How do you fix a toilet flapper tank ball?

Forums: Plumbing, Do-It-Yourself, Toilets, Fixing A Running Toilet, Flapper
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HELP, IS THERE A PLUMBER IN THE HOUSE?

I just tried to replace the old one because it was shot, and because it looked like such a simple thing to fix. Now my toilet won't flush unless I push down the handle and hold it until the water flushes completely, instead of just flushing when you push the handle down and let it up immediately, like it's supposed to do. If I just flush it normally, it immediately stops flushing and filling up the back tank again.

I got the below instructions off some DIY website. The only thing I did different was that I skipped step 1 (only because it didn't say to turn off the water first on the package for the new flapper tank ball). Is that why it's not working now? And if so, how do I fix it? Or is it something else I did wrong?

1. Turn the water valve off by twisting the handle in a clockwise motion until snug.

2. Pull the tank lid off, and set it to the side. Flush the toilet, and allow the water to drain out of the holding tank.

3. Use a screwdriver to unfasten the flapper ball from the lift chain. Discard the old flapper ball.

4. Attach the new flapper ball onto the lift chain using the screw and a screwdriver. Lower it down into the tank.

5. Turn the water valve counterclockwise until snug to open the water line. Allow the tank to fill, and test the new flapper ball by flushing the toilet. Reposition the lid on top of the tank.

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Type: Question • Score: 7 • Views: 16,522 • Replies: 36

@kickycan,

what did you do with the electronic flush timer mechanism...?

you'll have to have that...

1 Reply

@Rockhead,

I didn't touch anything but the flapper tank ball. What the hell is a flush timer mechanism?

1 Reply

@kickycan,

I was yanking your chain...

speaking of chains, you prolly need to adjust the slack out of yours.

that's most likely your culprit.

(that will be $50 please...)

1 Reply

@Rockhead,

I've done that fifteen times already. This is very frustrating.

Okay, here's a diagram. Which piece controls flushing time?

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/plumbing/6445d1203877478-toilet-tank-overfills-fluidmaster-20ballcock.gif

4 Replies

@kickycan,

disclaimer...

I fix cars.

I think mebbe move the flapper up a little. it is closing too quickly.

there is a geometry play between the chain and the flapper.

have you moved where the chain hits the rod...?

0 Replies

@kickycan,

Check this out. You may have to read the page before and after to get the full context:

The Flush Mechanism

http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet3.htm

Here's how to repair that mechanism:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-repair-a-toilet4.htm

What can you do if too little water comes from the tank to flush the toilet bowl clean?

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-repair-a-toilet5.htm

0 Replies

@kickycan,

did you buy the cheapest flapper valve in all of NYC...?

I have had troubles with cheesy flappers before.

1 Reply

@Rockhead,

Knowing Kicky, this is probably what he brought home:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ep9Aup5W-ig/TNB3vuUSsPI/AAAAAAAAABc/j_H2aeYkc4U/s1600/flappers+-+am+studs.gif

1 Reply

@Butrflynet,

those are cheeky flappers...

1 Reply

@Rockhead,

Exactly.

0 Replies

@kickycan,

Gosh Kicky, in the olden days you talked about sex and sexual innuendos
and now all you talk about is home improvements (shower curtain) and
toilet flappers.

What has become of you, hm?

2 Replies

@CalamityJane,

The neighbors finally put up some curtains?

0 Replies

@CalamityJane,

I fell in love and that didn't work out, so I figured since my love life is in the toilet, I'd give up women and decided to become a toilet flapper tank ball specialist. And once I'm done with that, I plan to become certified in how to handle my ballcock! Life is much more rewarding in the toilet.

0 Replies

I'm giving up for now. The problem is that the water in the tank doesn't go down into the bowl within 2 or three seconds like it's supposed to, and I have no ******* idea how to fix that. Time to call in the super.

6 Replies

@kickycan,

agreed.

he'll know a good plumber.

how's the gato...?

0 Replies

@kickycan,

Yeah, let them get their hands dirty, while you work your dirty mind and go
and get a new love. Every day someone falls in love, tomorrow it could be you!

0 Replies

@kickycan,

From one of the links I gave you:

What can you do if too little water comes from the tank to flush the toilet bowl clean?

Step 1: Check the water level in the tank. It’s probably too low. If the water level doesn’t reach within 1 ½ inches of the top of the overflow tube, bend the float arm up slightly to let more water enter the tank.

Step 2: If the water level is correct but there’s still not enough water coming from the tank to clean the bowl properly, the problem may be the tank ball on the flush valve seat the bottom of the tank. The ball is probably dropping too soon because the guide is set too low. Raise the guide, but make sure it stays in line with the lift wire. If the guide and the wire are out of alignment, the tank ball will not drop straight into the valve seat opening, and the toilet will run continuously.

Step 3: Look for other cause of inadequate flushing. The small ports around the underside of the toilet bowl’s rim can get clogged with residue from chemicals in the water and prevent a sufficient amount of tank water from running out into the bowl. A small mirror can help you examine the holes, and a piece of wire coat hanger or an offset Phillips screwdriver—if one is available—can ream out any clogged debris.

0 Replies

@kickycan,

hey, kickster. had a brain flash.

you need to figure out where the good looking single women plumbers hang out.

then buy a few drinks, and bring her back to your place.

two birds, dude...

thank me later.

0 Replies

I've designed countless and installed a few irrigation systems (they all worked). I'm a fool with the toilet tank. Call the sup, kick.

0 Replies

How do you fix a toilet flapper tank ball?

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