Few plumbing emergencies are as stressful as flushing the toilet and hearing only a faint gurgle of water or, even worse, watching helplessly as the bowl starts to overflow. While the consequences of an inoperable toilet can be severe, most problems are relatively minor and can easily be repaired by a professional. Below are some of the most common reasons your toilet won’t flush.

Why Does Your Toilet Have a Problem?

1. Clogged Line

If the mechanism in the tank works but the water refuses to go down the drain, a clogged line may be to blame. Many clogs can be dislodged with a household plunger, but if the issue persists, the blockage may be deeper in the system. In this case, call a plumbing professional to locate the problem and clear the line.

2. Broken Chain

When you push the flush lever, a small chain lifts a rubber flap at the bottom of the tank, releasing water into the bowl. Over time, this chain can break or slip off, so your flushing mechanism won’t do anything at all.

3. A Worn-Out Flapper

If you feel resistance when you push the lever, the issue may be a worn-out flapper. This piece of rubber is supposed to keep water in the tank, but it eventually wears out and loses its shape. If this piece is too degraded to form a seal, the toilet will constantly run, leaving the tank without enough water for a flush.

4. Low-Quality Toilet

Many toilets on the market today are designed to use less water. Unfortunately, many low-quality products don’t provide enough suction to fully flush the bowl. In this case, the best solution is to have a plumbing professional replace the entire unit.

5. Hard Water Buildup

Hard water contains calcium, iron, and other minerals that eventually build up inside the toilet bowl. If these deposits block the holes that feed water into the bowl, you may only get a trickle instead of a powerful flush.

No matter what plumbing problem you’re dealing with, depend on Bernie Buchner, Inc. to deliver friendly, professional service at fair prices. From their offices in La Crosse, WI, they’ve been providing 24-hour repairs to homeowners throughout the Tri-State area since 1952. Visit their website for more on their residential plumbing services, and get more tips on Twitter. To schedule a repair, give them a call (608) 784-9000, or text JOIN to (608) 480-8709 to receive text message updates!