Most people take their toilets for granted until there’s a problem. One of the worst problems you can experience with your bathroom is a toilet that won’t flush. Unfortunately, there are several reasons why this occurs. While it’s more of a nuisance than an emergency, most people want to flush any waste down your toilet as you wait for your plumber to arrive.
Luckily, there are ways to manually flush your toilet if there’s a problem with the inner workings of your toilet tank. Let’s explore.
How Can I Manually Flush My Toilet?
There are several reasons why your toilet isn’t flushing effectively. In most cases, it is because the toilet is clogged. Still, there are several other reasons your toilet won’t flush, including issues with the fill valve, the lift chain, or the rubber flapper. Take the following steps to flush your toilet manually.
Use a Bucket of Water
The easiest method to help you flush your toilet manually is to pour a bucket full of water into the toilet bowl. This depends on the condition of your toilet because if it’s clogged, it’ll just end up overflowing your toilet. Here is what you need to do:
- Fill the bucket with a gallon or two of water depending on the condition of your toilet since older ones may require extra water.
- You can slowly start pouring the water into the bowl and then suddenly speed up the process. This will ensure that your toilet doesn’t overflow.
- If you complete the process effectively, the water will ultimately flush the waste from the pipes, and your toilet will work again. In many cases, this method can remove minor clogs.
Pour Water in the Toilet Tank
Did you know that many toilet problems are associated with an issue with the inner workings of your toilet tank? Check the toilet tank manually to address the problems. There is typically no need for professional help as you can usually complete the task effectively yourself. To do so, follow these steps:
- First, remove the tank cover.
- Pour the water in the tank, watching the recommended water line closely to ensure you don’t overflow the tank. Generally, the water amount depends on the toilet model, as some upgraded toilets require less water to work effectively.
- Now, press the flush lever and see if the toilet begins to work.
Adjust the Rubber Flapper
Most commonly, the rubber flapper plays a significant role in the flushing of your toilet. You might need to replace the rubber flapper if your toilet doesn’t work. It’s a simple and affordable option that can typically be done on your own. Before you replace the rubber flapper, check to make sure the current flapper doesn’t simply need adjustments. Follow these steps:
- First, remove the tank lid.
- You will find a disconnection within the flush handle arm. Remove it by grabbing the loose chain end and sliding it carefully over the hook. Press the flush handle again to ensure you’ve disconnected the handle properly.
- Check to make sure that the flapper is appropriately sitting over the opening and reset it before refilling the tank.
- Besides this, you can also check whether the chain is loose from the flapper or not. Reconnect it properly to make it work.
If these steps don’t work, you’ll need to replace the flapper.
Contact a Professional for All Your Plumbing Needs
If you have an issue with your toilet flushing, contact a reliable local Plumber in La Habra for help!