Common Causes of a Toilet Not Flushing Properly

As anyone who has ever experienced it knows, there is nothing more disgusting than a toilet that will not properly flush. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a toilet will not flush properly, and determining the cause can take some time.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber as soon as possible to make sure the problem can be corrected before it becomes worse. Otherwise, a toilet that may be unusable for only a few minutes could become one that may not be available for several days.

Clogged Drain Lines

Whether it is the drain line to the toilet itself or the main drain line for your Naperville home, either one can lead to a toilet not flushing properly.

These are definitely not DIY repairs, and require the services of a plumber skilled in clearing drain lines. If this is the problem, the repair bill can be somewhat high, but the repair itself should only take 2-3 hours in most cases.

Bent Flapper in the Toilet

The flapper, which rests on the bottom of the toilet tank, is responsible for letting water empty from the tank to the bowl and also keeping enough water in the tank for adequate flushes.

However, if it is bent or warped in any way, it cannot work properly and will lead to the toilet not properly flushing. A warped flapper will allow water to leak out from the tank, resulting in gallons of water being wasted.

Lift Chain Improperly Adjusted

The lift chain, which lets the flapper raise up long enough to let water enter the tank, can have a big impact on the toilet not flushing properly. In many situations, the lift chain may be too tight or too loose, which results in the flapper not working properly.

If it’s too tight, the flapper will not raise up long enough to let enough water in for a full flush. If it’s too loose, the chain will be unable to raise the flapper much if any, resulting in the toilet barely flushing or not flushing at all.

Whether the problem is as simple as a lift chain or flapper that needs to be adjusted or as complex as a clogged drain line, a plumber can use their skills to assess the problem and make the necessary repairs in your Naperville home.

By doing so, a minor inconvenience can be kept to a minimum, along with the repair costs.

Your Naperville, IL home toilet issues can be a nuisance to the whole family. Call Jim Wagner Plumbing at (630) 577-9341 today, and let’s get your toilet back to its flushing state!