prevent it from closing properly.
These are plumbing system issues you may be able to fix, depending on your skill level and knowledge. But if you don’t have DIY experience in this area, the safest bet is to hire a professional.
The Drain Line Is Clogged
After you flush the toilet, waste is moved through the drain line to the sewer or septic system. A clogged drain line can prevent a toilet from flushing. At the same time, you might notice sink, tub, and shower drains working slowly or backing up. A plumber is needed to access the drain line with a specialized auger. Or, if the drain line is leaking, broken, or has tree roots growing into it, that section of pipe may need to be replaced.
Call Lynch Plumbing
Available 24 hours a day for emergency services, Lynch Plumbing can diagnose and resolve any problem that’s preventing your toilet from flushing. We provide plumbing services throughout the San Fernando Valley. Whether you need drain cleaning or toilet repair, our L.A. emergency plumber can get the job done right the first time. Call 818-773-9514 to request service.