What To Do If My Toilet Won’t Flush?
Cocoa residents know facing a toilet that won’t flush can be a moment of panic, especially if that nasty water starts coming back up. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot and possibly fix the issue yourself.
Often, the culprit is a clog. A plunger might be enough to clear minor blockages. For tougher clogs, a toilet auger can navigate through the pipes to clear the pathway. If the tank isn’t overfilled, pouring in a bit of dish soap can help—it’s an emulsifier that can help break things apart. Wait about 15 minutes after sending it in to try and flush.
If clogging isn’t the issue, but pressing the flush lever yields little to no results, check these other troublemakers:
- Shut-off Valve: Ensure it isn’t slightly turned or blocked, restricting water flow to your toilet. It’s located where the water line meets your wall.
- The Lever: Inspect if the lever’s connection to the lift chain is intact.
- Water Level: The tank should be filled to about an inch below the overflow tube for optimal flushing.
- Lift Chain: A slack or broken chain can prevent the flapper from lifting properly.
- Flapper: A damaged or improperly sealed flapper affects water pressure and flushing capability.
- Inlet Holes: Ensure the holes under the rim are clear to allow water to flow into the bowl effectively.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, the clog is too nauseating, or your toilet starts to overflow, it’s time to summon Drain Wizards so we can work our magic.