Reasons Why Your Toilet Flushes Twice

Everyone’s toilet acts up from time to time. One of the most frequent problems is the toilet flushing twice in a row. It might not seem very serious, as this issue doesn’t cause any damage. However, if not addressed, a toilet that flushes twice will result in increased water bills relatively quickly. Here are the reasons why this happens and how it can be fixed.

How does the toilet work?

Even though toilets are something we use every day, the way they work is somewhat of a mystery to many. It’s only when something goes wrong that homeowners scramble to figure out what to do.

Most modern toilets feature a gravity-flushing system, and once the water is flushed from the tank, the content of the toilet water drains into the main sewer line. When you flush the toilet, the valve opens to allow water to refill the tank to a sufficient level, and the rest of the water goes through the overflow tube to refill the bowl. Once this process is complete, the toilet is prepared for the next flush.

But if the toilet spontaneously flushes twice, that’s an indication something is wrong. There are two potential reasons why the double-flush is happening.

Too much water in the tank

By far, one of the most common causes of twice-flushing toilets is that the water tank holds too much water. Excess water in the tank creates an overflow, and when flushed, it refills quickly while continuing to discharge water into the bowl. There’s too much water in the tank in the first place because of an improperly set toilet fill valve.

The good news is that these valves are relatively easy to adjust. However, if the homeowner is unsure how to proceed, they are advised to call a professional plumbing service.

Lightweight toilet flapper

The other common cause of the toilet flushing twice is a little piece of rubber called the toilet flapper. Essentially, it's a “door” that allows water to enter the tank. The problem occurs when the toilet flapper doesn’t weigh enough or isn’t adjusted correctly. 

A lightweight or improperly set toilet flapper won’t close quickly enough once you flush the toilet. Consequently, the water will continue to pour into the bowl, even when the actual flush is complete. Remember, gravity ensures the toilet flushes, and once the bowl receives enough water, the toilet will flush again even without pressing the handle.

One flush at a time

If a toilet flushes twice in a row on its own, it can be a frustrating problem. It might be something you can tolerate for a while, but action is required to make sure it flushes correctly again.

Either there’s too much water in the tank because of a bad toilet fill valve, or the flapper is too light and inefficient. Homeowners can attempt to tackle these issues in a DIY manner or call a licensed plumbing service instead.

With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!