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View Full Version : Flush Valve Flapper on Toilet Snaps Shut


sdsutherland1
Oct 21, 2009, 01:54 AM
The Flush Valve Flapper in my toilet snaps shut when I try to flush so that I have to hold the handle down or the flushing cycle stops. Does anyone know what I need to do? I have adjusted the chain to no avail. :mad:

Thanks for any help.

speedball1
Oct 21, 2009, 06:15 AM
Sounds like your flapper linkage needs adjusting.
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,(see image). 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

sdsutherland1
Oct 21, 2009, 09:22 AM
Thanks so much for your help! I will check this out for sure!