If your toilet is not flushing or flushing properly, it can be extremely frustrating and lead to a potentially messy and smelly situation. If you’re a bit of a DIY junkie, you may already know how to resolve the problem but if not, you’ll need to learn a few tricks.

This article focuses on issues with a toilet not flushing, and provides some practical, easy-to-understand troubleshooting tips, as well as guidance on when it’s time to give Chris Lobb Plumbing a call.

Dealing with a clogged toilet

There is not enough water in the water tank

A bent or warped flapper issue

Problems with the lift chain

Mineral build-up under the rim

Dealing with a clogged toilet

This is one scenario you won’t want to find yourself faced with, but toilets do clog up from time to time. Often, it’s the result of people flushing items down the toilet that don’t belong there. Sanitary napkins, paper towels, and wet wipes are three common culprits. These items don’t break down like toilet tissue and can eventually block the pipe. This results in either a slow draining toilet or a complete blockage.

To resolve this issue, you’ll want a good quality plunger. Often, plunging the toilet will release the clog and get everything flowing smoothly again. If the plunger fails, use a plumbing auger (often called a toilet snake or drain snake), and feed this through the S-bend and into the sewerage pipe until you reach the clog. Keep applying pressure by spinning the handle until the block is free. If this also fails, it’s definitely time to give us a call. A blocked toilet is not something you can live with for very long.

There is not enough water in the water tank

If the water tank is not filling completely, the result is a weak flush. Without enough water and water pressure, everything won’t clear from the bowl. Ideally, the water level should be about 2-3cm below the tank’s overflow tube.

Check the water valve. It may have prematurely turned off for some reason. If it’s off, turn it back on and observe as the water fills the tank. Ensure that it refills to the correct level. Once it does, give the toilet another flush and observe again. If it doesn’t refill properly, it may need replacing. Sometimes working it up and down a few times can free up a sticky water valve.

A bent or warped flapper issue

Take off the toilet tank lid and inspect the rubber flapper. This is the valve on the bottom of the tank that releases water into the bowl when you flush the toilet. This flapper also seals off the tank once flushing is complete. A worn or bent flapper means water keeps leaking into the bowl. Not only is this a waste of water that will add to your water bill, but it also means the water tank never gets a chance to refill completely.

It costs very little to purchase a new rubber flapper at your local hardware store or plumbing supplies outlet. To replace the flapper, turn off the water and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Swap out the old flapper with the new one, turn the water back on, and then check that it's now sealing as it should. If you’re not confident about replacing the flapper, give our team a call and we’ll do it for you.

Problems with the lift chain

The lift chain attaches the flushing handle or button to the rubber flapper. It’s possible for a lift hain to stretch over time after numerous flushes, therefore rendering it less effective. With too much slack in the chain, it may be unable to raise the rubber flapper to flush the toilet. The worst case scenario is a broken chain.

If the chain is still intact, adjust it and shorten it so it lifts the flapper as normal. In the case of a broken chain, see if you can reattach it. A worn and corroded chain that you can’t reattach will need replacing. Chris Lobb Plumbing can handle this on your behalf.

Mineral build-up under the rim

Town water contains minerals such as calcium that gradually build up in toilets over time. Many toilets release water into the bowl via a series of holes under the porcelain rim. If these holes clog up with mineral deposits, it will prevent the water from jettisoning down into the toilet bowl. Either the flush will be slow and ineffectual, or the toilet may not flush at all.

First, try adding a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid into the overflow pipe in the water tank. Allow it a few minutes to settle and seep down the pipe. The soap will find its way to the water jet holes. Now try flushing the toilet. If everything is back to normal, great, but if not, you’ll need to adopt a more hands-on approach. You can apply a drain cleaner to the holes and also use a screwdriver to scrape away and dislodge mineral deposits.

Reliable Plumbing Fixes in North Sydney

These toilet plumbing problems are quite common and the fix is often straightforward when you know how. If you’re not confident resolving these bathroom plumbing issues yourself, give us a call and we’ll be there to fix the problem.

We also have an emergency plumbing service, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our service area covers Sydney's Lower North Shore including North Sydney, Cremorne, Neutral Bay, Manly, and Wollstonecraft