Toilet handle too hard to flush
#1
11-16-05, 07:20 PM
Toilet handle too hard to flush
Our toilet handle was getting harder and harder to push down. Now it won't push down enough to flush at all. We have to take off the lid and pull up on the flush valve to get the toilet to flush. It seems like it's sticking at the bottom seal area.
What should I do to correct the problem?
What should I do to correct the problem?
#2
11-16-05, 07:55 PM
Member
jasonhutch, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
You can purchase a new handle assembly. It appears that something has cracked or broken in the current one. Just remember, the threads on the nut inside the tank are left-handed. They turn the opposite direction than most threaded fittings. Good luck.
You can purchase a new handle assembly. It appears that something has cracked or broken in the current one. Just remember, the threads on the nut inside the tank are left-handed. They turn the opposite direction than most threaded fittings. Good luck.
#3
11-17-05, 02:28 PM
Still sticking
Thanks for the quick reply.
You were right that there was a crack in the handle assembly. I replaced it, but it's still sticking. It seems like it's sealing too tight at the bottom of the flush valve. Even when I open the lid and pull up on the flush valve with my hand, it takes a little pressure to pull it up.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
You were right that there was a crack in the handle assembly. I replaced it, but it's still sticking. It seems like it's sealing too tight at the bottom of the flush valve. Even when I open the lid and pull up on the flush valve with my hand, it takes a little pressure to pull it up.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
#4
11-18-05, 07:47 AM
Member
There may be something on the bottom of the flapper that is causing it to "stick" to the discharge hole. Turn off the water to the toilet and raise the flapper and clean it off. The only thing that should be holding it down is the water pressure exerted by the water level in the tank. Good luck.
#5
11-18-05, 12:49 PM
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Hello, Replace the flapper. They rot and then act like glue. I think it is caused by cleaners like bleech.The worst ones are the solid flappers with a gasket on the bottom found on Kohler toilets and others.
Good Luck Woodbutcher
Good Luck Woodbutcher
#6
11-18-05, 04:39 PM
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The drop-ball style "flapper" that falls, guided by a thin brass rod, wears itself into the seat hole too well over time, where it lodges tighter and tighter over time. A new rubber ball end on the end of the brass rod will cure it. Tell us if indeed this is the type "flapper" you have. And I have found tha the large size one always has cured these problems. They come in 2 diameter sizes.
#8
11-19-05, 11:24 AM
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Yes. These can be bought at home centers. It isn't a flapper per se, but rather a ring. But yes, that should cure the problem. I have gotten calls regarding this problem and if the plastic handle doesn't break first, from the pressure you have to exert to get the toilet handle to go down, then replacing that seal will do it for you.
