Few things are more frustrating than a toilet that does not flush. Even more frustrating is when you cannot figure out the problem that prevents the toilet from flushing. The issue could range from a simple clog, a faulty component of the toilet, or a major plumbing malfunction. Fortunately, you may be able to figure out the problem with the following information.

The Toilet Is Clogged

If your toilet will not flush, your first assumption may be the toilet has a clog. Clogs range from minor to severe. You may just have a small clog from using too much tissue. This commonly causes a partial clog. A partial clog occurs when your toilet will flush, but not at the toilet's normal flushing strength.

To fix a partial clog, you can use a plunger or plumber's snake. You can also turn off the water to the toilet and try to flush it. After you flush, pour very hot water into the toilet bowl and allow the water to sit for a few minutes. You can then flush the toilet to see if the clog will move through the plumbing.

If none of these remedies work, you may have a deeper clog that is too deep for you to reach. In this case, you should call your plumber for further inspection.

The Handle and Chain Is Not Working

Another issue that can prevent the toilet from flushing is a problem with your handle or chain. You may try to flush the toilet only to find the handle does not work. The handle is connected by a chain to a valve inside the water tank. The chain can become disconnected and prevent the handle from working properly.

The chain may also be the issue. The chain may not be the right length to lift the valve, or it may be broken. When the chain does not adequately lift the valve, the toilet will not flush.

To fix this issue, lift the lid off the back of the toilet tank. Make sure the chain is connected at both the top and bottom. If the chain is not connected, you can clip them into place. Once the chain is reconnected, make sure the valve fully seals by pulling on the chain to lift the valve. The valve should close once the chain is in good repair.

If the chain seems to be in good shape but the toilet will still not flush, you may need to check the valve itself. You can easily replace the valve if it does not fully close. Empty the toilet tank by turning the water source to the off position, lift the valve to drain the water from the tank, and replace the valve with a kit you can purchase at a local hardware store.

The Toilet Jets Are Dirty or Clogged

Toilets have small holes under the rim of the toilet bowl. The water from the tank flows through these jets to help the water flush from the bowl and down through the toilet's plumbing connections.

Over time, these jets can become clogged with corrosion or grime and can stop the toilet from flushing properly. You need to clear the jets to fix this problem. You can use an old toothbrush or wire brush to clean inside the jets. You can use either bleach or vinegar solution to clean the jets. Be sure to remove any blockages you see as you clean them.

If none of these options fix your toilet, you should contact a plumber to inspect the toilet and fix the issue. If you need your toilet inspected, contact the professionals at Complete Plumbing for assistance.