DIY Toilet Repair: How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush Fully

When you flush your toilet, you expect it to work properly every time. However, sometimes the toilet may not flush completely, causing frustration and inconvenience. There could be various reasons why your toilet won’t flush properly. 

In this article, we will discuss some common reasons why toilets won’t flush completely and provide solutions to fix the issue.

Table of Contents

• Understanding How a Toilet Flushes
• How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush Completely
  • Tips to Prevent Future Toilet Flushing Issues
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Understanding How a Toilet Flushes

Before we dive into the reasons why your toilet won’t flush completely, let’s briefly understand how a toilet flushes. When you press the toilet handle, a lever inside the tank lifts the flapper valve, allowing water to flow from the tank to the bowl. 

The water forces the waste and toilet paper down the drain and out of the house through the sewer line. Once the tank is empty, the flapper valve closes, and the tank refills with water until the fill valve shuts off.

Part 1: Common Causes of Incomplete Flushing

Incomplete flushing can be caused by several factors. In this section, we will discuss the most common reasons for this problem and how to identify them.

Cause 1: Low Water Level in Tank 

A low water level in the tank can cause incomplete flushing. If the water level is not high enough, there won’t be enough force to push the waste through the trapway. You can check the water level by removing the tank lid and looking at the water level mark. If the water level is below the mark, adjust the fill valve to increase the water level.

Cause 2: Flapper Problems 

A faulty or worn-out flapper can also cause incomplete flushing. If the flapper is not sealing properly, water will leak from the tank into the bowl, reducing the amount of water available for flushing. To check if the flapper is the problem, add some food coloring to the tank and wait for a few minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Cause 3: Clogged Rim Jets 

Rim jets are small holes located under the toilet rim that spray water into the bowl during flushing. If these jets are clogged, the water flow will be restricted, resulting in incomplete flushing. You can clean the rim jets using a thin wire or a small brush to remove any debris that may be blocking the holes.

Cause 4: Blocked Trapway 

A blocked trapway is a common cause of incomplete flushing. The trapway is the S-shaped pipe that connects the bowl to the drain line. Over time, waste and other debris can accumulate in the trapway, causing a blockage. To clear the trapway, use a toilet auger or plunger to dislodge the blockage. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber to help clear the blockage.

Part 2: Troubleshooting Steps

Before fixing a toilet that won’t flush completely, you need to identify the root cause of the problem. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Step 1: Check the Water Level in the Tank 

The first step is to check the water level in the tank. If the water level is too low, there won’t be enough water to create sufficient flushing pressure. You can adjust the water level by adjusting the fill valve. If the water level is too high, it can cause water to spill over into the overflow tube, which can also lead to incomplete flushing.

Step 2: Check the Flapper 

The next step is to check the flapper. A worn-out or faulty flapper can cause incomplete flushing. To check if the flapper is the problem, add some food coloring to the tank and wait for a few minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, it means the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Check the Rim Jets 

The third step is to check the rim jets. Clogged rim jets can prevent water from flowing into the bowl properly, resulting in incomplete flushing. You can clean the rim jets using a thin wire or a small brush to remove any debris that may be blocking the holes.

Step 4: Check the Trapway 

If the previous steps don’t resolve the issue, you need to check the trapway. A blocked trapway can cause incomplete flushing. You can use a toilet auger or plunger to dislodge the blockage. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber to help clear the blockage.

Step 5: Test the Toilet 

After you have fixed the problem, you should test the toilet to make sure it’s working properly. Flush the toilet a few times and check if the water is flowing properly into the bowl. If the problem persists, you may need to repeat the troubleshooting steps or call a plumber for assistance.

How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush Completely

Part 3: Fixing the Problem

Now that you’ve identified the cause of the incomplete flushing and have gone through the troubleshooting steps, it’s time to fix the problem. In this section, we will provide you with solutions to the most common causes of incomplete flushing.

Fix 1: Adjust the Water Level 

If the water level in the tank is too low or too high, you can adjust it to the correct level to ensure complete flushing. First, locate the fill valve and adjust it to increase or decrease the water level in the tank. Test the toilet by flushing it a few times to ensure the water level is correct and the toilet flushes properly.

Fix 2: Replace the Flapper 

If the flapper is damaged, worn out, or not sealing properly, it will prevent the toilet from flushing completely. To replace the flapper, turn off the water supply to the toilet, remove the old flapper, and install a new one. Test the toilet by flushing it a few times to ensure the flapper is working correctly and the toilet is flushing completely.

Fix 3: Clean the Rim Jets 

If the rim jets are clogged with debris, water may not flow into the bowl properly, causing incomplete flushing. To clean the rim jets, turn off the water supply to the toilet, remove the toilet tank lid, and use a thin wire or a small brush to clean the holes in the rim. Turn the water supply back on and test the toilet by flushing it a few times to ensure the water is flowing correctly.

Fix 4: Clear the Trapway

If the trapway is blocked, water won’t flow into the bowl properly, causing incomplete flushing. To clear the trapway, use a toilet auger or plunger to remove the blockage. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber to help clear the blockage. Test the toilet by flushing it a few times to ensure the blockage has been cleared and the toilet is flushing completely.

Once you have fixed the problem, test the toilet by flushing it a few times to ensure it’s working properly. If the problem persists, you may need to repeat the troubleshooting steps or call a plumber for assistance.

Tips to Prevent Future Toilet Flushing Issues

• To prevent future toilet flushing issues, consider following these tips:
• Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
• Don’t flush items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or wipes down the toilet.
• Use a plunger to clear minor clogs.
• Regularly clean the toilet bowl and tank to prevent build-up.
• Replace the flapper valve every 5 years.

Conclusion

A toilet that won’t flush completely can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can fix the issue quickly. From checking the flapper valve to plunging the toilet, there are several ways to fix the problem. Remember to take preventive measures to avoid future issues and always consult a professional plumber if you’re unsure about the problem.

FAQs

What should I do if my toilet isn’t flushing properly?

Identify the root cause of the problem and try the recommended fixes or seek professional help.

How do I fix a toilet that doesn’t flush all the way?

Troubleshoot the issue and fix the root cause, which may involve adjusting the water level, replacing the flapper, cleaning the rim jets, or clearing the trapway.

What are the common causes of incomplete flushing in toilets?

Low water level in the tank, flapper problems, clogged rim jets, and blocked trapway are some of the common causes of incomplete flushing in toilets.

Can a clogged toilet cause incomplete flushing?

Yes, a clogged toilet can cause incomplete flushing by blocking the flow of water through the trapway.

How do I know if my toilet flapper is bad?

A bad flapper can cause the toilet to run continuously or not flush properly, so if you notice these issues, the flapper may need to be replaced.

What can cause low water pressure in my toilet tank?

Low water pressure in the toilet tank can be caused by a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning fill valve, a partially closed shut-off valve, or a clogged supply line.

Why is my toilet not flushing at all?

This could be due to a clog in the drain or a problem with the flapper valve. Try plunging the toilet or adjusting the flapper valve.

Can I use chemicals to unclog my toilet?

It’s not recommended to use harsh chemicals as they can damage the plumbing system. Use a plunger or call a professional plumber instead.

How often should I replace the flapper valve?

The flapper valve should be replaced every 5 years to ensure proper functioning.

What is the vent pipe?

The vent pipe allows air to enter the drain system, which helps the toilet flush properly.

Can I fix a toilet that won’t flush completely on my own?

You can troubleshoot and fix minor issues on your own, but for major issues or if you’re unsure about the problem, it’s best to call a professional plumber.