PlayInfoBox

Home /Education /How to Fix a Toilet That Won't Flush Properly

How to Fix a Toilet That Won't Flush Properly

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. [Safety first] Shut off the water supply

    Before doing anything else, turn the shutoff valve near the base of the toilet clockwise to stop water from flowing into the tank.

  2. Open the tank lid and check the parts

    Carefully lift off the tank lid and look at the fill valve (which lets water in), the flapper (which lets water out), and the condition of the chain connecting the flapper to the flush handle.

  3. If water keeps running: check the chain and flapper

    If water keeps trickling after a flush, the chain is often tangled so the flapper can't seal completely, or the flapper itself has worn out and no longer forms a tight seal. Adjust the chain length or replace the flapper.

  4. If the toilet won't flush: check the chain and lever

    If pressing the handle does nothing, the chain has commonly snapped or slipped off the flush lever, so check that the chain is still properly connected first.

  5. If the tank won't fill: suspect the fill valve

    If the tank fills extremely slowly or not at all, the fill valve itself has likely failed and usually needs to be replaced outright.

  6. Match replacement parts to your toilet

    When replacing a fill valve or flapper, confirm it fits your toilet's brand and tank height beforehand β€” an ill-fitting part can leak or sit loosely after installation.

  7. Reopen the water and test it

    Once the repair is done, turn the water supply back on, let the tank fill, and press the handle two or three times to make sure both flushing and shutoff work normally.

Most toilet flush problems come down to one of three parts

A toilet that runs endlessly or won't flush at all is usually traced back to the fill valve, the flapper, or the chain connecting them β€” rarely anything more complicated. Shutting off the water supply first and taking a look inside the tank resolves the mystery in minutes, and swapping a single worn part often fixes the whole problem.

Know when to call a plumber instead

If the cause isn't obvious after checking the fill valve, flapper, and chain, or if you notice a crack in the tank itself or water pooling around the base of the toilet, stop troubleshooting on your own and call a licensed plumber β€” those symptoms can point to a bigger problem than a worn part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does water keep trickling after I flush?

In most cases the flapper isn't sealing completely, either because the chain is tangled and holding it slightly open, or because the flapper itself has worn out and no longer forms a tight seal against the valve seat.

How can I tell if the tank isn't filling properly?

Lift the tank lid and watch the area around the fill valve after a flush. If little or no water is flowing in, or it's filling unusually slowly, the fill valve has likely failed.