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    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #1

    Jan 18, 2010, 12:33 PM
    Why Might a Person Have to Hold Down the Handle on a Toilet to Make it Flush?
    Hi, All!

    The title is my basic question. Here it is, a little more elaborated.

    Why might a person have to hold down the handle on a toilet in order to make it flush all the way?

    It's a basement toilet that isn't used all that much. I replaced the flush mechanism about ten years ago.

    Thanks!
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 18, 2010, 01:26 PM
    Hi Clough...

    I figure that things worked well for you all these years and now this is a new development... yes? If so, then you want to look at the tank flapper or tank ball and see it may have filled up with water over time. This would cause the flapper to become heavier and harder for the water in the tank to hold it up.

    Otherwise, the only time I see flappers with this issue is when the flapper chain has not been adjusted correctly. The flapper chain should have no more than 1/4" jiggle room before it engages the flapper.

    Tom also recommends that you look at the holes in the rim... if these are clogged up that could cause an issue with flushing that could make it appear like you have a flapper issue... :)

    Check these things and let me know how you make out... OK?

    MARK
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 18, 2010, 05:16 PM

    Take the tank lid off and see how long the flapper is staying up when you flush the toilet(without holding it up manually). If it drops quickly, then I Also suspect the flapper, or flapper chain adjustment. Did it work for the last ten years?
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #4

    Jan 18, 2010, 07:48 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by massplumber2008 View Post
    Hi Clough...

    I figure that things worked well for you all these years and now this is a new development...yes? If so, then you want to look at the tank flapper or tank ball and see it may have filled up with water over time. This would cause the flapper to become heavier and harder for the water in the tank to hold it up.

    Otherwise, the only time I see flappers with this issue is when the flapper chain has not been adjusted correctly. The flapper chain should have no more than 1/4" jiggle room before it engages the flapper.

    Tom also recommends that you look at the holes in the rim...if these are clogged up that could cause an issue with flushing that could make it appear like you have a flapper issue...:)

    Check these things and let me know how you make out...OK?

    MARK
    Hi, Mark!

    What are the holes in the rim, please?

    I have no clue as to what those are.

    Thanks!
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #5

    Jan 18, 2010, 07:52 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by mygirlsdad77 View Post
    Take the tank lid off and see how long the flapper is staying up when you flush the toilet(without holding it up manually). If it drops quickly, then i Also suspect the flapper, or flapper chain adjustment. Did it work for the last ten years?

    Hi, mygirlsdad77!

    Yes, it's worked for the past ten years with little or no problems.

    I'll check the flapper by taking off the tank lid.

    It's really the only toilet that I can reliably use right now.

    Thanks!
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Jan 18, 2010, 08:50 PM

    So the flapper stays up long enough for most of the water in the tank to drain? The holes in the rim, are holes located on the underside of the bowl rim, just under the toilet seat. They can become clogged when a toilet sits dormant for awhile, or just from minerals in the water. Take a metal clothes hanger and stick the tip up through every hole around the bottom of the rim. Also, if there is a jet port near the bottom of the bowl, clean it as best as possible with the clothes hanger. All of these holes need to be open for the toilet to start the flush properly. Hope Tom comes along soon to explain this better, as sometimes my words just don't make sense to anybody but me.. lol.
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