Standing over a toilet that simply won’t do its job? This frustrating household problem affects most Australian homeowners at some point. But, the good news is that you don’t need to panic or call a plumber immediately.
The simple explanation is: most toilet flushing issues can be resolved with basic DIY knowledge and the right approach. Your toilet needs to empty at least 80% of the tank’s total capacity to ensure a proper flush. When this doesn’t happen, you’ll likely notice annoying partial flushes or complete failures.
The most common culprit? A clog. But what happens when your toilet isn’t flushing properly and it isn’t clogged? That’s where things get interesting – and where other issues, such as water supply problems or faulty tank mechanisms, come into play.
This guide breaks down the common causes behind toilet flushing problems and shows you exactly how to fix them yourself. You’ll discover practical solutions for checking clogs, inspecting tank mechanisms, and addressing water supply issues. Think of this as your complete troubleshooting toolkit for when your toilet decides to be difficult.
Ready to get your bathroom back in working order?
Check for Common Toilet Clogs
A clog is usually the first suspect when your toilet won’t flush properly. Before you dive into more complex troubleshooting, it makes sense to check for blockages that could be stopping water flow through your toilet system.
How to tell if your toilet is clogged
Spotting a clogged toilet isn’t always obvious, but there are warning signs that will give you a clear picture:
- Slow drainage after flushing (water takes ages to drain)
- Water is backing up or rising dangerously close to the rim when you flush
- Strange gurgling sounds coming from the toilet bowl or nearby drains
- Unpleasant odours that won’t go away, even after cleaning
- Other plumbing fixtures are acting up (water backing up into your shower or sink)
- Blockages happen repeatedly, even after you think you’ve fixed them
Here’s something many Australians overlook: check your overflow relief gully outside. If you spot toilet paper or waste around it, you’re dealing with a significant blockage in your system that needs immediate attention.
Need an emergency plumber? Call Crawford Plumbing & Air Conditioning today for same-day emergency plumbing services! – 0450 107 600
Using a toilet plunger the right way
The trusty plunger remains your best first option for clearing most toilet clogs. But are you using it correctly?
Start by ensuring there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup completely. Fill the plunger itself with water before positioning it – this creates a much stronger force than air, which simply compresses under pressure.
Position the flange (that extended rubber lip) directly over the drain opening. You want a tight seal here. Start with gentle pumps to push out any remaining air, then ramp up the intensity once you hear that satisfying water squishing sound. The magic happens when pressure and suction work together to break up whatever’s causing the blockage.
Keep plunging vigorously for about 20 seconds, maintaining steady vertical pressure throughout. Once the clog appears to be cleared, flush the system several times to ensure the blockage has completely passed through.
When to try a toilet auger
Multiple rounds of plunging are getting you nowhere? Time to bring in the toilet auger (sometimes called a closet auger). This specialised tool features a flexible cable that extends through a curved tube, topped with a corkscrew tip designed for stubborn blockages.
Insert the auger into the toilet bowl with the curved end pointing straight into the drain. Turn the handle while pushing the cable down through the trap. The corkscrew tip will either break up whatever’s stuck or hook onto it so you can pull it out.
Toilet augers work brilliantly for clogs sitting in the toilet’s built-in trap, though they won’t reach blockages further down your drain line.
Using warm water and dish soap
Want a gentler approach? The dish soap method often works wonders:
Pour about half a cup of quality dish soap directly into the toilet bowl. Choose soap with grease-cutting properties – it’s denser than water and will sink to work on loosening the obstruction.
Wait 30 minutes, then carefully add hot (not boiling) water from waist height. This creates helpful pressure while the soap lubricates the clog, and the hot water helps dissolve organic material.
This method works particularly well when you follow up with some strategic plunging for those stubborn clogs.
Inspect the Toilet Tank Mechanism
No clog in sight, but your toilet still won’t flush properly? The problem likely lives inside the tank itself. Understanding how these internal components work together is your key to diagnosing and fixing a stubborn toilet.
How the outlet valve works
Think of the outlet valve (also called the flush valve) as the heart of your toilet’s entire flushing system. Here’s what happens when you press that flush button or lever:
The action activates a chain that lifts the flapper or tank ball, opening the flush valve. Water then rushes from the cistern into the bowl, creating the powerful flushing action you need.
Modern toilets rely on two main components to control water flow. The inlet valve brings fresh water into the tank, while the outlet valve releases water into the bowl during flushing. Once the tank empties, the flapper closes automatically, allowing the tank to refill until the float reaches the proper level and shuts off the incoming water.
Simple, right? When this system works properly, you get a strong, consistent flush every time.
Signs of a stuck or worn valve
How do you know if your outlet valve is the troublemaker? Several clear indicators point to valve problems:
- Multiple flushes are required to clear the bowl completely
- Water runs continuously after flushing
- Hissing sounds are coming from inside the tank
- Weak or incomplete flush despite adequate water levels
- Water level is dropping in the tank without anyone flushing
Here’s a quick test: if you hear running water when the toilet isn’t in use, this often indicates a flush valve problem. Push down on the flapper—if the sound stops, you’ve found your answer. The flapper needs replacing.
