November 11/2020

Ways to Manually Flush a Toilet

The current form of the toilet is a cornerstone of modern sanitation in our society, safely delivering waste and wastewater away from your property and into a treatment facility. Unfortunately, though, they are not perfect. Toilets are susceptible to malfunctioning and damage. There are many things that can go wrong with the toilet and it can be frustrating to pull the flush handle and get no response. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we have seen many dysfunctions and are happy to share our tips on how you can work around a toilet that is not flushing.
We recommend you call a local plumber to repair the issue but consider these manual ways to flush a toilet if you are in a rush or cannot call a plumber at the moment. Remember, though, the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are available 24/7/365.

Manual Flushing with A Bucket of Water

Toilets are actually fairly simple in design: water fills into the toilet tank and is released into the toilet bowl when you pull the flush handle. The water pouring in from the toilet tank pushes waste and wastewater in the toilet bowl down the line and replaces the dirty water with the incoming clean water. You can replicate this process by:

• Filling a bucket with a few gallons of water.
• Slowly pouring the bucket of water into the toilet bowl and gradually speeding up the pouring until the toilet bowl is refreshed.

Working Through the Toilet Tank

The toilet tank is where the water sits before being flushed into the toilet bowl. However, there are many components in the toilet tank that can malfunction. If the problem is with the toilet tank, then you can try this method:

• Remove the toilet tank’s lid, carefully, and place it somewhere safe and secure.
• Fill a bucket with a little over a gallon of water.
• Slowly pour the water into the toilet tank until the water reaches the water line mark or until an inch below the edge of the toilet tank.
• Finally, pull the flush handle to see if it works.
• If this does not work, then replace the toilet tank lid and try the next method.

Pull the Rubber Flapper

The toilet tank has many components and the rubber flapper plays the important role of sealing the pipe between the toilet tank and the toilet bowl. Normally, when the flush handle is pulled, it lifts the flapper, releasing the water into the toilet bowl. With use, however, the rubber flapper wears out and must be replaced. Try this method:

• Carefully remove the toilet tank’s lid and set it aside.
• Search for the chain and check to see if it is connected to the handle’s arm. Connect the arm if it is disconnected and try flushing again.
• If the flapper is not firmly sealing the opening, then place it firmly and wait for water to fill the tank.
• Try flushing again.

If the flapper is damaged, then replace it.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing Is Ready to Help

If you prefer to have a certified plumber take care of your toilet, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a live representative now. We are always happy to help.