Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by acechapman
Your business is done and you have now pulled the handle of your toilet. There is a familiar sound of water swirling, but nothing else happens. What’s the deal? Continue reading to find out what causes toilet swirls that won’t flush
It is possible that your toilet isn’t getting enough water to the bowl fast enough to flush. You can increase the water level by increasing the float at your fill valve.
You can then pour muriatic acid into your overflow valve, and wait for half an hour before flushing. Use eye protection, gloves, an apron, as well as adequate ventilation.
How Does The Toilet Flush Work?
A toilet flush works by using water to forcefully clear waste and toilet paper from the toilet bowl and send it into the drain and sewer or septic system. When the flush handle or button is pressed, it lifts a lever or flapper inside the tank which allows water to flow from the tank and into the toilet bowl through the flush valve.
The water flows into the bowl, lifting and pushing the waste and toilet paper down through the trap and into the sewer or septic system. The flow of water also helps to clean the bowl. As the water level in the tank drops, a float ball or a float cup on a fill valve drops as well, allowing more water to flow into the tank from the supply line until the tank is refilled to the proper water level. This process is known as the “flush cycle” and it is repeated every time the toilet is flushed.
Possible causes of toilet swirls during flushing
There are several possible causes of toilet swirls during flushing, which can occur when the water in the toilet bowl spins or rotates in a circular pattern instead of flowing smoothly into the drain. Some of the common causes include:
- Low water level in the toilet tank: If the water level in the tank is too low, it can cause the water to flow into the bowl too quickly, creating swirling and turbulence.
- Obstruction in the trap or drain: If there is a blockage in the trap or drain, it can cause the water to flow more slowly, creating swirling and turbulence.
- Incorrect toilet flapper or flush valve: If the flapper or flush valve is not properly sealing the tank or is not open enough, it can cause the water to flow into the bowl too quickly, creating swirling and turbulence.
- Improperly installed or positioned toilet: If the toilet is not level or is not properly secured to the floor, it can cause the water to flow into the bowl in an uneven manner, creating swirling and turbulence.
- Strong water flow: if the water supply line is too strong it could cause a swirl in the bowl as it forcefully rushes into the bowl
- Improperly sized flush pipe: if the flush pipe size is too small or too big it could cause toilet swirls.
These are just some possible causes, but in order to determine the specific cause of the swirls, it’s better to consult with a plumber or a professional to inspect the toilet and diagnose the problem.
There is not enough water in the tank
There could be many reasons why the tank isn’t full. Below are the most common issues and fixes.
Adjust the Float Ball
You will have less water in your toilet tank if the float ball is too low. This could lead to the toilet not flushing properly. This can be fixed by adjusting the float ball.
How to adjust a toilet float ball
- Take off the lid of the toilet tank. It should be left aside
- The tank’s water level should be checked. If the tank has no line, the water level should be approximately one inch below the overflow tube.
- You must empty the toilet tank. Turn off the water shutoff valve. This valve is located behind your toilet. Next, flush the toilet. If necessary, repeat this process.
- Take a look at the float ball. Check to see if it has water. If it has water in it, it should be replaced.
- Inspect the float ball. Check if the float ball is too high or low.
- Adjust the float ball. Use a screwdriver to adjust the height. To increase the water level, turn the screw at the fill valve clockwise.
- To check the level of the water is correct, turn on the water again and flush the toilet.
Clogged Inlet Valves
The inlet valves may become blocked, which could slow down the flow of water into the bowl. This could be due to gradual mineral buildup. The first and most straightforward solution is to safely pour muriatic Acid into an overflow tube. Wait for half an hour.
If you don’t want or need to use harsh acids, there is an alternative.
Method To Unclog Inlet Valve
One method to unclog an inlet valve, also called a fill valve, is to first shut off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve clockwise. Then, you can use the following steps to unclog the inlet valve:
- Remove the top of the fill valve by twisting it counterclockwise.
- Locate the screen or filter at the bottom of the fill valve and clean it by removing any debris or buildup.
- Check the inlet valve for any other blockages and remove them as well.
- Reassemble the fill valve by replacing the top and turning it clockwise to secure it.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
- Flush the toilet to ensure it’s working properly
If this does not solve the problem, you may need to replace the fill valve entirely, or it could be an indication of an underlying issue. It is best to consult a plumber if you encounter any difficulty or are uncertain about safety.
Drain Pipe Clogs
There are many solutions to a blocked drainpipe. We will, however, address the problem in the most comprehensive way.
How to Unclog Your Drain Pipes
- Fill a bucket full of water. You should have enough water to fill your toilet bowl. If you can, aim for five gallons.
- Place it in the toilet bowl. It is important to make sure that the water does not spill onto the floor.
- To flush the toilet. You can also use a plunger to attempt to remove the clog if the water doesn’t break it apart on its own.
- Use an auger. If none of these options work, you can use an auger. Place it in the drainpipe. Rotate clockwise, while turning counterclockwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my toilet flush, it only swirls.
Your main sewer line could be blocked if your toilets don’t flush. You will likely find several blocked drains in your house if this happens.
The drains will likely gurgle. You may also notice water coming up from one drain if you use another drain. If this happens, there are some things you can do. You should still call a plumber to avoid causing damage to your pipes.
- Do not let the pressure build up: Locate your drain cleaner. It is usually a capped pipe that will be located in your backyard or front yard. However, it may be on your roof.
- To clear obstructions in your sewer line, you can rent a sewer snake or a sewer jetter.
- If tree roots are the problem, you might try chemicals. Although you could flush an herbicide-based root-killing foam down your toilet, it may take a while to clear the clog.
You may need to call a plumber if you have a complicated problem.
What is causing my toilet swirls?
Because the normal flow of toilet water is blocked, the water in the toilet swirls. There are many causes for toilet water to stop flowing, including low-flow flush systems and clogged inlet holes.
Before you attempt to fix your toilet, it is important to identify the root cause.
Wrapping Up
You can fix toilet swirls that won’t flush in just a few minutes. You can fix the problem by replacing the flapper or the flush handle chain. However, the tank water level and clogs could also be the culprit.
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