Toilets may not flush for various reasons, including a disconnected chain, faulty flapper, low water level, a damaged float, rim jet clogs, or simply a drain blockage that needs to be cleared with a plunger.
A clog is the most common reason for a toilet that doesn't flush. Clogs can range in severity, from a complete blockage to a partial obstruction. Wipes, toilet paper and other items can build up in sewer lines, which could result in slow flushing that doesn't completely clear the bowl.
If you're dealing with a toilet that won't flush, check to see if something is damaged or broken within the toilet cisterns like you would the fill valve if your toilet is running. Check your lift chain, flush valve, water valve, float ball, and more. If you cannot see anything, you may call a plumber.
If you have to flush the toilet twice, there most likely isn't enough water flowing into the bowl. This means the siphoning effect is too weak to clear everything out of the toilet in one go.
Over time, flappers wear out, which allows water to continually drain from the tank. The result is not enough pressure released at flush to completely empty the contents of your toilet bowl. You can fix this problem by replacing the flapper. It is easy to do with any standard flapper purchased from a hardware store.
One of the most common reasons for a toilet to have issues flushing properly is that the water level inside the tank is too low. If there isn't enough water in the tank when the toilet is flushed, then the flushing power of the toilet will be greatly reduced because there is a limited force flowing into the toilet.
You'll need to flush your toilet to establish whether the clog has cleared. You might need to repeat the process until the clog clears. The clog will clear when your toilet makes a fast suction sound and drains naturally thereafter.
The main two ways to flush a toilet without running water when your main water supply is shut off are: The "Pour-Over" Method - This is where the weight of added water causes a flush reaction. The Tank Method - This involves adding enough water to the tank to pull the lever for a flush.
Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets. To use this chemical, you need to get some rubber gloves and eye protection. You can pick the chemical from the local hardware or grocery stores. Pour a ¾ gallon of cold water into a bucket, and add 3 cups of caustic soda.
Then pull up sharply to disturb the clog and loosen it. Continue vigorously pushing and pulling until the water begins to drain. It may take 15 to 20 cycles before the toilet unclogs. Be patient.
If you are unsuccessful using a plunger, it is highly suggested that you then call a professional plumber. Other amateur methods to unclog a toilet can cause serious damage to your toilet or plumbing. Therefore if the plunger does not work, call the experts at Pure Plumbing.
These are the first signs to look out for: Water draining slowly after flushing. Rising water levels in the toilet bowl. Gurgling sounds.
When it comes to simpler clogs, expect to pay no more than $150, while more extensive blockages that require dismantling the toilet's plumbing could cost between $150 and $500. A DIY drain snake costs between $5 and $50, so it may be affordable for homeowners to take the first attempt at unclogging themselves.
Using a plunger is one of the most effective methods used for unblocking a toilet as it can unclog a wide variety of waste pipes.
It can hurt the toilet and soften/dissolve pipes— Drano uses caustic or oxidizing chemicals to create heat to unclog a drain. If Drano does not clear the toilet, this heat can crack the porcelain, soften PVC pipes and dissolve old, corroded pipes.
It is Extremely Corrosive For Your Drains
When your pipes are clogged, Drano will sit on top of the clog, continually reacting and generating heat until the clog dissolves. This can put a great deal of stress on your drains as the heat can cause PVC pipes to soften and even break or collapse.
Add baking soda to the mix
Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl and add two more cups of vinegar; the mix will start to fizz. Leave it like that for ten minutes without flushing.
Attempting to unblock your toilet with water and washing-up liquid, is one of the cheapest ways to go about it. It's always worth trying this method before calling your plumber. First, take the washing up liquid and pour 2-3 squirts into the toilet bowl.
High Water Pressure with Baking Soda and Vinegar
To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.