Most toilet backups aren't 100% blocked, so there's a good chance yours will drain slowly at first. If you decide to use a siphon and not towels or sponges to remove the leftover tank water, it is still suggested to have them nearby in case of a leakage. What to do if the arm hits the tank cover, causing the toilet not to flush properly? If you are using or are planning to use a tank cleaner, check to make sure that it will not corrode your parts. If the toilet doesn't flush completely unless you hold the handle down, it is usually because the flapper is not lifting fully away from the flush valve. If you cannot flush the water with the Flush Handle, pull on the Flapper Chain or the Flapper to open the Flapper Valve and release the water. Flush the toilet and observe whether the water in the tank empties completely, or whether you have to hold down the handle to allow it to empty. I ended up scratching the !&&* out of the porcelain in the bowl because I’d never used a snake before and didn’t know it would scratch. A Clog in the Toilet, Flange or Drain. (When you hit the trip lever, the arm should only move 1/4 inch before activation.) Sometimes you know right away why your toilet won’t flush. Discussion Starter • #1 • Aug 29, 2007. A loose nut causes the handle to stick, and won't allow the toilet to refill properly. The handle itself might be repairable, so examine it closely. Not only are loose toilet handles annoying, but they may also affect how well your toilet functions… even though there’s nothing wrong with the toilet itself! Once you have decided to discard the old handle, you will need to replace the part. Your bathroom is probably already stocked with everything you'll need to work this magic. Last Updated: September 17, 2019 When held down, it flushes just fine. When your toilet seat won’t stay up and keeps slamming down, it can be startling and painful for users. I replaced the handle, but it doesn't seem to fit properly. Unscrew this using your wrench, and then pull out the bolt and the handle at the same time. You have to manually hold the flapper open by holding down the toilet lever because the flapper is unable to stay afloat by itself. The Flush Lever Nut is the lock nut inside the tank that holds the Flush Lever in place where it enters the tank. Do not turn the water supply back on if you have removed the Fill Valve or Fill Valve Cap, as the water can then enter the tank fast enough to create a toilet fountain. I had an old flapper in the toilet that was plastic with a rubber seal. Check to see if the pump is broken or loose. % of people told us that this article helped them. There’s a small tab inside the handle mechanism that acts as a stop to hold the handle in the upright position. The chain is short to the point not much left to shorten. There could be an obstruction in the toilet trapway if the flush is not strong as it used to be. When i flush the toilet, the handle wont stay down and so i have to hold it down so that the water can flush all the way. A loose chain can get stuck in the flapper, which causes your toilet to run. I tried shortening the chain but the the flapper never seals. Move the tank lid with care, as they are quite expensive and can break easily. Is your kid begging for a dog? When the flapper gets old, or it has not been installed correctly, it remains in the open position and causes the handle to stick. When flushing my toilet I have to hold the handle down until the flush is finished. Pushing down on the handle makes the Trip Lever pull up on Flapper Chain. Nope. The water sprays into the canister instead of down the "stopper" of the canister. Toilet Repair: Flapper Doesn't Stay Up. Tighten the screws. It costs a couple of dollars, so it’s a good idea to try and resolve the flushing problem, and won’t be out a lot of money if that wasn’t the issue. When you release the handle, the flapper should settle down into the flush valve, with just a … If the chain is too short, on the other hand, the flapper lifts too high and doesn't drop back into position. The chain is short to the point not much left to shorten. Don't feel bad if you breaking a part or simply want to switch it out for an older part rather than adjusting it. Make sure the flapper seals the flush valve opening. Most people will tell you that the water should be turned off first, but it is not necessary before you examine the Trip Lever, and it may be helpful to note how your flushes affect the water level before and after Flush Lever Nut adjustments. 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