What Caused the Toilet to Stop Flushing in This 1987 Home?
In this 1970s detached home in Gloucester, Ontario, a ceiling stain below the main bathroom confirmed water was escaping somewhere it shouldn’t.
Our inspection revealed all three toilets were losing water through different mechanisms, each requiring a specific repair approach.
Why a Failed Fill Valve Looked Like a Blockage
When a toilet tank cannot refill after flushing, the bowl contents have no water pressure behind them to move through the drain. This creates symptoms that look exactly like a clog, even when the drain is completely clear.
Our Red Seal Licensed Plumber determined that the fill valve had failed and was no longer allowing water into the tank from the supply line.
In homes built in the late 1980s like this Hunt Club Park townhouse, original toilet components can reach the end of their service life after nearly four decades of use.
How We Repaired the Non-Flushing Toilet
We provided an estimate to replace both the fill valve and the supply line, and the homeowner approved the repair.
After installing the new fill valve, we adjusted the water level in the tank to the appropriate height. We also replaced the supply line to prevent a related failure in the near term.
To confirm the drain was not actually blocked, we performed a slow test flush. The toilet drained properly. We then let the tank fill and flushed again with no issues.
Our plumber tested the toilet six times with toilet paper, and it flushed well on each attempt. All connections were inspected for leaks, and no problems were found.
Chantal’s Toilet Is Back to Normal
The powder room toilet now fills and flushes reliably. This plumbing repair resolved what appeared to be a blockage without any drain clearing required.
By diagnosing the root cause of the problem, our plumber avoided unnecessary service and saved the homeowner time and money.
Get Toilet Repair in Ottawa Today
A toilet that will not flush is not always a drain problem.
Plumbing Now’s Licensed Plumbers provide thorough diagnostics and permanent repairs throughout Ottawa communities like Gloucester, Nepean, Findlay Creek, and surrounding areas. We’re also pet-friendly!
Call us at 613-212-4857.