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New toilet flapper doesn't always work

7 years ago

I recently replaced the flapper in our toilet tank with another just like it. Both are "Korky" brand. The old one worked fine for years, but gave way where the chain attached to it. We need the collar to slip over the standpipe because the ears on the ring that the flapper rests on are bent and in the wrong location.

The problem is that the flapper works sometimes but from time to time it will leak, the flat will drop an inch or so, and it will refill; this will continue until we re-flush it or reach into the tank and fuss with it a little.

I replaced the Korky with a Fluidmaster that is similar, and it does exactly the same thing. I did play with the chain length but that doesn't seem to have helped. I tried for about 1/2" to 1" slack. I tried another with a rubber "chain" and had the same problem with it.

Should I just buy all new parts for the inside of the tank, or is there some simple solution I'm overlooking?

Thanks for your help.

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Comments (5)

marknmt
Original Author
7 years ago
That should have read "the float will drop an inch or so ..."
klem1
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
You might have to replace the flush valve (part with tube which presently has flapper collar around it) but let's try something first. Use super fine white scotch pad,woven cotton rag or similar to scrub area on flush vale where flapper rest's. If cleaning seat doesn't solve the leak,lightly coat it with silicon plumbers grease. There's also a chance you damaged gasket between flush valve and tank while changing flapper. In that event valve replacement is necessary.
marknmt thanked klem1
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klem1, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a very helpful post, I really appreciated your gesture. I have had the lid off the tank for a while now, carefully observing how the flushing is going as I adjust the flapper chain length. What has been very interesting to watch is how my toilet has really improved in terms of flushing since I started adjusting the flapper chain. However, I would not say that the flushing problem is now fully solved. What I've noticed is that the flapper stays open until the water is almost fully drained. Usually it flushes now. But I've also noticed that when I make a big deposit in the toilet in the morning and I flush the toilet sometimes is not able to complete a flush. I'm attaching 2 photos below. The first photo shows the water level in the tank before I flush. The second photo is of the water level right before the flapper goes down. http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu194/coolstripedbass/toilet3_zpsnfftyg4u.jpg http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu194/coolstripedbass/toilet4_zpsct5xtrid.jpg If you have any feedback please don't be shy. I want to hear from you!
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randy427
7 years ago
Have you tried readjusting the collar around the standpipe (overflow tube) to make sure the hinge side of the flapper seats squarely and flush?
marknmt thanked randy427
Vith
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would try silicone grease on the new flapper seal first, it is known to help seal a leaky flapper. If that doesnt work then replace the entire flush valve, which requires taking the tank off.
marknmt thanked Vith
marknmt
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you all.

I did try, as Randy suggested, readjusting the collar, but never could make the flapper fall consistently. I guess the chain lifting it shifted it slightly with every use until it was cockeyed. I didn't put the silicone grease on it (forgot to buy it) but I think I should have some around anyway so I'll get some.

What I ultimately did, and what seems to be working for the moment at least, was to buy a Flushmaster kit, yank out the the old chrome one that was in there, and follow the instructions: clean, clean, clean, dry, orient unit, press firmly, hook up chain. The old one was in the toilet 40 years ago when we moved in here, and if this one survives half that long it'll outlast me!

The kit doesn't depend on the collar on the overflow tube but has the "ears". It's an integral unit so the fit should be good. I'm a little wary of plastic, but when it's good it's good, it cost $7.22 @ Big Box Store, and if it saves us wrestling that valve out of there I won't complain!

I really appreciate the help and suggestions- you guys are great.

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