Check out some similar questions!

r2traps · Nov 30, 2006, 01:38 PM

Hi all,

I live in a condo and have 2 toilets in my unit. Both were flushing fine until I replaced one of the flush lever/arm from a plastic one to a chrome one. Now, I can't seem to adjust the chain properly to get the flapper to function properly.

I observed the toilet that flushes properly and when I flush it, the flapper raises up fairly high immediately, and then gradually comes down with the water pressure and eventually closes on the hole. On the toilet I am having problems with, the flapper barely raises itself when I flush, and then immediately goes back down to cover the hole. Like I said, I tried adjusting the chain peoperly but it doesn't seem to help. I also tried replacing the flapper with a new one, thinking that it wasn't moving properly (where it's hooked on to the tube) to go up and down.

Should I just go back to the plastic handle? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

letmetellu · Nov 30, 2006, 02:15 PM

Is the new handle longer or shorter than the one you took out? Some flappers require a short handle and others require a long handle. This is because of the radius of the arc the handle make as it lifts the flapper. Some times the longer handle just will not lift high enough and is very hard to get the chain or whatever adjusted right.

r2traps · Nov 30, 2006, 02:40 PM

Thanks for the reply letmetellu. When you say "handle", are you referring to the outside part that I use to flush the toilet, or the arm on the inside that is connected to the chain? I wrongly assumed that all toilet handles were made universal.

speedball1 · Dec 1, 2006, 10:12 AM

Handle" includes both the handle out the outside and the flush arm on the inside. They're all one piece.
The handles on the front of the tank have longer flush arms while the handles on the sides have shorter ones.
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. Good luck, tom