Whether you’re at home or a guest in another person’s house, it’s no fun when you go to flush the toilet and get no response. Fortunately, there are some common issues you can check to get everything running again quickly. Follow this troubleshooting guide to handle a simple fix yourself and know when to call a plumber for your broken toilet.

Guide to Dealing with a Toilet That Won’t Flush

What to Check

The most common issue behind a broken toilet is the flapper. This piece is located inside the tank on top of the pipe that leads to the toilet bowl. It’s designed to allow the tank to fill up by covering the overflow tube. When you flush, the handle pulls on a chain attached to the flapper, which sends the water down into the toilet bowl, causing the flush.

If the flapper isn’t situated properly, the toilet will constantly run. Take the lid off the tank to see if the flapper is unhooked from the chain or if it isn’t seated properly over the tube’s opening. If the water starts filling in the tank, the issue is fixed. Wait until the tank fills and then flush.

When to Call a Professional

Though the solution to a broken toilet often lies with the above, the list of DIY fixes is unfortunately short. If this flapper seems to be working properly or keeps experiencing problems, then the issue is something more complex that you likely don’t have the tools or training to handle. Call a residential plumber to diagnose and repair the issue. The most likely cause is a cracked overflow tube or a deteriorated flapper; the overflow tube is what connects the tank to the bowl. Both of these problems will cause your toilet to constantly run, which will waste a lot of water in addition to stopping it from flushing.

A broken toilet should be fixed immediately to avoid water wastage and the possibility of a big mess. The emergency plumbers at Murphy’s Plumbing Company have been serving the people of Mebane, NC, since 1988 with quick and reliable care. They offer competitive pricing and complimentary estimates, so you’ll never be surprised when your bill arrives. They’ll come to your home in Orange, Alamance, and Durham counties and have you back to normal in no time. See what to expect in their customer reviews and call (919) 563-5165 for an estimate.