If you are having trouble with your toilet not fully flushing, there may be a number of reasons that could cause this. This guide is designed to help you find the common causes of this issue and resolve them in order to get your toilet flushing properly once again. Let’s dive into some of those common issues now so that you can get back to using your toilet as intended.
Reasons your toilet won’t flush properly
The water level is too low
The first possible cause of a weak flushing toilet is that there is an issue with the water level in your toilet tank. To check the water level in your toilet, simply lift the lid of your toilet tank and peer inside. The water should be somewhere between an inch below the overflow tube and at least one inch above where it enters the overflow tube. If you find that your water is lower than this, then you can try to adjust the float arm on your fill valve until the water level is where it should be. Doing so can help to correct any problems with your toilet not fully flushing. Something to keep in mind is that you might have a low-flow toilet. These toilets are designed to use less water than traditional toilets, but if they don’t have enough water flowing through them, then you might notice that your toilet is not fully flushing.
An old or outdated toilet
Another factor that can impact the flushing function of your toilet is the age of your toilet itself. Older toilets may not be functioning at optimal efficiency levels, which could be causing clogs or other performance issues. Toilets will last for a long time, but it is important to know that over time they will start to experience wearing down and other issues. If your toilet is getting old, you might want to consider replacing or upgrading the fixture altogether in order to get the best flushing performance possible.
Clogged toilet
Another possible cause for a toilet that is not fully flushing is that you have a clogged toilet. If there are any obstructions or clogs in the drain line, it can prevent your toilet from fully draining, leading to issues with flushing and other performance problems. To check for this issue, simply flush the toilet and see if the water rises in yout toilet bowl. If the water does rise in your toilet bowl, you likely have a clog. You may need to call in a professional plumber to perform a thorough inspection of your drain line and clear any potential obstructions or clogs. For simple clogs or obstructions (like too much toilet paper), you may be able to clear them yourself by using a plunger or another tool.
Toilet flapper issues
Issues with your toilet’s flapper can cause problems with it not fully flushing. To check for this problem, simply lift the lid of your toilet tank and take a look at the flapper valve. If you notice that there is any debris or buildup on the flapper valve, remove it and clean off the debris using a wet cloth. Once you have cleaned the debris and residue off of it, replace the flapper valve. This can help to address any issues that you may have had with your toilet’s flushing functionality. If the flapper is damaged or broken, you may need to replace it altogether.
Issues with the overflow tube
If your overflow tube is clogged or obstructed, this can also lead to issues with your toilet’s flushing performance. To check for this issue, you will need to lift the lid of your toilet tank and look at the overflow tube. If there is any debris blocking it, remove it using a wet cloth. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, put the lid back on your toilet tank and run some water through it to make sure that the tube is free of any obstructions. If your overflow tube is damaged or broken, you will need to replace it in order to restore your toilet’s flushing performance.
Clogged inlet holes
Inlet holes in the toilet can also cause issues with flushing. To check for this issue, simply lift the lid of your toilet tank and take a look at the toilet’s inlet holes. If you notice that they are clogged or obstructed in any way, remove the debris using a wet cloth or any other appropriate cleaning tool. Once you have cleaned the area thoroughly and removed all of the debris, put the lid back on your toilet tank and run some water through it to make sure that the inlet holes are clear. Inlet holes can be blocked by mineral deposits and other debris, so it is important to clean them regularly in order to keep your toilet fully functional and flushing properly. You may need to invest in a water softener if it is a recurring issue for you.
Broader-level plumbing problems
If none of these common issues seem to be causing your toilet not to completely flush, there may be another underlying problem that requires more specific attention. In this case, it is best to consult a professional plumber who can help you get to the root of the issue and resolve it for good. Broader-level plumbing problems that can affect your toilet’s ability to flush properly include issues with the main line or supply of your home’s water system, as well as issues within the sewerage system itself. If the design of your toilet drain pipework is causing water to drain slowly, or if there are other problems with the pipework that lead to improper drainage, this can affect your toilet’s ability to fully flush.