Imagine you press the handle to flush the toilet, but instead of the familiar whoosh, nothing happens. Maybe the water in the bowl just swirls, maybe the flush handle feels loose, or maybe the toilet won’t flush at all. Few plumbing problems are as frustrating as a toilet that doesn’t flush properly, especially when you need it working right away.
A toilet that won’t flush can stem from several common reasons: clogs, low water in the tank, a faulty flapper, or an issue with the flush valve. Knowing how to troubleshoot can save you time, money, and stress. And while some problems require a plumber, others are simple fixes homeowners can manage on their own.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common reasons your toilet isn’t flushing, how to fix a toilet that won’t flush, and what steps you can try before it’s time to call a professional. We’ll also cover how to manually flush a toilet if your water supply is turned off, plus tips for preventing future toilet problems.
Contact us for fast and reliable toilet repair services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
Why Your Toilet Wont Flush: Common Reasons
There are several reasons why your toilet may not flush properly. Identifying the cause is the first step in getting your toilet back to working condition.
1. A Clogged Toilet
One of the most common reasons your toilet won’t flush is a clog. Too much toilet paper, flushing non-flushable items, or debris can block the toilet bowl or drain.
Signs of a clogged toilet:
- Water rises in the bowl but doesn’t drain
- Weak flush or no flush at all
- Gurgling sounds from nearby drains
How to fix it:
- Create suction using a plunger to remove the obstruction.
- If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet auger (or plumber’s snake) may help reach deeper clogs.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can damage your toilet and pipes.
2. Low Water in the Tank
For your toilet to flush correctly, the tank must have adequate water. If the tank isn’t filling properly, the flush may be weak or not happen at all.
Check for these issues:
- The overflow tube should be about an inch above the water level in the toilet tank.
- If the water level is too low, adjust the float inside the tank.
- Make sure the water supply valve is fully open to allow water to flow.
3. A Problem With the Toilet Flapper
The rubber seal at the tank’s bottom is called a flapper. The flapper lifts when the flush handle is pressed, allowing water to enter the bowl. If it’s worn out or not sealing properly, your toilet won’t flush completely.
How to check the toilet flapper:
- Examine the flapper after removing the tank lid.
- If the chain is too loose or too tight, the flapper may not lift properly.
- Replace the toilet flapper if it looks warped, cracked, or doesn’t seal.
4. Flush Valve or Handle Problems
If your flush handle feels loose or disconnected, the toilet won’t flush.
What to look for:
- Verify whether the chain that joins the flapper and flush handle is broken or removed.
- Ensure the flush valve assembly inside the toilet tank is working correctly.
- Replace the handle if it’s broken.
5. Water Supply Issues
If the water supply to the toilet is turned off or restricted, the toilet may not flush at all.
Steps to check:
- Look at the valve at the base of the toilet to make sure it’s open.
- If water isn’t flowing into the tank, the supply line could be clogged with debris.
How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush
Before calling a plumber, try these troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.
Use a Plunger Correctly
- Place the plunger firmly over the hole in the toilet bowl.
- Slowly push down, then swiftly draw up to create suction.
- Repeat several times until the water drains.
Adjust the Water Level in the Tank
- Open the tank lid and check the float.
- Raise the float to allow more water into the tank.
- Flush the toilet a few times to see if the issue is resolved.
Check the Flapper and Chain
- Ensure the chain has just enough slack to lift the flapper when the handle is pressed.
- Replace the flapper if it’s not sealing properly.
Inspect the Flush Valve Assembly
- Make sure the flush valve isn’t cracked or stuck.
- If damaged, replace the assembly.
Clear Debris in the Water Supply
- Turn off the water supply.
- Disconnect the supply line and check for clogs.
- Reconnect and turn on the water to see if the tank fills properly.
How to Manually Flush a Toilet
If your toilet won’t flush because of a broken handle or no water supply, you can still flush it manually.
