Some people may be more prone to bowel movements where the waste does not reach the ground on a regular day.
This is especially common in older adults and children. If you are one of these people and your toilet is not flushing correctly, there are several things you can do to flush a toilet from the inside.
If you’re having trouble flushing your toilet, it might be because of something blocking the pipes. This can happen if something is lodged in the drain or if something is blocking the toilet’s flapper valve.
The quickest and easiest ways to clear a toilet from the inside are to use a plunger, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, or use a vacuum cleaner.
Flushing a toilet from the inside can save water and energy in your home. Toilet flushing from the inside is easy and only takes a few minutes.
To keep it simple, here are instructions on how to flush a toilet from the inside:
- Open the water supply valve for the toilet tank.
- Turn off the water to the house plumbing valves supplying water to the bathroom.
- Disconnect the drain line from the sewer trap or septic tank.
- Turn on the main water supply valve to the house.
But if the above way is not working for you, so don’t worry. Now we will share three pro methods to flush a toilet from the inside without facing any hassle.
How To Flush A Toilet From The Inside | 3 Pro Methods
Method # 1 | Fix The Flapper
Step # 1 | Check The Connection Problems
If your toilet is clogged or leaking, it might have something wrong with its water supply line.
First, you should check that all of your connections are tight and secure by turning off the water valve and removing any loose pipes or hoses that connect to it.
Make sure they’re all securely fastened before turning the water on again.
Step # 2 | Check The Flapper Chain
If you lift on the flapper chain and there is no water, your flapper chain might be broken or disconnected from its anchor point.
Connect it again and ensure it’s secure by pushing down on it with your hand while holding on to both ends of the chain.
If you feel the tension as you hold onto one end of the chain, everything is connected correctly and ready to go.
Step # 3 | Check the seal on the flapper
If there is still no water in your toilet bowl after filling up with water via lifting on the flapper chain (step # 2).
Then check for any leaks around where your flapper meets your seal.
If there’s a leak around this area, try replacing your seal – or call a plumber if necessary.
Step # 4 | Turn off the water supply
Now turn off the water supply to the toilet. The valve is usually located on the wall behind the toilet.
If you have a foot pedal, push it down to close the valve and turn off the water. If you have a handle-operated valve, turn it counterclockwise until it is fully closed.
Step # 5 | Scrub any mineral deposits off the flapper’s seat rim
Next, you must unscrew the bolts holding the tank lid on and remove them. Remove the screws holding down any hoses connected to your toilet (such as one for an internal tank pump).
Then lift on them so you can pull them out of their receptacle holes in the top of your tank.
Now that all the hoses are disconnected use a sponge or rag to scrub away any mineral deposits on your flapper’s seat rim (where it connects with the toilet bowl).
Then reassemble everything in reverse order and turn on your water supply again.
Step # 6 | If the flapper is worn, replace it
If a flapper is worn at the bottom, locate the long overflow tube from the tank’s bottom. Detach the rubber hooks from the ear on this tube, then remove the chain that connects the flapper to its handle arm.
Method # 2 | Taking the Plunge
Flushing a toilet by plunging is a common practice for many people.
It’s also an excellent way to keep your toilet working well, so you don’t have to call a plumber. To plunge, you’ll need:
- plunger (with rubber cup)
- bucket or bowl
- toilet brush
Step # 1 | Allow 10 minutes for a clogged toilet to drain
First, allow 10 minutes for the water in your toilet to drain. This step should be done before plunging.
Step # 2 | Give a gentle first thrust
Next, give your toilet a gentle first thrust by placing one foot on top of the rim and applying pressure with your other foot.
Step # 3 | Repeat thrusts as you plunge
Repeat these steps as often as necessary until the clogged material is cleared out of the pipe.
Step # 4 | Add hot water to the bowl
Add hot water to the bowl if the plunger is not fully submerged. If the water level drops and the plunger becomes visible, add more hot water to keep it submerged.
The plunger will only work if fully immersed, so you may need to use a bucket of hot water from your sink or bathtub.
Step # 5 | Snake the toilet
If plunging doesn’t work, get a household plumbing snake at the hardware store and try using it to clear the clog. You can do this by simply following these steps.
- Use the hooked end of the snake to plunge into the toilet drainpipe.
- Turn it clockwise down the pipe until you encounter resistance. Keep turning it clockwise to clear an obstruction and hook what is causing the clog.
- Then pull the snake out of the pipe.
- Dispose of waste matter in a trash can.
Method # 3 | Adjust The Water Level
Step # 1 | Check The Water Level
To flush the toilet by adjusting the water level, you will first need to check the water level.
When you look down into the bowl, you will see a tank at its bottom. This tank has a float attached to it.
This float’s purpose is to track how much water is in your tank at any given moment.
If there is too much water in your tank, then it will prevent your toilet from flushing correctly. Before you adjust anything else, first check this out!
Step # 2 | Adjust The Ball And Arm Float
To adjust a ball-and-arm float, lift the rubber ball until it reaches water level.
If the water level is 3 inches (7.6 cm) below the line when you look inside the tank, lift the ball until it reaches that line.
Lifting the ball should engage the fill valve and cause water to run into the tank.
Step # 3 | Raise The Float Cup
If your toilet doesn’t have a rubber ball, don’t panic. Check for a tube sticking out from the bottom of the tank with a wide cylinder part.
This wide cylinder part is called a float cup. If the water level is off, you’ll need to adjust it by moving the float cup up or down.
For some models, you’ll need to rotate a small knob or rod to move the float cup up or down. There might be a clip that you need to pull out to adjust the cup or a screw that needs to be loosened.
Step # 4 | Flush The Toilet
Flush the toilet to see whether you have solved the problem. After adjusting the water level, press the handle and see if the toilet flushes completely.
If it still does not flush after troubleshooting clogs and changing the water level, you may need to contact a plumber.
Why Doesn’t Your Toilet Flush | Common Reasons
Well, probably, there are some common reasons why your toilet won’t flush. It’s relatively better to know the reasons, so you will be ready to overcome such issues and can save yourself from frustration.
So the most common causes that may lead a toilet to flushing issues are.
- Clogged Line
- Broken Chain
- Shortage Of Water
Clogged Line
The most common problem with toilets is a clogged line. If your toilet doesn’t flush, there’s probably something in the line causing the issue.
The best way to clear this blockage is to use a plunger, which is an inexpensive and easy solution.
If you have tried plunging but still can’t get your toilet to flush, you may need to hire a plumber or call a plumber for help.
Broken Chain
Another common reason for a toilet not flushing is a broken chain, which many different things can cause.
A common cause of this problem is when people drop objects into their toilets that shouldn’t be flushed down there, such as jewelry and other small items.
These items can break the chain inside your toilet and cause it not to work correctly anymore.
So if you notice that your chain has broken after dropping something down there (like an earring or necklace), you’ll know what caused it.
Shortage Of Water
Water shortage is one of the most common reasons your toilet doesn’t flush. If you have a low water level in the tank, then it will not be able to flush properly, and you may hear a loud flushing noise.
To fix this problem, fill your tank with water and flush the toilet again until it works properly.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, flushing a toilet from the inside is an effortless task that can be completed in just a few minutes. If you have ever had to do it yourself, this guide will have saved you time and energy.
Finally, remember to always use the proper tools and safety precautions when working with toilets and plumbing, so you can keep your home safe and clean.
FAQs
How do you flush a toilet when the flush is broken?
Just add some water, and you’re good to go.
Why is my toilet struggling to flush?
It’s probably throwing a tantrum because of a clog, an old flapper, grumpy rim jets, a moody float, or just some handle-and-chain drama.