5 Reasons Why Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing Completely

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Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing Completely? Here’s Why

Nothing is more frustrating than a toilet that doesn’t flush completely. You flush, and the water level goes down, but then it slowly starts to rise again. Or, worse yet, the toilet just won’t flush at all.

If you’re dealing with a toilet that’s not flushing completely, there are a few possible causes. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common reasons why toilets don’t flush, and we’ll provide some tips on how to fix the problem.

We’ll also discuss some preventive measures you can take to keep your toilet from becoming clogged in the first place. So if you’re ready to get to the bottom of this issue, read on!

Problem Cause Solution
Toilet doesn’t flush completely
  • Clogged toilet
  • Low water pressure
  • Damaged toilet flapper
  • Sewer line blockage
  • Clear the clog with a plunger or toilet auger.
  • Increase the water pressure by turning up the water supply valve.
  • Replace the toilet flapper.
  • Call a plumber to clear the sewer line blockage.

A toilet that doesn’t flush completely can be a major inconvenience. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. When waste doesn’t fully flush down the drain, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. In addition, a clogged toilet can overflow, causing water damage to your home.

There are a number of different reasons why a toilet might not be flushing completely. Some of the most common causes include:

  • A clogged toilet. This is the most common cause of a toilet not flushing completely. A clog can occur anywhere in the toilet, from the bowl to the drainpipe.
  • A faulty toilet flapper. The flapper is a rubber valve that controls the flow of water into the toilet bowl. If the flapper is damaged or worn out, it can allow water to leak into the bowl, preventing it from flushing completely.
  • A clogged toilet drain. The drainpipe leading from the toilet to the sewer line can become clogged with debris, such as hair, toilet paper, or soap scum. This can prevent water from flowing freely down the drain, causing the toilet to overflow.
  • A restricted toilet vent. The vent pipe on a toilet allows air to flow into the drainpipe, helping to create a siphon that pulls the water down the drain. If the vent pipe is blocked, it can prevent the siphon from forming, causing the toilet to overflow.
  • A faulty toilet fill valve. The fill valve is a device that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. If the fill valve is damaged or worn out, it can allow too much water to enter the tank, which can cause the toilet to overflow.

Causes of a Toilet Not Flushing Completely

  • A clogged toilet is the most common cause of a toilet not flushing completely. A clog can occur anywhere in the toilet, from the bowl to the drainpipe.
  • Clogs in the toilet bowl are often caused by solid objects, such as toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, or toys. These objects can get stuck in the trap, which is a U-shaped bend in the drainpipe that traps solids and prevents them from flowing down the drain.
  • Clogs in the toilet drainpipe are often caused by hair, soap scum, or other debris. These materials can build up over time and eventually block the drainpipe, preventing water from flowing freely down the drain.
  • A faulty toilet flapper is another common cause of a toilet not flushing completely. The flapper is a rubber valve that controls the flow of water into the toilet bowl. If the flapper is damaged or worn out, it can allow water to leak into the bowl, preventing it from flushing completely.
  • A clogged toilet drain is another possible cause of a toilet not flushing completely. The drainpipe leading from the toilet to the sewer line can become clogged with debris, such as hair, toilet paper, or soap scum. This can prevent water from flowing freely down the drain, causing the toilet to overflow.
  • A restricted toilet vent can also cause a toilet to not flush completely. The vent pipe on a toilet allows air to flow into the drainpipe, helping to create a siphon that pulls the water down the drain. If the vent pipe is blocked, it can prevent the siphon from forming, causing the toilet to overflow.
  • A faulty toilet fill valve can also lead to a toilet not flushing completely. The fill valve is a device that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. If the fill valve is damaged or worn out, it can allow too much water to enter the tank, which can cause the toilet to overflow.

How to Fix a Toilet Not Flushing Completely

If your toilet is not flushing completely, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem.

