10 Reasons Why Your Toilet Won’t Flush

Clogged Toilet

“A clog in the toilet trap or drainpipe is the most common reason a toilet won’t flush,” says Bux. “This can be due to excessive toilet paper, foreign objects, or waste buildup.” Unfortunately, when this happens, there’s a danger of an overflow if you keep flushing, so the toilet is effectively out of service until the clog goes away.

Fixes to try

• Grab a plunger. Not a flat-bottomed sink plunger, but a bell-shaped toilet plunger. Bux recommends the Korky Beehive Max Plunger, but any brand will do. You should keep one in the bathroom, because plumbers agree it will clear most toilet clogs if you use it properly.
• Pour in some dish soap. The soap may provide enough lubrication to coax the clog out of the way. Plunge after you pour it in.
• Use a snake. “A toilet auger (also known as a closet auger) like the RIDGID K-6 Toilet Auger can help reach and break up deeper clogs,” says Bux.
• Try an enzymatic clog buster. A non-corrosive drain cleaner like Green Gobbler Toilet Bowl Clog Remover may work, but it will take time, so this isn’t an instant solution. Bux cautions to use it sparingly to avoid damaging the plumbing. Whatever you do, stay away from conventional corrosive drain cleaners, which often cause more problems than they solve.
• Pull the toilet and manually clear the clog if nothing else works.