Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

Are you wondering, Why won’t my toilet flush? A toilet that won’t flush is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems a homeowner can face. Whether you’re dealing with a completely unresponsive handle or a tank that just won’t empty, the issue usually stems from a few common causes, most of which are easy to diagnose and fix.

Toilet Is Not Flushing: Common Causes

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most likely reasons your toilet won’t flush and how to get it working again.

1. The Lift Chain Is Disconnected or Too Loose

When you push the flush handle, it pulls on a lift chain inside the tank. This chain raises the flapper valve to release water into the bowl. If the chain is:

• Broken
• Disconnected
• Too loose

…then nothing happens when you press the handle.

How to Fix It:

• Remove your tank lid.
• Reconnect or tighten the lift chain so there’s just enough slack for movement.
• Replace it if it’s broken or rusted.

“If your handle moves freely but nothing happens, 9 times out of 10 it’s a problem with the lift chain or flapper,” says licensed plumber Sarah T., owner of ClearFlow Plumbing in Denver.

2. The Flapper Valve Is Worn Out

The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of your tank that opens during flushing and closes afterward to let water refill. Over time, flappers can:

• Warp
• Crack
• Lose their seal

This prevents proper flushing and may even cause constant running water. Replace it with a new toilet flapper here.

3. The Tank Water Level Is Too Low

Your toilet needs enough water in the tank to create adequate pressure for flushing. If your tank isn’t filling up properly, check for:

• A misadjusted float
• A faulty fill valve
• Water supply issues

What You Can Do:

1. Open your tank and observe where the water stops filling.
2. Adjust the float so water reaches about an inch below the overflow tube.
3. If adjusting doesn’t help, consider replacing your fill valve here.

“Water level should be set approximately one inch below top of overflow tube for optimal performance.” – Kohler Installation Manual

4. The Handle Mechanism Is Broken

Sometimes it’s not what’s inside—it’s the handle itself that’s faulty.

Signs include:

• Loose or spinning handle
• No resistance when pressed
• Internal lever disconnected from the lift chain

Fix it by tightening or replacing your handle assembly here.

5. There’s a Clog in Your Trapway or Drain Line

If everything inside your tank looks fine but pressing flush results in no movement (or rising bowl water), you may have:

• A clog in the trapway (the S-shaped curve inside the base)
• A blockage further down the drain line

Try this first:

1. Use a flange plunger specifically designed for toilets.
2. Ensure a tight seal over the drain hole in the bowl.
3. Plunge firmly several times, then release quickly to create suction.

If plunging doesn’t work, use a toilet auger to break up or pull out deeper clogs. If that fails, you may need professional help to clear your drain line.

Is Your Toilet Flushing, But Slowly?

If your toilet flushes but does so weakly or sluggishly, you’re dealing with a different issue. For help with that, check out our full guide on how to fix a slow-flushing toilet.

Bonus Tip: Check for Cracks or Leaks

A cracked toilet bowl or tank can lead to leaks that prevent proper flushing, or worse, cause water damage around your bathroom floor. Common signs include:

• Puddles near the base of your toilet
• Visible hairline cracks in porcelain
• A constantly running fill valve due to slow leaks

If you suspect damage, inspect carefully and consider replacing it with a new toilet bowl or tank.

When Should You Replace Your Toilet?

If you’ve tried all these fixes multiple times and still experience poor performance, it might be time for an upgrade, especially if you’re using an older model that wastes water or lacks modern features.

• One-piece toilets: Sleek design and easy cleaning
• Two-piece toilets: Classic style with separate tank and bowl
• Bidet toilets: Hygiene-focused all-in-one solutions
• Bidet seats: Affordable upgrades for existing toilets

FAQ – Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

Q: What do I do if my toilet handle moves but nothing happens?

A disconnected lift chain is likely—open your tank lid and reconnect it. Make sure there’s just enough slack for movement without being too loose.

Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners on my toilet?

No. These products can damage rubber seals inside your tank and bowl. Use a plunger or auger instead.

Q: How high should my toilet’s water level be?

The water level should sit about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube inside your tank. Adjust your float if it’s too low or too high.

Q: My fill valve keeps running—could this affect flushing?

Yes! A faulty fill valve may not refill properly between flushes. Replace it using one of our quality toilet fill valves here.

Resources

If you’re still having trouble diagnosing why your toilet won’t flush properly, check out these helpful guides from professional plumbers:

Video: Not Clogged or Flushing

You can also explore our full collection of bathroom plumbing products here at PlumbersStock, including replacement parts like toilet seats, wax rings & bolts, and more.