Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing Properly in Euclid, OH?

Imagine using the bathroom only to panic when the toilet won't fully flush. Your first thoughts are likely, "Why is my toilet not flushing?" and "How can I fix this?" Stay calm; troubleshooting a potential toilet backup is easy.

Below, Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co.’s experienced plumbers in Euclid, Ohio, reveal everything you need to know about this common scenario. Let’s review the top causes of flushing problems and your options for restoring the toilet.

Why You Can't Ignore a Toilet With a Weak Flush

As soon as you notice something is off with your toilet’s mechanism, particularly when you flush it, reach out to a plumber. Continuing to use the toilet knowing that something is wrong can have dire consequences if clean or contaminated water starts to spill out of the bowl and flood your bathroom area.

Does the toilet only partially flush? If so, it may not be powerful enough to send your waste down the drain where it belongs. Any of these scenarios could leave you dealing with:

• Water damage cleanup
• Exposure to harmful wastewater
• Unpleasant odors 

Why not be proactive? Have a plumbing professional determine the underlying problem and fix it so that you have peace of mind about avoiding further plumbing concerns!

Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing? Common Reasons

When your toilet won't flush all the way, you'll want to figure out the problem quickly. Below are several common scenarios that lead to improper flushing for properties in Euclid, Ohio.

Clogged Toilet

Say you try flushing the toilet but find that the water backs up and drains extremely slowly. A clog in your property’s plumbing system might be to blame for this situation. Fortunately, while countless homeowners in Euclid face clogged toilets from time to time, they shouldn't pose a problem with some basic plumbing tools on hand.

Most clogs occur in the curved part of the toilet’s drainage pipe, also known as the trap. An expert will tackle the problem as follows:

• Take a plunger to create a seal around the toilet's drain.
• Push the plunger downward and upward, creating a suction force. 
• After a few attempts, the toilet’s blockage should push past the trap and make its way into the deeper sewer system.

It’s simple to prevent these types of clogs by flushing only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. However, accidents do happen. For example, professionals like Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. often have to intervene when severe clogs form due to:

• Foreign objects like toys or jewelry
• "Flushable" wipes
• Paper towels
• Feminine hygiene products

Safely removing these products requires a drain snake and other toilet-specific plumbing equipment.

Damaged Toilet Flapper

Why is my toilet not flushing even though there isn’t a clog? If you experience a slow drain or a partial flush, you’ll want to check your toilet's flapper. 

This device sits beneath the toilet tank lid, sealing water inside the tank. Pushing on the flush handle triggers the flapper to break its seal and allow water to flow into the toilet bowl. That’s what makes for a powerful flush. 

A faulty flapper might not lift properly. If so, you’ll notice less water infiltrating the bowl when you flush the toilet. Flappers wear down over time but are relatively inexpensive to replace, so it’s simple to replace the broken flapper if this is the root of your toilet's problem.

Defective Float

Another key part of your toilet's tank is its float, which looks like a plastic ball. The float will move up or down with the water level in the tank. When the water level lowers during a flush, the float triggers the toilet’s refill valve to open and normalize the low water level.

Like the flapper, this float mechanism may face damage over time. Is it still set properly? A faulty float won't be able to reach the refill valve, which usually results in a low water level inside the tank. 

When the toilet tank doesn't contain enough water, you can’t get a powerful enough flush. In that case, you shouldn’t wait to call for plumbing repairs.

Toilet Maintenance Tips for Euclid, Ohio’s Homeowners

Why is my toilet not flushing? Euclid locals also ask how they can keep their toilet working properly, and the answer is related to why your toilet doesn’t flush. Ensure this crucial plumbing fixture works efficiently by deploying the following expert tips: 

Limit What You Flush

Don't treat your toilet like a dumpster. Trying to flush an inappropriate object, or anything other than toilet paper or waste, won’t go well. Even so-called flushable wipes are not likely to disintegrate and cause frequent drain clogs. 

You might find that plunging the toilet moves this blockage. However, if that mass continues deep into your sewer line, your clog situation could turn nasty. If you’d like to avoid water or sewer backup in your home, experts recommend throwing non-flushable things in the trash. 

Schedule Plumbing Maintenance Services

Are you still asking, “Why is my toilet not flushing?" If you’re finding your plumbing system’s repair needs increasing, you might want to consider investing in routine maintenance from trusted teams like Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. 

At these maintenance visits, the plumber goes through every plumbing fixture to inspect it for damage, repair it, or make replacements. Broken flappers or floats get repairs on the spot, which means you’ll always avoid those common flushing problems. 

Consider Replacing Outdated Toilets

Most people use a toilet several times per day. Like any fixture, the toilet can lose function and efficiency over time. 

Does your toilet clog frequently now? Have you noticed a weaker flush over time? It could be time to install a newer model, so check in with a professional plumber for an assessment.

Contact Our Trusted Plumbing Contractor Today for Toilet Repairs in Euclid, Ohio

Why is my toilet not flushing properly? Do I just have a bad plumbing system? We provide Euclid homeowners with answers and, more importantly, the repairs their plumbing systems need.

Clogs and faulty sewer pipes are no match for Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. – call to schedule a service!

Author Bio:

Matt Formica

He worked side by side with his cousin, Frank D. and sister Linda, in the office. The company has grown and now has six vans helping the surrounding communities with plumbing and sewer issues.