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Jennid008 · Nov 20, 2009, 03:43 PM

Here's my problem: Today I installed a new toilet flapper, very easy to do! Now, the flapper opens all the way, stays up for a normal amount of time, and closes... however, I believe as it closes, it is supposed to sort of linger on top of water near it's suction for a second or two, allowing water to drain into the bowl, and with mine, it just closes automatically, not allowing enough water to drain into the bowl. I've tried tightening and loosening the chain, but again, the problem isn't that it won't open or shut, it just doesn't seem to linger upon closing. It's really frustrating me as I've spent 6 hours today trying to fix this, adjusting the chain too many times!

massplumber2008 · Nov 20, 2009, 04:28 PM

Hi Jenni...

Don't feel too bad... sometimes the "universal" flappers simply don't work correctly for a particular toilet brand... ;)

Best bet would be to get the name of the toilet and then go down to a local plumbing supply store and order an exact replacement flapper. This should improve the odds of getting a better "HANG TIME" on the flapper.

Not to scare you, but sometimes, even with the right flapper you can have other issues, such as the new flapper not mating up correctly to the old flush valve. In this case, the flapper would allow water to drip by the seal and the toilet would start a drain/fill cycle that would show up as a toilet that almost flushes by itself. If this happens here you will need to consider the next step and that will be to replace the entire FLUSH VALVE ASSEMBLY... would come with a correct flapper with it. If this happens, please pop back and discuss with us before proceeding... O.K?

Finally, try to get a better flapper replacement. If you can't find the exact replacement flapper then at the least, pick up a universal flapper that has a FOAM FLOAT on the chain. The foam float can be moved up or down the chain to adjust for proper hang time.

Let us know what you decide...

MARK

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Jennid008 · Nov 20, 2009, 06:08 PM

I sincerely appreciate your feedback... and I'd be willing to say that you are probably right, however, both of the toilets in my house are the same make, and I replaced the flapper in both of them today, and the other one works like a charm... so I'm not sure what else could be going on? There is water in the bowl, but it's nowhere near the level it used to be at... and like I said, I've identified the problem as being that the flapper opens great and stays open, but when it closes it seals too quickly.

massplumber2008 · Nov 20, 2009, 06:48 PM

Switch the flappers... what happens? If the flapper with the issue has the same issue at the other toilet then you must have a defective flapper? Replace flapper...

Let me know.

Jennid008 · Nov 20, 2009, 06:56 PM

I've tried that earlier, I switched out both flappers, and I'm still stuck... they both seem to work great on the other toilet. The other thing I wanted to mention... the water appears to SLOWLY rise a little in the bowl, to a normal level. However, I literally just sat in my bathroom staring at the toilet bowl (boring I know), and see no indication of a leak (no sounds, no drips, nothing). So I'm not sure if that information could be helpful? Maybe that's normal? I just never really noticed that my toilet did that before, but it is possible.