What to do when the toilet won't flush

 Practice proper toilet unclogging technique

The first step is to practice the right type of unclogging to fix stubborn toilet clogs—the right technique and plunger can make a big difference.

Look for a plunger that has a flange, meaning it tapers at the base to create a smaller opening. The flange is an extension specifically designed to fit deep into the toilet bowl and form a more reliable seal.

Next, carefully insert the flange into the toilet. The water level should be above the plunger's bell if possible. Press the bell against the toilet bowl to form a tight seal and begin unclogging steadily, which pushes and pulls air through the toilet pipe thanks to the small vacuum you've created.

Turn off the water supply valve

The water supply valve controls the flow of water into the toilet. Also called a water shut-off valve, this is located at the base of the toilet, usually where the water line exits the wall. The valve will have a lever or wheel that you can turn to immediately shut off the water supply to the toilet.

This is an important step to prevent toilets from overflowing when trying to flush during a major clog. If the water level rises and you think it will overflow, don't waste time turning off this valve.

Check for problems with the flush valve

In other cases, there may be no signs of a clog and the plunger may not work, but the toilet is still having trouble flushing properly. For example, it may flush too slowly or resist flushing. There are several internal components you can check by lifting up on the back of the toilet: One of the easiest to check is the flush valve, or the rubber and plastic seal that covers the flush valve. When a toilet is flushed, the flush valve is lifted, allowing water to enter the toilet. Check to see if the flush valve is stuck on something, frozen in place, or warped. Also make sure the flush valve is making a complete seal around the valve, as a proper seal is needed for a complete flush. If the flush valve appears damaged, it's time to replace it.

Check the flush handle and lift mechanism

If the toilet won't flush and the flush handle feels tight or unresponsive, start by looking at the handle first. It's possible that the inner part of the handle has broken, meaning the handle turns uselessly instead of applying force, and you'll need a new handle.

Also, the handle is connected to the trap door and lifts the trap door like this: The connection can be a plastic lever, a metal chain, or a similar component. Several things can go wrong here. Sometimes chains slip and need to be reconnected - a very small and effective solution. Sometimes the lever or chain has broken, in which case it needs to be replaced completely.

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