What To Do When Your Toilet Won’t Flush, & Other Issues

Did you know that, on average, most people will spend a total of 92 days of their lives using the toilet? It’s no wonder then that, on occasion, your toilet won’t flush, will experience leaks, and have parts in-need of fixing.

In fact, most plumbers agree that a toilet can last up to 50 years if it is installed correctly and if problems are addressed in a timely manner.

There are a handful of plumbing issues with your toilet that you can fix on your own but, when in doubt, leave it to the professionals!

Here’s what to do if you encounter the following issues:

  • Issue #1: Toilet Won’t Flush
  • Issue #2: Leaking
  • Issue #3: Slow-Filling
  • Issue #4: Running Water

Green Group LLC installs and repairs all kinds of bathroom plumbing fixtures, from toilets and sinks to tubs and showers, in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and surrounding areas.  

Issue #1: Toilet Won’t Flush

The overflowing toilet or toilet that won’t flush are what household and office bathroom nightmares are made of. The most likely problem is – you guessed it – a clog! If the plunger or toilet auger don’t do the trick, though, it might be worth inspecting the flush handle and lift arm assembly; the lift chain might be too loose or could have simply detached from the flapper, preventing the water from being able to empty from the bowl.

In more extreme cases, a clog in the toilet flange or drain pipe can also be the reason the toilet won’t flush. Depending on how deep the clog is in your toilet system, the best solution is to call a plumber.

Issue #2: Leaking

When it comes to a leaky toilet, take our advice: Don’t ignore it! Not only can the water damage your floor, leaks that involve waste water are hazardous to your health. As soon as you notice water on the floor, check the following places to find the source of the leak:

  • Water supply valve
  • Supply line
  • The base of the toilet/the floor
  • The toilet bowl/tank

In many cases, the simple solution for a leak is to tighten the valve, toilet mounting bolts, or gasket. On the other hand, a damaged supply line or a crack in the toilet tank will require replacements or repairs by a plumber.

Issue #3: Slow-Filling

You’ll most likely notice a slow-filling toilet after flushing and waiting much longer than normal for the toilet to stop running. On average, it should take no more than two minutes or so for the toilet water to replenish.

When the water is slow-filling, check the water supply valve to make sure it is not too tight; just like a closed water line won’t supply water to a water hose, a too-tight water supply valve can keep your toilet water from flowing. Another culprit for a slow-filling toilet can be the toilet pump and valve, which you can inspect, disassemble, and clean by removing the tank lid.

If none of these solutions work, you might have a bigger issue on your hands, such as a blockage in your drain pipe.

Issue #4: Running Water

A similar but different toilet water problem is water that’s running when you haven’t flushed the toilet. Also known as a “ghost flush,” you might hear the toilet water refilling randomly, which indicates a loss of water either inside the toilet system or externally.

An external leak will be noticeable on the floor around the toilet, but an internal leak is not as noticeable. The best fixes for an internal leak include checking:

  1. If your toilet’s refill tube is damaged or installed too deep into the overflow pipe.
  2. If the flapper shows any visible damage, or is too small.

In some instances, you might need to replace the toilet’s flush system. 

Green Group LLC is very experienced with every type of fixture, including toilets. Contact us today!