An inoperative toilet flush is frustrating for everyone in the home, so finding out the likely sources behind this problem is important to get it fixed. While you may be able to repair some of these toilet flush problems on your own, you may need professional plumbers to fix others. This guide is designed to help you arrive at the source and possible solution if your toilet stops working.

Clogged Toilets

Putting excessive toilet paper, baby wipes and sanitary napkins down the toilet will start clogging the drainpipes between your toilet flush, toilet bowl and outside drains. Once these drainpipes start to back up towards your toilet, you'll notice that flushing has become impossible because the free flow of water through the drainpipes has been severely restricted. If the clog is closer to your toilet bowl, you will need to use an auger or plunger to dislodge the waste from the drainpipe. If you're successful, your flush should ideally start working properly once again. If you experience clogs frequently, you may want to consult with professional plumbers to find a more permanent solution to this problem.

Low Water Tank Level

Your flush tank's water level should be just a few inches below the overflow tube to flush properly. If the water in the tank is too low, then the flush will not work. You should first check your water valve because it may have been turned off unintentionally. If the valve is off, simply turn it on and the tank is likely to fill to the correct level. If the valve is on and the water level is still too low, there could be a mechanism problem inside the tank. This fix will require intervention from professional plumbers because they will have to inspect every component inside the flush tank to identify the source of the problem.

Warped Or Bent Flapper

If the rubber flapper inside the toilet flush is warped or bent, then your flush is unlikely to work when you push the button. The rubber flapper releases water during the process of flushing and closes the water hole after water has been released, allowing the tank to refill once again. If the flapper is warped, then the hole won't shut properly and water will not fill in your flush tank. To fix this problem, you will need to get it replaced. If you are aware of how to replace a rubber flapper, you can buy a replacement from a home improvement store and do the job on your own. If not, your plumbers will replace the stopper without any faults.

Getting to the root of a toilet flush problem will help you establish whether you can fix it on your own or whether you need the help of professional plumbers.