A toilet that won’t flush is a threat to your family’s health and safety. It’s also distressing—and really gross! We don’t blame you for wanting to handle the problem as quickly as possible.

As your friendly neighborhood plumbers in Katy, TX, we have some insight into this upsetting issue. Here’s what you need to know.

Reasons Toilets Stop Flushing

Toilets typically stop flushing for the following reasons:

• The toilet is at least partially clogged
• Low water levels in the tank
• Disconnected or broken handles
• Worn flappers
• Clogged rim holes 
• Clogged siphon jets
• Slipped lift chains

Some of these problems allow for a quick fix. Others require more extensive interventions. 

What You Can Try

We know you might have some anxiety about calling a plumber. While we don’t advocate DIY plumbing, there are one or two things you can try before calling us.

You can try:

• Plunging the toilet. 
• Adjusting the water levels in the tank.
• Replacing the flapper (an easy, inexpensive fix)
• Check the lift chain and hook it back to the flush mechanism
• Check the toilet shut-off valve (make sure it’s on)
• Clean the toilet 

If these steps don’t work, you need more extensive help. 

You may still have a clog, for example, but it may be a more extensive clog than your plunger is prepared to deal with. A plunger won’t help if your 2-year-old has thrown a doll into the toilet, for example. Don’t try to snake the toilet yourself; doing it wrong could damage your toilet.

You may also have a cracked flush valve, which will need to be replaced. You may even have a deeper problem with your home water or sewage pipes. At this point, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

When the Toilet Needs Replacing

There are a few signs that the toilet needs to be replaced, not repaired. Look for the following:

• Constant clogs. If you are constantly struggling to make this toilet flush, it probably requires a replacement.
• Cracked toilets.
• Toilets that are 25+ years old.
• Leaky toilets.
• Toilets that run constantly, especially if you’ve replaced the flapper recently.
• A toilet that flushes, but weakly.

We’re always ready to tell you whether a repair will do the job or whether a replacement is required. We can even help you upgrade your toilet for a reasonable price. For example, we can help you swap out your old toilets for taller, more comfortable, and sturdier ADA-compliant toilets. These are also known as “comfort height” toilets, and we highly recommend them. We could also add an elongated toilet, which has a more forceful flush and which are easier to clean.

Get Help Today

A toilet is a necessity, not a luxury, so toilet problems can be considered an emergency situation. Call us, and we’ll get to you fast! Our same-day plumbing service will give you a swift, efficient toilet repair.

Call (832) 402-7452 today!