Why Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing Properly: 5 Common Causes and Fixes

A functioning toilet is something most of us don’t think twice about; that is, until the moment it stops working! Whether you’re dealing with a bowl that refuses to empty, constant flushing, or a cistern that takes an eternity to refill, toilet troubles can really disrupt your day. Having a basic understanding of the mechanics of your plumbing system will help you identify when a simple DIY fix will work and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

At PlumbCall, we’ve spent nearly 30 years working on every imaginable bathroom issue. From blocked pipes to faulty internal components, we know that a toilet malfunction is often a symptom of a larger underlying problem.

Below, we’ll get into some of the most frequent reasons your toilet might be acting up, and how you can get your bathroom back into working order.

Common Toilet Flushing Issues

Before we look at the specific causes, it’s helpful to work out the type of issue you are experiencing. Not all toilet problems are the same, and the symptoms often point directly to the cause.

Slow Flushing Toilet

If the water in the toilet bowl swirls around slowly but doesn’t actually pull the waste down, you have a slow flush. This is frequently caused by a partial blockage or a lack of water pressure coming from the cistern. Over time, calcium deposits can also build up inside the rim jets, restricting the flow of water.

Toilet Won’t Stop Running

A toilet that runs constantly is not just annoying; it’s a massive waste of water. This usually happens when the flapper valve or outlet valve fails to seal properly, allowing water to leak from the water tank into the toilet bowl. If you hear a constant trickling sound, it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible to avoid expensive water bills.

Toilet Not Flushing Completely

Sometimes, a flush starts strong but finishes before the bowl is clear. This is often related to the water levels in the cistern. If the tank doesn’t hold enough water, there is not enough force to complete the flushing action.

Toilet Leaking Water After Flushing

If you notice a puddle forming around the base of the toilet after you hit the button, you likely have a perished wax seal or a loose connection at the water supply valve. This requires immediate attention to prevent damage to your floorboards or tiles.

For reliable toilet repairs in Avenell Heights or Bondoola, PlumbCall‘s local teams are ready to help restore your home’s plumbing.

5 Common Reasons Your Toilet Might Not Be Flushing Properly

Understanding the reason behind your plumbing problems is the first step toward a fix. Here are the five most common reasons your toilet isn’t flushing.

1. Your Toilet is Blocked

This is perhaps the most common cause of toilet troubles. A clogged toilet occurs when something is stuck in the S-bend or further down the sewer line.

Modern plumbing systems are designed to handle water and dissolvable paper. However, some households mistakenly flush sanitary products, wet wipes, or paper towels. (This includes “flushable” wet wipes, which, in reality, should not be flushed either!) These items do not break down and create a solid mass in the drain line. If the blockage is deep within the pipes, a standard toilet plunger may not be enough, and you might require a toilet auger or a professional plumbing service to clear the blockage.

2. Low Water Level in the Cistern

The power of a flush relies entirely on the volume of water stored in the water tank. Inside the cistern, there is a float ball or a float cup that tells the water supply when to stop filling. If this float is set too low, the cistern will not fill to the necessary level.

Open the lid of your toilet tank and check the water line. It should usually be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the level is too low, you can often adjust the screw on the fill valve to allow more water in. Without the correct volume, the siphon jet cannot trigger the necessary pressure to clear the toilet bowl.

3. Faulty Flush Button or Handle

Whether you have a traditional single button or a modern dual flush button, the physical mechanism can wear out. On many dual-flush models, the plastic components inside the flush system can become brittle and snap.

If the button offers no resistance when pressed, the connection to the outlet valve is likely broken. Similarly, in older styles with a handle, the lift chain connecting the handle to the flapper valve might have become detached or tangled. Without this physical link, the flush valve cannot lift, and the water stays in the tank.

4. Mineral Deposits and Calcium Build-up

In many parts of Australia, hard water, or water with a high level of minerals, is common. This often leads to the accumulation of mineral deposits inside plumbing fixtures. Your toilet has small holes under the rim, known as rim jets or rim holes. These are responsible for releasing water into the bowl at high speed to start the flush.

Over time, calcium deposits can clog these holes, leading to a weak or uneven flushing action. You can check for this by using a small mirror to look under the rim. If the holes look blocked, a thorough toilet cleaning with a descaling solution and a stiff toilet brush may help. In extreme cases, a plumber may need to manually clear the jets to restore performance.

5. Incorrect Installation or Old Toilets

Sometimes, the issue is not a part that has broken, but the toilet itself. Older toilets were designed to use much more water than modern, water-efficient models. However, as they age, the porcelain can become pitted, and the internal trap can accumulate scale that slows down the water.

If the toilet was not installed with the correct fall in the drain line, gravity will struggle to move waste effectively. If you have moved into a new property and the toilet has never flushed correctly, it could be a sign of a poor plumbing installation.

If you need professional assistance, we offer toilet repairs in Calliope and Gladstone to get your system back in working condition.

DIY Fixes You Can Try at Home

Before calling for a plumbing service, there are a few simple checks you can perform:

• > Plunger: Use a heavy-duty plunger to create a vacuum seal over the toilet drain. Firm, consistent plunges can often dislodge a simple clog of toilet paper.
• > Check the Chain: If you have a handle-operated toilet, ensure the lift chain has just a small amount of slack. If it’s too long, the flapper won’t open wide enough.
• > Clear the Rim: Use a small firm-bristle brush to gently poke into the rim holes to clear any debris or minerals.
• > Adjust the Float: If your tank isn’t filling, gently lift the float ball. If the water starts running, you simply need to adjust the float arm to a higher position.

Remember, if these DIY fixes do not work, do not force the mechanism. Applying too much pressure to a dual flush button or using harsh chemicals can damage the seals and lead to more expensive repairs.

Why Choose PlumbCall For Toilet Repairs in Queensland?

When toilet troubles go beyond a simple clog, you need a team that has the expertise and experience to help. At PlumbCall, we pride ourselves on providing transparent, high-quality service to homes and businesses across Queensland.

We know that a broken toilet is an emergency, which is why we offer a 24/7 response for those moments when you simply cannot wait. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked vans, meaning we can usually fix the flush mechanism, replace a flapper valve, or clear a sewer line on the spot.

We also stand by the quality of our work. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee if our service does not meet your expectations. Whether it’s a minor leak or a full toilet replacement, we treat every job with the same level of care and precision.

A poorly flushing toilet can pose a hygiene risk, not to mention a lot of unnecessary stress. Contact PlumbCall today on 1300 669 111 for fast, affordable and professional emergency plumbing.