Why does my toilet flapper stay open?

Question

My toilet had a problem with intermittent running, which I determined was caused by a leaking flapper (the water level would drop, and the toilet would run to return the level to normal). I replaced the ring and the flapper (twice, two different models), but I have the same problem- the flapper opens, but does not close when the flush is complete. So, unless I open the tank and close it manually, it remains open and the water keeps running.

I haven't ever had this problem, and I put a new ring and the old flapper on, and tried two other models of flapper, same problem. This has GOT to be a simple fix, can you give me some suggestions? I have tried adjusting the chain length, too.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Too much travel  make the chain longer, so the flapper doesnt come up too high. Flapper only needs to cone up enought to break the seal, boyancy does the rest

Answer 2

Almost without a doubt we'll agree something is hanging up on the flapper which could be as simple as taking it back off and "carefully" enlarging the two holes it attaches to the tube then use some Vaseline petroleum jelly or something similar to lubricate it and reinstall. Be sure the  plastic fill tube is straight up & down and not leaning off center, if it is, loosen and retighten it.

Answer 3

if you have a 1.6 gallon per flush toilet and you put in a flapper for older style toilet, that may be problem. get flapper for 1.6 gal toilet... another cause could be too much water flow entering tank.at valve on lower left of tank turn clockwise to slow flow of water into tank

Answer 4

most new flappers come with a "ring" on the back of it along with two "ears" with holes in them.... if your flush valve stem that the flapper hooks onto has two pegs for the "ear holes" try cutting the ring out!! it may be keeping your flapper from sealing and flowing correctly!! good luck

Answer 5

well they come with 2 hookup points. either a ring or they have 2 i guess you could call them handles. if you use the handles cut out the ring. this will fix your problem

Answer 6

The flapper is going back too far. There are very small notches that control how far the flapper can go back. It should not be vertical. Probably what happned was when you replaced the flapper those little notches were broken or you broke them. You can fix that with a glass top to a jar. You put the jar in the tank behind the flapper so it can't go back too far. There is another thing to you can do too, adjust the chain so it does not pull the flapper up too far. If nothing works then get a plumber to replace the whole collar. This is a job for an experienced person. You don't want to risk the toilet overflowing or worse.

Answer 7

check the handle and make sure it hasn't turned or loosened up also check the two pivot points on the flapper to make sure they are not binding if all else fails heres an old trick i have had to use on occasion remove the flapper turn it over and gently squeeze a quarter sized washer inside the air bulb the extra weight may be just enough to stop the problem