5 Reasons Why Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing All the Way
No one is perfect – we all know that to be true. But when it comes to our bathrooms, we expect our toilets to do their job 100% of the time. However, if your porcelain throne cannot flush ALL (and we mean all) of its contents, it can leave you with a surprising and unpleasant mess.
If your toilet is struggling to complete a flush, there are several possible solutions, including clearing a clog, adjusting the refill valve, fixing the flapper, cleaning the inlet holes, replacing an outdated model, or addressing a broader plumbing problem.
Common issues that prevent a toilet from flushing
You have a clog
Toilet clogs are one of the most common home plumbing problems. Contents can get stuck in multiple areas, including the toilet trap, flange, or drainpipe. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, but other items such as cotton balls, wipes, and paper towels are not – making them more likely to create a clog. Even a partial clog can prevent a toilet from flushing properly. Try using a plunger to push the blockage through. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to call in a plumber.
You have an outdated low-flow toilet
If you have an older low-flow toilet, the truth is it may not be designed to provide the flush you need. Low-flow toilets have greatly improved since their first introduction in the 1990s. So if you want to conserve water but still enjoy suitable flushing power, you may need to replace your toilet with a newer model.
The refill valve needs to be adjusted
If there’s not enough water in the tank when you flush, odds are you won’t have enough force to push all the contents through the trap. The refill valve’s job is to replace the water in the tank after each flush. The refilling will stop once the float ball or cup reaches a certain level. It’s possible that this shut-off point is set too low. Luckily, you can usually easily adjust the float by turning the screw to go up the maximum refill line.
The flapper is out of place or worn out
The flapper is the rubber or plastic part that creates a seal between the tank and the bowl. When you flush the toilet, a chain pulls up the flapper, allowing water to flow momentarily. Over time, the flapper can wear out or become loose, preventing a proper seal. If water trickles from the tank to the bowl, there won’t be enough water left in the tank for a full flush. Reposition or replace the flapper, then see if the toilet flushes more consistently.
The inlet holes are blocked
When you flush, the toilet enters the bowl through the inlet holes (also known as rim jets), which are under the rim of the bowl. Most homeowners pay little attention to the inlet holes, but they can become clogged by mineral deposits, bacteria, or other debris. A blockage can disrupt the flow and reduce the strength of the flush. You can clean out the inlet holes by pouring hot vinegar into the overflow tube, then flushing the toilet after a few minutes to rinse the holes with the vinegar. Next, use a brush or small tool to remove any visible debris in the inlet holes.
There’s a broader plumbing problem
Unfortunately, a poor-flushing toilet can be the sign of a bigger plumbing problem in your home, such as improper installation or a sewer line blockage. If you can’t restore your toilet’s flushing power with the simple solutions listed above, it may be time to bring in a plumber to look for a broader issue.
Toilet unclogging and repair in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
When your toilet is delivering less-than-ideal results, call the expert team at Ohio Buckeye Plumbing. We’ll fix the issue and restore your flushing power so there are no more surprises. Schedule an appointment today at (440) 283-9377.