Emergency Situation?

If your toilet is overflowing, turn off the water supply immediately (valve behind the toilet or mains stopcock), then call an emergency plumber on 07766 501664.

Common Causes of Toilets Not Flushing

A toilet that won't flush properly is frustrating and inconvenient. The good news is that most causes are simple to diagnose and many can be fixed yourself without calling a plumber.

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

1Check the Water Supply

Symptom: Handle moves but nothing happens, no water enters the bowl

Solution: Ensure the water supply valve (usually behind the toilet near the floor) is fully open. Turn it anti-clockwise to open. If your house water is off or mains have been turned off, you won't get a flush.

Quick fix: Takes 10 seconds—just turn the valve fully open

2Inspect the Cistern (Tank)

Symptom: Weak flush or no flush, handle feels loose

Solution: Remove the cistern lid and check:

Water level: Should be about 1 inch below the overflow pipe. If too low, adjust the float valve.
Flush mechanism: Ensure the chain/lever connecting the handle to the flapper valve isn't broken or disconnected.
Flapper valve: The rubber flapper at the bottom should seal properly when closed.

Tip: If the chain is too long or short, adjust it so there's slight slack when the handle is up.

3Clear a Blockage

Symptom: Water rises but drains slowly, or bowl fills up

Solution: You likely have a blocked toilet. Try:

Plunger: Use a proper toilet plunger (bell-shaped, not a sink plunger). Place it over the outlet, create a seal, and pump vigorously 10-15 times.
Hot water: Pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the bowl. The force and heat can help clear minor blockages.
Dish soap: Add a squirt of washing-up liquid, wait 10 minutes, then flush. Soap lubricates the blockage.

Don't: Use caustic drain cleaners in toilets—they damage porcelain and pipes

4Check the Flapper Valve

Symptom: Handle flushes but water doesn't flow into the bowl properly

Solution: The rubber flapper valve in the cistern may be worn, warped, or covered in limescale. Remove the cistern lid, flush, and watch the flapper lift. If it doesn't lift fully or drops too quickly, replace it.

Replacement flappers cost £5-10 from hardware stores and simply unhook from the flush valve—no tools needed.

5Adjust the Float Valve

Symptom: Cistern fills slowly or not to correct level

Solution: The float valve controls water level. If the water level is too low, adjust the float arm upward. Most modern toilets have a screw adjuster on the float mechanism—turn clockwise to raise the water level.

Types of Toilet Problems

Weak Flush

Causes: Low water level in cistern, clogged rim jets (holes under toilet rim), partially blocked drain, or flapper closing too quickly.

Fix: Clean rim jets with white vinegar, adjust water level, check flapper valve.

Continuous Running

Causes: Flapper not sealing properly, overflow pipe leaking, or fill valve stuck open.

Fix: Replace flapper valve, adjust float height, or replace fill valve. Running toilets waste 200+ litres per day!

Complete Blockage

Causes: Excessive toilet paper, foreign objects, or drain problems outside the toilet.

Fix: Plunger first. If that fails, call a professional—forced flushing can cause overflow and water damage.

What NOT to Flush

Many toilet blockages are preventable. Only flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper.

NEVER Flush:

✗ Wet wipes (even "flushable" ones)
✗ Sanitary products
✗ Cotton buds/balls
✗ Dental floss
✗ Nappies
✗ Cat litter
✗ Cooking oils/fats
✗ Medication
✗ Cigarette butts
✗ Any plastic items

Safe to Flush:

✓ Toilet paper (reasonable amounts)
✓ Human waste
✓ That's it!

Did you know? "Flushable" wipes cause millions of pounds in sewer blockages annually. They don't break down like toilet paper—bin them instead.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Call us if:

Multiple toilets affected: Indicates main drain blockage
Persistent blockage: Plunging doesn't work after several attempts
Overflowing toilet: Turn off water and call immediately
Gurgling sounds: May indicate venting or drain problems
Sewage backup: This is an emergency—call us 24/7
Mechanical failure: Broken handle, cracked cistern, or valve failures

We offer same-day toilet repairs across Exeter with fixed prices from £80. Our fully stocked vans mean we can fix most problems on the first visit.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning: Clean your toilet weekly, including under the rim where deposits build up
Check for leaks: Add food colouring to the cistern—if it appears in the bowl without flushing, your flapper leaks
Don't ignore minor issues: Small leaks become big problems. Fix them early!
Annual inspection: Check cistern components annually for wear and replace as needed
Mind what you flush: Educate household members (especially children) about what can and can't be flushed

Emergency Toilet Repairs in Exeter

Toilet problems don't wait for convenient times. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency callouts across Exeter and surrounding areas including Topsham, Pinhoe, Sidmouth, and Honiton.

Our emergency response time is typically 45 minutes or less, and we'll have your toilet working again quickly with minimal disruption.

What to Do When Your Toilet Won't Flush