Replacing a faulty washer
The toilet cistern washer might be small, but it plays a crucial role in your toilet’s performance. This rubber or silicone ring prevents leaks and ensures efficient flushing. When it malfunctions, you’ll notice persistent trickling or weak flushes.
Replacing a faulty washer:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet
- Flush to empty the tank completely
- Locate the washer at the base of the cistern
- Gently unscrew and remove the old washer
- Install the new washer, ensuring it fits securely
Turn the water back on and test the flush. Problems persisting? Check that the washer sits properly in position—sometimes a simple adjustment solves the issue.
Look at Water Supply Issues
Toilet not flushing & no water? Lifting the tank lid and finding it empty? This signals a water supply problem rather than a mechanical failure. Several culprits typically cause this issue, with broken float balls, faulty fill valves, or worn-out trip assemblies being the most common.
Newer toilet models use float cups instead of traditional float balls, and these valves can slip out of position, preventing the tank from filling properly. Faulty flapper valves, damaged float mechanisms, or leaking fill valves create another problem—water continuously draining from your tank faster than it can refill.
Checking the water isolation valve
Start with the basics: confirm water is reaching your toilet. The water isolation valve sits on the wall behind or beneath your toilet, controlling water flow specifically to this fixture without affecting your other plumbing.
Look for a valve with a slot—if it sits perpendicular to the pipe, it’s closed. Turn it counterclockwise until the slot aligns with the pipe, and water should start flowing into the tank.
Older Australian homes often feature traditional stopcocks with old-fashioned tap heads. Simply turn these counterclockwise to restore water flow. Can’t locate a toilet-specific isolation valve? Check for main water valves elsewhere in your home.
Adjusting the float for proper tank fill
Once water flows freely to your toilet, ensure it reaches the correct level—approximately one inch below the overflow tube’s top. Different float systems require different adjustment approaches:
Float cup systems: Locate the adjustment screw on the fill valve. Turn counterclockwise to raise the water level, clockwise to lower it.
Ballcock systems: Gently bend the metal float arm upward for higher water levels, downward to decrease them.
Internal float systems: Move the entire fill valve head up or down to adjust the water level.
Test your adjustments by flushing and watching the tank refill. Water should stop at the proper level without flowing into the overflow tube.
Uncover Less Obvious Problems
The obvious fixes didn’t work? Don’t give up just yet. Sometimes toilet flushing problems hide in places you wouldn’t think to look, developing slowly over months or even years until they finally impact performance.
Clogged rim holes and how to clean them
Those tiny holes underneath your toilet rim aren’t just for show – they’re rim jets that create the swirling water motion essential for proper flushing. When these jets get blocked with mineral deposits, bacteria, or mould, your toilet loses its flushing power even when everything else seems fine.
Here’s how to check: Grab a small mirror and examine underneath the rim. Light-coloured, scaly buildup? That’s mineral deposits. Dark spots indicate bacterial growth.
Cleaning these critical openings requires a targeted approach:
- Heat white vinegar until warm and pour it down the tank’s overflow tube
- Allow 30 minutes to several hours for deposits to dissolve
- Use a thin tool – wire coat hanger, Allen wrench, or old toothbrush – to scrape away stubborn debris
- Flush several times to clear loosened material
Mineral buildup and its effects
Hard water creates havoc in Australian homes, and your toilet isn’t immune. As water containing dissolved calcium and magnesium flows through your system, minerals gradually accumulate on surfaces and inside components.
This buildup restricts water flow through jets and pipes, resulting in weak flushes despite adequate water levels. Beyond affecting flush power, mineral deposits damage internal components over time, shortening their lifespan and making cleaning increasingly difficult.
The challenge? This damage happens so gradually that most homeowners don’t notice until the problem becomes significant.
When internal parts need replacement
Even thorough cleaning has its limits. Sometimes replacement becomes the only viable solution.
Consider replacing components when you notice:
- Cracked, corroded, or heavily scaled parts that resist cleaning
- Persistent weak flushes despite thorough rim jet cleaning
- Inconsistent water levels regardless of adjustments
- Continuous running or leaking after attempted repairs
Visibly worn flappers, damaged fill valves, or malfunctioning flush mechanisms warrant replacement rather than endless repair attempts.
Regular maintenance – checking components every few months – prevents minor issues from escalating into costly major problems. If persistent toilet flushing issues continue despite your best DIY efforts, Crawford Plumbing & Air Conditioning can provide professional assistance with your toilet plumbing problems.
Is It Time To Call A Plumber?
Toilet flushing problems fall into four clear categories: clogs, faulty tank mechanisms, water supply issues, and hidden problems like blocked rim jets. The good news? Most of these issues can be fixed without calling a professional plumber.
Think of regular maintenance as your insurance policy against toilet troubles. A quick component check every few months prevents minor issues from becoming expensive repairs. Addressing mineral buildup promptly and cleaning rim jets will keep your toilet performing at its best for years to come.
Some situations do require professional expertise, however. For persistent toilet problems that resist DIY solutions, Crawford Plumbing & Air Conditioning stands ready to resolve your toilet issues quickly and effectively.
Your toilet is an essential fixture you depend on every single day. Understanding how it works and tackling problems early saves both frustration and money. The next time your toilet decides to be difficult, you’ll know how to diagnose the issue and have the confidence to know when professional help is the smart choice.