Toilets can have the same issue for a variety of reasons and can be a hassle to clear up. If you find it doesn’t flush as fast or as well as it used to, the culprit may be a clogged drain. This is important to keep in mind, especially if other toilets in your home are displaying the same issues. If the drain is not clogged, there are some simple steps to take and get to the root of the problem. Here are five things you should do, if you can’t flush your toilet.

Test It

If only one of the toilets is experiencing the issue, take a bucket of water and dump it in the toilet. If it flushes, the drain is not the issue, but if it doesn’t flush, then you most likely do have an issue with the drain. Even if the flush still isn’t right but the drain is in proper working order, then the problem could lie with the tank bowl not functioning and moving water properly.

Check the Tank

Once the tank’s lid is removed, check the water level inside the tank. The water should come up to about ½ an inch from the top of the overflow tube (the tube connected to the flush valve). If this level isn’t low, then there’s probably not enough water to allow the mechanism to flush correctly. To resolve this issue, simply adjust the refill valve to allow more water into the tank or remove any water-saving devices. Removing water-saving devices will allow more water to enter the tank.

See If There’s a Leak

If the tank is leaking into the bowl, then the flow of the water into the bowl may be greatly reduced. Determine this by marking the water level of the bowl, turn off the supply valve and wait a few hours. If the water level is lower, then you know there is a leak.

Test the Handle

Look at the flapper. The flapper is the piece that connects to the flush valve. Watch as it moves when the flush valve is pressed. The flapper should lift all the way to allow the water to flow through into the bowl. If it is not working properly, make the chains that control the flap tauter to get a better result. If the flap isn’t the issue, look at the trip lever and the handle. If it is too loose, it will wiggle a lot which prevents the mechanism from being appropriately triggered. Either tighten the bolts or replace the entire handle mechanism

Clean the Toilet

Any deposits or obstructions can greatly affect toilet flow. Turn off the water supply valve and completely empty the bow. Clear the rinse holes of the toilet by using a mirror and a coat hanger, but be sure to watch the porcelain, scratching it can cause more damage. Lime remover can help dissolve any mineral deposits in the toilet but takes about eight hours for the treatment to do its job.

If you have tried all of the above, and you are still having problems flushing your toilet, you should contact a Commack plumber or Babylon plumber immediately to assess the problem before it turns into a bigger one.