  • First, try to clear the clog. If the toilet is clogged, you can try to clear it using a plunger or a toilet auger.
  • To use a plunger, place the cup of the plunger over the drain and push down and pull up several times. This should create a suction that will help to dislodge the clog.
  • To use a toilet auger, insert the auger into the drain and turn the handle clockwise. This will help to break up the clog and clear the drain.
  • If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.
  • If the toilet is not clogged, there may be another problem with the toilet. Here are a few things you can check:
  • Check the toilet flapper. The flapper is a rubber valve that controls the flow of water into the toilet bowl. If the flapper is damaged or worn out, it can allow

3. A Clogged Toilet

A clogged toilet is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems you can have. It can be difficult to fix, and it can be even more difficult to find the cause of the clog. However, there are a few things you can do to try to fix a clogged toilet.

First, try plunging the toilet. This is the most common way to fix a clogged toilet, and it is often successful. To plunge a toilet, you will need a plunger and some water. Fill the toilet bowl about halfway with water, then place the plunger over the drain hole. Push down on the plunger and pull up quickly. Repeat this process several times until the clog is cleared.

If plunging the toilet does not work, you may need to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is used to clear clogs in drains. To use a drain snake, you will need to insert the snake into the drain hole and slowly work it through the clog. Once the snake has reached the clog, you will need to turn the handle on the snake to rotate it. This will help to break up the clog and clear it out of the drain.

If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog. They will also be able to identify the cause of the clog and recommend ways to prevent future clogs.

Here are some tips to help prevent clogged toilets:

  • Don’t flush anything down the toilet that doesn’t belong there. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and food scraps.
  • Rinse out food scraps before putting them in the trash. This will help to prevent them from clogging the pipes.
  • Keep the toilet bowl clean. A dirty toilet bowl can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to clogs.
  • Flush the toilet regularly. This will help to keep the pipes flowing freely.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent clogged toilets and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

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A clogged toilet can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually fixable. By following the steps in this article, you can usually clear the clog yourself. If you are unable to clear the clog, you may need to call a plumber.

Why Doesn’t My Toilet Flush Completely?

There are a few common reasons why a toilet might not flush completely. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions:

  • A clogged toilet: This is the most common cause of a toilet that doesn’t flush completely. A clog can be caused by anything from toilet paper to toys, and it can prevent the water from flowing through the toilet bowl and into the drain. If you think your toilet is clogged, you can try to clear it yourself using a plunger or a toilet auger. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.
  • A faulty flapper valve: The flapper valve is a rubber disk that sits in the drain hole of the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper valve opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper valve is damaged or worn out, it may not close properly, which can allow water to leak back into the tank and prevent the toilet from flushing completely. If you think your flapper valve is faulty, you can replace it yourself or you can call a plumber.
  • A clogged toilet vent: The toilet vent is a pipe that runs from the top of the toilet tank to the roof. It allows air to escape from the toilet bowl as it fills with water. If the toilet vent is clogged, it can prevent air from escaping, which can create a vacuum that prevents the toilet from flushing completely. If you think your toilet vent is clogged, you can try to clear it yourself using a snake or a plumber’s helper. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.
  • A low water pressure: If your home has low water pressure, it can make it difficult for the toilet to flush completely. You can check your water pressure by turning on a faucet and checking the pressure gauge. If the pressure is below 50 psi, you may need to call a plumber to increase the water pressure to your home.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting a toilet that doesn’t flush completely:

  • Try flushing the toilet multiple times. Sometimes, a toilet just needs a few tries to clear a clog.
  • Check the toilet tank for leaks. If there is a leak in the toilet tank, it can waste water and prevent the toilet from flushing completely.
  • Clean the toilet bowl. A dirty toilet bowl can also prevent the toilet from flushing completely.
  • Replace the toilet flapper valve. If you have tried all of the other solutions and your toilet is still not flushing completely, you may need to replace the flapper valve.

If you have tried all of these solutions and your toilet is still not flushing completely, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

there are a number of reasons why a toilet might not flush completely. The most common causes are a clog in the toilet bowl, a clog in the toilet drain line, or a problem with the toilet flapper. To fix a clog in the toilet bowl, you can use a plunger or a toilet auger. To fix a clog in the toilet drain line, you may need to call a plumber. To fix a problem with the toilet flapper, you can replace the flapper yourself or call a plumber.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your toilet flushes completely and efficiently.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.