Dealing with bathroom plumbing issues can be a nasty business, but it's important for homeowners to learn how to handle them. A common problem many will face are toilets that won't flush. Thankfully, this is an easy one to fix and in most cases won't require the intervention of a Livonia, MI bathroom plumbing professional.

If you don't have a clue about toilets, there's no need to fear, we've come up with a guide to help you. Here are three easy steps you can take to fix a toilet that won't flush.

1. Force a Flush by Pouring Water in the Bowl

One way to force a toilet to flush and possibly fix the problem is by pouring a large load of water into the bowl.

This will initiate the process and eliminate any waste. The key is to pour the water quickly.

If you don't, the water level will only rise. You must pour enough water into the bowl in a short period of time for this trick to work.

2. Check the Flapper

In most cases, however, an improperly seated flapper causes a toilet that doesn’t flush. This component is located at the bottom of the tank.

It lifts up when you flush, exposing an opening that allows water to enter the bowl, and closes again in order for the tank to fill back up. A chain that’s attached to a rod connected with the handle holds the flapper.

Pushing down the handle raises the rod, which lifts the chain along with the flapper. If you find you're unable to flush but can still hear water running, it's likely due to the flapper. Several things can lead to this problem, including a worn flapper, a loose chain or even a chain stuck between the flapper and opening. Sometimes if you jiggle the handle, everything might fall into place, but otherwise, you will have to enter the tank itself.

Lift the lid off the tank and look at what's wrong with the flapper. From here, you can fix the problem by properly seating the flapper by hand, re-attaching the chain or pulling out the chain from beneath the flapper. If the tank was empty, it should start filling up with water. Next, flush the toilet as you would normally and check to see if the flapper is seated over the opening correctly. If everything works, as it should, the problem is fixed, and you can place the lid back on the tank.

3. When in Doubt, Call an Expert

There's no shame in asking an expert for help if you can't figure out what's wrong. They will be able to inspect your toilet and determine what's wrong.

If there's a clog in the toilet flange or drain, you will need their expertise to solve the problem. Don't hesitate to call for bathroom plumbing services if you need them.