How To Fix A Toilet That Won’t Flush

A broken toilet is a no-go for any household, and when your toilet won’t flush you need a solution ASAP. Fear not. Sometimes, a weak flush on a toilet is able to be fixed with a screwdriver and a ladder.

 

Check Your Toilet’s Vent Pipe

You’ll have to climb up on the roof for this solution, so if you’re afraid of heights, this may not be the DIY trick for you. If you’re okay with scaling above your house, then read on.

Master bathrooms have their own venting pipes to direct waste away from the rest of the home’s plumbing. A weak or stuck flush that doesn’t have any noticeable clogs could be the result of a forgotten plug.

In new construction, plumbers install a plug in the main bathroom vent pipes to pressure test the plumbing. Sometimes, they leave this plug behind, which results in reduced water pressure when you flush your toilet.

After you locate the vent pipe on the roof, you should be able to see a rubber cap on top. Using a screwdriver, break the plastic and pry out the pieces. Afterward, your toilet should flush normally with no problem.

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

Emergencies happen. Sometimes, you use the bathroom and find that even a plunger won’t dislodge a stubborn clog. When this happens, it’s natural to panic, but try some of these solutions first.

Get Some Baking Soda

Pour 1 cup baking soda and 2 cups vinegar into your toilet. Let the mixture set for several minutes and break down the clog. After excess water has drained from the bowl, try to flush again.

If you don’t have any baking soda or vinegar, a few squirts of dish soap can also help make a clog easier to flush.

Break Out the Plunger

The majority of clogs can be fixed with a plunger, but the right technique is necessary to ensure your clog goes down without causing any damage. If you flush your toilet but it won’t drain after several minutes, you’ll need a plunger to loosen the blockage in the pipes.

Use a gentle plunge at first to prevent air in the rubber bell from blowing water out of the bowl. Once you’ve created a seal around the base of the toilet bowl, alternate between light and forceful plunges. After a few minutes, you should dislodge the clog and your toilet will flush normally.

Since 1927, Levine & Sons have helped Southfield, MI, residents tackle all their plumbing and HVAC problems. Whether you’re looking for a total bathroom overhaul or need an emergency rescue, we can help! Book an appointment on our site or call us today at 1-888-538-4631!