Method 1: Pour Water Into the Toilet Bowl
- Fill a bucket with at least one gallon of water.
- Quickly pour the water into the toilet bowl to force waste through the drain.
Method 2: Pour Water Into the Tank
- Remove the toilet tank lid.
- Pour water into the tank until it reaches the fill line.
- Press the flush handle to flush properly.
Method 3: Lift the Flapper Manually
- Remove the tank lid.
- Pull up the chain or the flapper directly.
- This will release water into the bowl and flush the toilet.
Reach out today for expert toilet troubleshooting and repair across Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
Preventing Toilet Problems
Taking proper care of your toilet ensures it works efficiently and prevents frustrating situations where your toilet isn’t flushing properly. Here are some expanded tips to keep your toilet in good condition:
1. Be Mindful of What You Flush
Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Flushing wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products can easily lead to a toilet clog. Even items labeled as “flushable” can cause issues with your pipes. If your toilet is not flushing or the water from the toilet rises instead of draining, it may be because of something inappropriate being flushed.
2. Use Toilet Paper Wisely
The amount of water in the bowl isn’t always enough to push down excessive paper. Using too much toilet paper can make it harder for the toilet to flush and may cause the water to slowly drain. Try to flush smaller amounts and avoid stuffing the bowl.
3. Inspect the Tank Regularly
Lift the lid and check if the toilet parts inside are functioning properly. If the toilet handle feels loose or the flapper isn’t sealing, the tank may not fill all the way. This means the toilet will not flush with enough force. Make sure the flush valve, float, and other parts are working correctly so the tank is filling properly.
4. Maintain the Water Level
If the water level is too high or too low, the toilet isn’t flushing properly. A float adjustment can solve this issue. The tank may also have a buildup that prevents it from filling correctly. Check if the toilet is filling consistently; if not, pouring a bucket of water into the bowl can be a temporary way to get the toilet to work until repairs are made.
5. Schedule Inspections with a Professional Plumber
Even if your toilet seems fine, regular maintenance helps prevent hidden issues. A plumber can check if the toilet seat, tank, and underside of the toilet are all in good shape. They can also identify if it’s time to upgrade your toilet to a new toilet that uses the right amount of water and flushes more efficiently.
By following these steps, you can reduce the chances that your toilet is not flushing when you need it most and avoid costly plumbing repairs down the road.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the steps above and your toilet still doesn’t flush properly, it’s time to call a plumber. Professional plumbers have specialized tools to unclog a toilet, replace faulty parts, and fix water supply issues.
Signs You Need Professional Help:
- The toilet doesn’t flush completely even after troubleshooting.
- Water keeps running inside the toilet tank.
- You notice leaks at the base of the toilet.
- The toilet is clogged with debris that won’t clear with a plunger.
Absolute Draining & Plumbing has been serving Toronto homeowners for over 20 years. Whether the issue is a broken flush valve, a blocked toilet, or a toilet that refuses to flush, our certified plumbers can resolve it in a timely and expert manner. If your toilet not flushing is caused by low water flow, we’ll inspect the system and determine where the water may be restricted.
Our team will carefully examine the toilet and check for worn-out parts or hidden leaks to ensure your toilet flush works smoothly again. With our expertise, you can trust that your toilet will be restored to proper function—even in the most stubborn cases.
Schedule a service with our plumbing team to restore your toilet’s flush in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, or any other areas of the GTA.
Get Your Toilet Back to Working Order
Although it’s inconvenient, a toilet that won’t flush can usually be fixed easily. These procedures can assist you in resolving the issue stress-free, from checking the tank’s water level to examining the toilet flapper and flush valve. If your toilet still doesn’t flush after troubleshooting, don’t wait—calling a professional plumber can save you from bigger plumbing problems down the road.
Need help with a toilet that won’t flush or other plumbing issues in Toronto? Contact Absolute Draining & Plumbing today or call us for expert service and reliable repairs you can trust.
