Toilet Not Flushing Properly? Here’s What to Do (And What Not to Do!)

A toilet that refuses to flush properly is one of life’s little frustrations that can quickly turn into a major headache. Whether it's a weak flush, a stubborn clog, or an eerie gurgling sound, understanding your home’s plumbing system and knowing how to troubleshoot the issue can save you from unnecessary stress—and from an awkward call to your plumber.

At MasterCraft Plumbers, we've seen it all. And trust us, we mean everything. So, before you try anything drastic (put down the wire hanger), let’s walk through the most common reasons why your toilet isn't flushing properly and what you can do about it.

Toilet Not Flushing? Here’s Some Common Causes

1. Clogs: The Classic Culprit

If your toilet is flushing weakly or not at all, the most obvious reason is a clog. You might be thinking, "But I only flushed toilet paper!" Well, the problem is that not all toilet paper is created equal, and if you’ve been sneaking in some extra-thick, plush stuff, it might not be breaking down properly.

Plumber Pro Tip: Baby wipes, cotton balls, paper towels, and so-called flushable wipes are NOT flushable. We’ve pulled enough of these from pipes to know they’re just tiny, pipe-clogging time bombs waiting to happen.

2. Low Water Level in the Tank

Your toilet relies on a strong rush of water from the tank to complete a proper flush. If the tank isn’t filling up enough, your flush will be weak, or worse, incomplete.

How to Fix It:

• Remove the lid and check the water level. It should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube.
• If it’s too low, adjust the float inside the tank to allow more water in.

3. Flapper Malfunctions

The flapper is the rubber valve at the bottom of your toilet tank that lifts when you flush, allowing water to rush into the bowl. If it's damaged, warped, or not sealing properly, your toilet won’t flush correctly.

Easy Fix:

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
• Remove the flapper and inspect for wear and tear.
• If it looks questionable, replace it (flappers are cheap and easy to find at any hardware store).

4. Clogged Rim Jets

Ever noticed tiny holes under the rim of your toilet bowl? Those are rim jets, and they help push water into the bowl when you flush. If they get clogged with mineral deposits, your flush can weaken.

DIY Solution:

• Use a small brush (or an old toothbrush) and some vinegar to clean out the jets.
• If the buildup is stubborn, let vinegar sit in the bowl for a few hours before scrubbing.
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What Not to Do if Your Toilet Won’t Flush

1. No to Chemical Drain Cleaners

We get it. The idea of dumping a magical liquid into your toilet and watching it poof away the clog is tempting. But most chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good, corroding your pipes and creating hazardous conditions for plumbers who might have to work on your plumbing later.

2. No "Creative" DIY Plumbing Tools

A wire hanger is not a plumbing tool. Neither is a random stick you found in the yard. We’ve had customers try to snake their toilets with everything from kitchen utensils to metal rods—and it never ends well. Stick to a plunger or an actual plumbing auger if you need to tackle a clog.

3. No Ignoring the Problem

If your toilet consistently struggles to flush, don’t just live with it. Persistent issues could signal a deeper problem, like a partial sewer line blockage or a failing toilet mechanism. Waiting too long to address these issues could lead to costly repairs.

When to Call the Pros if Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing

If you’ve tried everything and your toilet is still being stubborn, it’s time to call in the professionals. At MasterCraft Plumbers, we’re happy to take over when DIY efforts fall short. Whether it’s a clog that refuses to budge or a plumbing mystery that has you stumped, we’ve got the tools (and the experience) to get your toilet flushing properly again.