Try the simpler things first

If you've ever been frustrated because your toilet won't flush, you're not alone. The cause can be frustrating, too: a toilet that doesn't flush properly is often caused by something as simple as a outlet or fill valve. Do a quick look-over and make sure nothing is glaringly wrong, that might be quick to fix. 

Get familiar with the parts

If you didn’t find anything obviously wrong, then the next step is to troubleshoot your toilet by getting familiar with the following components and how they work together to make your toilet function properly.

Cistern & Bowl

The cistern is where the water comes from when you flush. It fills up this reservoir to have enough water pressure to flush. The toilet bowl is the part we've all gotten to know very intimately throughout our lives... This is where we sit and read the back of the shampoo bottle or play on our phones - it’s just ‘business’.

The Cistern Flush Valve or Outlet Valve

The flush valve pushes water from the cistern into the bowl for flushing. This particular component requires extra attention because it's very common for them to leak or not function properly, which means you need to replace it if it's broken or not working correctly.

The Inlet Valve

As the fills, the cup, being buoyant, floats upward. This upward motion forces a lever action on the fill valve, thus closing it.

When flushing, the opposite happens: The inlet value or cup drops, releases pressure on the valve lever which opens it and allows it to fill the cistern.

The Flushing Mechanism

Last but not least is the flushing mechanism. This is the lever or button you press that lifts the outlet valve so that your toilet will flush.

Here are some things you can do to fix or prevent your toilet problems:

1) Make sure your toilet has water in the cistern

This may be obvious, but if there’s no water in the cistern your toilet won’t flush. You can do this by simply removing the cistern lid and inspecting the inside. If for some reason there is no water, make sure your water supply is turned on. Also, make sure there isn’t a crack or leak in your cistern. If this is the case, you may notice water on the floor around the toilet and may need to call a plumber in Newcastle to repair or replace the cistern.

2) Make sure the outlet valve or button isn’t broken

The most used part of your toilet is the outlet valve, or button. Most toilets even have buttons that have a low flow side and a heavy flow side. This helps with saving water, but it's another component that may prevent your toilet from flushing. Remove the lid, inspect your valves and buttons, and ensure you have the right connections.

3) Replace old parts with new ones

After figuring out what's causing the issue, your next step is to ensure that you have replaced bad parts with new ones.

If all else fails or you’re simply not up to the task - Call us professionals!

It’s ok to feel overwhelmed or rely on a professional to fix your issues. After all, you likely didn’t wake up this morning wanting to learn the ins and outs of your toilet.

You also don’t want something to break and end up having to replace any parts or voiding a warranty. 

Call professionals like us to get your toilet working again. Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance will have the right tools and expertise to professionally fix the problem and save you the time and effort of doing it yourself!