When you’re on the john, you often make two assumptions: (1) you’ll have enough toilet paper, and (2) your toilet will flush when you’re done.
Although we can’t help you with any TP shortage, we can certainly provide some quick DIY solutions for when your toilet won’t flush properly.
Solution #1: Flushing with a Bucket of Water
Fill up a bucket with at least 1 gallon of water. Lift the toilet seat and pour the water into the toilet bowl at a fast yet steady pace. The water pressure will do its job and push everything through the pipes.
Repeat dumping water to clean off any residue. You can also use a water jug, pitcher, pot, saucepan, or vase instead if you don’t have a bucket on hand.
Solution #2: Pouring Water into the Toilet Tank
Same idea as the first solution. You will need to fill up a bucket with at least 1 gallon of water. Safely remove the toilet tank cover, then pour the water into the tank until it reaches about an inch beneath the tank’s overflow tube.
Solution #3: Troubleshoot the Toilet Flapper Valve
If you’re holding down the toilet handle and nothing is happening or you’re experiencing weak flushes, you may need to fix the flapper.
A flapper is a rubber seal or plug that allows water to drain from the tank to the toilet bowl when you flush. Oftentimes it’s also tied to a chain.
Start by removing the toilet tank cover. Then test the connection of the chain. If there’s too much slack, detach the chain from the hook and adjust it until it’s tight again.
If the flapper is worn out, damaged, or doesn’t seat properly, you may need to buy a new one. Same advice goes for a broken lift chain or overflow tube.
Make sure to first shut of your water supply valve and flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible before replacing anything.
Flush Away Your Worries with CJ Plumbing & Heating
If you’re still not able to manually flush your toilet, give us a call.
For 30 years, we have provided high-quality residential and commercial plumbing services across Chicagoland. We pride ourselves for giving our clients the red-carpet treatment with every service. Our team of friendly, trained, licensed, and insured plumbers are also COVID-19 compliant.
