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Common Causes of a Toilet Not Flushing Properly

Of all the problems in your Winchester home, having a toilet that is not flushing properly is one of the most frustrating. While many people try to ignore the problem, in many cases that may only make the problem worse.

While in some instances the toilet in your Winchester home, may need to be replaced due to defects, in many cases the answer to the problem is a relatively simple one.

Winchester, VA Toilet-Repair-ServicesClogged Rim Holes

In most toilets, lime and other minerals build up over time and clog the rim holes in the toilet bowl. When this happens, the result is often a decrease in pressure and a subsequent decrease in the volume of water in the bowl when the toilet is flushed.

If the holes are severely clogged and left so over time, the toilet may in fact stop flushing altogether.

Worn Out Flapper

One of the most common reasons for a toilet not flushing properly is a worn-out flapper. Made of rubber and positioned at the bottom of the toilet tank, it opens and lets water empty from the tank to the toilet bowl.

After doing so, it then lowers itself to keep water in the tank until the next flush. However, when a flapper is worn out after years of use, it won’t sit properly in the toilet and allows water to be leaked from the tank, leading to gallons of wasted water and higher water bills.

When this happens, there will not be enough water in the tank for a proper flush, leading to additional wasted water if multiple flushes are needed.

Clogged Drain

When everything else in a toilet is working properly, chances are a blockage has occurred in the sewer line. In this instance, professional help will need to be summoned.

In these cases, a qualified plumber will assess the situation and often use a snake auger to clear the line. In the worst-case scenario, the auger will be unable to clear the line, resulting in the line needing to be replaced.

If after working up a sweat and making no progress, it’s best to call an experienced plumber and let them handle the problem.

Whether the problem is as simple as a worn-out flapper or as complex as a clogged sewer line, a plumbing professional can handle the problem efficiently. By doing so, they can make sure a small problem does not unnecessarily become a bigger, more expensive one.

Your Winchester, VA home toilet issues can be a nuisance to the whole family. Call Powells Plumbing at 540-665-8196 today, and let’s get your toilet back to its flushing state!

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