Last Updated on August 24, 2022 by acechapman
The toilet tank is usually not something we pay too much attention to until it becomes a problem. The most common problem is toilet flushing. The most common complaint from a house owner is that the toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, or that it stops flushing with running water.
The water is running and your toilet flapper isn’t closing properly.
When a toilet keeps running and making noises, this is something most household owners experience. When you’ve checked everything and found the problem is in the toilet flapper.
A toilet flapper that won’t close after flushing is usually caused by a short chain, mineral buildup on flapper hinges, air trapped in the flush valve, or the weight of its flapper. You can fix this problem by replacing the flapper or changing the chain adjustment.
So, you can adjust it as necessary. You will not be disappointed by this method, just like the flapper did to you.
Therefore, in order to quickly grasp our points, We are going to remind you of all the focus parts.
Today’s topic is about the flapper’s inability to close, and how you can fix it yourself without hiring a plumber.
Why Does The Toilet Flapper Stay Up After Flushing?
There are more than six reasons why a flapper after the flush is not closing. Find out which one you have.
Flapper Chain
Most likely, the flapper chain is what causes a flapper that does not close after every flush.
The flapper and flush lever are attached to the tank. The chain is attached to the handle and the flapper of the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, it pulls up the flapper and water flows into the bowl.
The flapper will not fall properly if the chain is too tight. Have you recently changed the flapper? It seems that your chain adjustment has not been made correctly after installing the flapper.
You can either lose the chain or place the next buckle. Also, check if the flapper is still in place or seal properly.
The Flapper Is Too Light
Imagine that your flapper won’t fall because it is the flapper. Yes. The flapper seals down due to gravity.
The toilet flapper is not usually broken down but it can be if the flapper is low quality and becomes lightweight against water.
The flapper does not sit, which is another reason it is light and new.
This could be the problem in your case. Do you think it might be worth pushing the flapper around and then observing if it is still floating? If so, the weight of the flapper may need to be replaced.
The Flapper is new and has the wrong size
It is easy to install a flapper, but it is important that you measure the size. Ensure that the reasons you are using are valid. If they are, then it is not your fault.
The flapper seals the flush valve to keep water in and open when needed. Simply push the handle water up.
The problem may lie in the size of the gasket. If it is too small, it will not close properly. However, if it’s large it will close correctly.
The High Air Pressure Causes Toilet Flapper to Not Close
Air pressure causes the flapper not to get close to the ground. It is created when the duct cannot move upwards. This causes a flapper to stay up.
Mineral Build-Up
Oh! Mineral buildup is one of the most frustrating issues in the toilet. Lime buildup can lead to different rings, brown stains, and black residue.
The flapper seal is not sealing properly due to mineral buildup. This thick layer causes the flapper to stay up and not close.
This happens most often in old toilets.
Flapper Hinge
Attached to the overflow tube with small arms is a flapper hinge or flapper’s elbow. This holds the flapper during flush.
If the arms of the flapper aren’t flexible or lubricated then they should be stuck tight to the flapper.
The flapper will either fall so slowly or not close properly as a result.
You now know the reason your toilet flapper doesn’t close or stay up. So, How do you fix it?
How To Fix A Toilet Flapper That Stays Up?
- Loosen the chain once you have a problem. The flapper will then close.
- If you suspect that there is an issue with the air pressure, shut off the water supply once and flush it well. After releasing the air, the flapper should close.
- Replace the Flapper with a lighter weight.
- Make sure you get the right size flapper
- Then, remove the mineral buildup.
How to Buy the Right Size Flapper?
The size of a toilet flapper is usually between 2 and 4 inches. Usually, however, the universal flapper is obtained when the old flapper is replaced with the new one.
Although universal flapper claims are valid for all places, it sometimes doesn’t happen.
Water Content Per Flush
How much is your flush 1.2 and 1.6 GPH? The amount will determine the size of your flapper. The flapper size will increase if the amount is greater.
For example, 1.2 GPF requires 2 inches flapper while 1.6 GPH requires 3 inches.
Find the Right Size
Regardless of how you use your model, make sure to check the flapper size that the manufacturer has installed.
Verify The Flush Valve Hole
You can quickly check the hole in the flush valve to determine the flapper’s correct size.
The flush valve size should look like an orange or baseball-sized ball, then the measurement would be 2 inches. If the valve size is similar to a grapefruit, then it will be 3 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Toilet Flappers Universally Useful?
Although they are universal, most toilet flappers do not work all the time. It is important to verify the flapper size.
How do I know if my toilet flapper is terrible?
The toilet flapper is the cheapest of all parts.
These methods will help you to understand why toilet flapper is so bad.
- Drop a food coloring tablet or a dye tablet into the tank. Wait for it to dry. If dye appears in the bowl, it is time to change the flapper.
- If your toilet is empty for more than 30 minutes, you need to change the flapper.
Which toilet flapper is best?
* The best 2-inch flapper is Korky 100 BP ultra-high-performance Flapper.
* TOTO has a large flapper of 3 inches.
How Often Do Toilet Flappers Need Replacement?
You can check the condition of your flapper and the toilet tank alternatives over the years by changing the color.
In the meantime, you can replace your old one with a new one up to 4 to 5 years later.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet flapper?
The minimum price is 9 dollars and the maximum is 43 dollars.
Are Toilet Flappers Available in Different Sizes?
Yes. Toilet flappers come in a variety of sizes, including 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches. The most popular flappers are 2 and 3. They provide excellent service and are highly efficient.
Why Won’t The Toilet Flapper Go Down?
Because it isn’t the right size, the new toilet flapper won’t go down.
There could also be other reasons. Most commonly, the chain linking the handle and flapper is too short. You can adjust this by lengthening your chain.
A second reason is that the flush valve seat may be dirty or corroded. This could prevent a good seal. You can fix this problem by cleaning or replacing the flush seat.
The last thing is that if the tank’s water level is too low, the flapper won’t have enough weight to seal properly. You can fix this issue by adjusting the water level.
Wrapping Up
Although it is so inexpensive, the toilet flapper is an essential part of flushing. This is the most important part of a flush mechanism and we don’t take it seriously until there are problems.
Different reasons may cause the toilet flapper to not close properly. Once you know why it will work. It doesn’t take a plumber to fix it.
You can solve your problem by simply changing a few things. Remember that new flappers are usually around $10-15, so make sure to get the right size and quality.
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