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Flapper Won't Go Down After Flushing

Asked Mar 28, 2008, 07:31 AM — 2 Answers
I recently had a toilet removed to replace the flange which was leaking. When it was reinstalled, I asked for a new handle since the old one was corroded. Since the new handle was put in the flapper will not go back down after it flushes. It just stands on end until you jiggle the handle. I have tried changing the length of the chain as well as its position on the handle, but neither works. I also noticed that I can wiggle the flapper a lot. The toilet is 38 years old, but we like it since it always flushed better than the new ones that have less water.

I also have another newer toilet which does not seem to flush right. It is a 1.6 gallon toilet, and when flushed, many times everything does not go down. I lifted the top to see what was wrong and noticed that the flapper goes down when only about half of the water empties from the tank. How do I fix this? Also, many times this toilet makes a noise like someone is flushing it. We can hear it when we are in bed at night. It will suddenly run for about 5 seconds then stop. Is this caused by the flapper also?

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ballengerb1's Avatar
ballengerb1 Posts: 25,644, Reputation: 11296
Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
  
#2

Mar 28, 2008, 09:39 AM


I know you said you already played with the chain but that first toilet needs to have its chain lengthened by about 1". The flapper should not reach full vertical. The second toilet is running at night because the flapper isn't making a good seal. Lift the flapper and feel the edge of the ring it sits on. Feel for chips, nicks and/or a build up of goo. Clean that edge and then check the flapper itself. I generally just install a new flapper for about $3.
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,697, Reputation: 9551
Senior Plumbing Expert
  
#3

Mar 28, 2008, 11:01 AM


Let's adjust those flappers.
With the flapper seated the linkage wants to have 1/4" of play. Too much play and the flapper doesn't get pulled back enough giving you a short flush. Too tight and it lets water seep past the flapper. I adjust the chain by the link and if it needs fine tuning, I bend the flush lever rod a bit until I have the desired play in the linkage. One more thing about a flapper. You will see where the old flapper hooks onto the base of the white overflow tube. On a older type with no hooks the flapper has a ring that slips down over the overflow tube to the seat. If your tank has hooks, take a sharp knife or scissors and cut the neoprene ring off on the marks provided and hook the flapper on the hooks. Leaving the ring on will interfere with the flush. The water level in your tank should be 3/8 to 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube when the tank's filled. And the little tube wants to run from the ballcock and connect to the white overflow tube.. Good luck, Tom
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