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Question: I have to always
shake the toilet handle before the tank fills, why? Is there a way to fix
this problem? I just want to flush and walk away, is that asking too much?
Answer: Hmm, It sounds
like you may have a flush tank lever and chain assembly that is not
operating smoothly, or you have a rubber toilet flapper that is not closing
properly on the toilet bowl flush valve seat.
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When you push down on the toilet
tank lever, the lever should pull the toilet tank flapper up so that water
can drain from the toilet bowl tank into the toilet bowl, causing the
flushing action. When the toilet is not in the process of being flushed, the
toilet flapper seals water in the toilet tank.
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When you let off of the handle
the toilet flapper should close on the toilet tank valve seat. Over time,
however, the rubber flapper can decay or become deformed due to chemicals
used in the toilet tank to clean the bowl, or due to minerals in the water.
In addition, minerals in the water can build up around the toilet tank valve
seat preventing the toilet flapper from closing properly.
To fix this type of running toilet problem first turn the water off at the
toilet tank inlet valve and flush the toilet to remove the water from the
toilet tank.
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Then check to make sure the
toilet flush lever and chain assembly from the flush handle lever to the
toilet flapper is connected and not hindered in anyway. Also wipe around the
toilet tank valve seat with a rag to wipe off any mineral build up.
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Turn the water back on and see if
your running toilet problem has been resolved.
If the problem persists,
again turn off the water to the toilet and flush the tank. Next, remove
the old toilet flapper. You can usually do this with just your hands.
Take the old toilet flapper to a
home improvement store and find a replacement one.
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Photo by Mark Donovan |
Simply put on the replacement
toilet flapper, turn the water back on and your running toilet problems
should be solved. This is a simple and easy DIY plumbing project and it is
inexpensive to do.
Additional Home Plumbing Resources
Toilet Flappers and Other Toilet Accessories from Amazon.com
