If the toilet doesn't flush completely unless you hold the handle down for the entire flush cycle, it's usually because the flapper is not fully lifting away from the flush valve. This problem is caused by too much slack in the lifting chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper.
Jiggling the handle helps shake out the chain that connects the handle to the flapper valve. The chain can easily kink up or get caught on the flapper valve, preventing it from forming a solid seal.
The toilet handle nut is often the cause of a loose toilet handle. It is usually found inside the tank, on the underside of the handle. Turn the nut clockwise with an adjustable wrench or pliers until it is snug. Be careful not to over-tighten as this may damage the handle or tank.
Adjust the tension on the chain if it's too loose by unhooking it from the handle, shortening it by a link or two, and reattaching it. Try flushing the toilet, and if the flapper rises to the vertical position and stays up, the repair is complete.
With a simple adjustment of your toilet flapper, this is quickly resolved. If your toilet is flushing twice, it is most likely due to the fact that it is staying open too long and flushing too much water. If you have an adjustable flapper, this can be corrected by adjusting your toilet flapper to close quicker.
While toilet flappers are normally pretty durable, they can wear out over time. The average toilet flapper lasts about 4 to 5 years. It is important that you replace your toilet flapper when needed to prevent damaging leaks.
Toilets usually rock because they are not resting flush against the floor. Underneath the toilet base is a round toilet flange that connects the toilet to the drain pipe. If the flange is a little higher than the surrounding flooring, the toilet becomes raised slightly in the center, allowing it to rock to either side.
When the flapper wears out, water can leak into the toilet's bowl, which results in a slow leak in your tank. Then, when the tank refills, it creates the vibrating noise. Flappers wear out faster if you regularly use chemicals to clean your toilet.
The flange bolts are loose
One of the most common things that causes a toilet to rock back and forth are loose flange bolts. These are the bolts that hold the toilet down at an even level with the floor in your bathroom.
Now, most of the time, a loose toilet isn't going to harm you. It won't impede your ability to use the toilet, and it's not particularly dangerous. However, over time, a wobbly toilet that is ignored can progress into a much worse problem. The biggest concerns are a sewer gas leak or a water leak into your home.
Toilets wobble when they aren't held securely to the floor, and if you let the wobble persist, they can leak and give you more serious problems. More often than not, the wobble is caused by loose toilet bolts, but the flange may also be responsible. It may be corroded, broken or set too high.
If you tighten it too much, you can pull the closet bolt out through the flange, ruining the flange or breaking the porcelain. DO NOT tighten it as tight as it will go, like you're building something or working on your car - you'll break the flange, chip or crack the porcelain or both.
As a rule of thumb, try a turn or two a side until you feel resistance, them try to wiggle the toilet bowl slightly. If there is no significant movement, you are probably tight enough. This tightening operation is a "feel" thing you get from experience, so be conservative and use your best judgement.
Share: Toilets can last for up to 50 years under average conditions. However, this doesn't mean that you won't need to spend money maintaining it throughout its useful life. Furthermore, there are many factors that could cause your toilet to fail in less than 50 years.
The short answer is, indefinitely. Wax, unlike rubber, doesn't deteriorate. Unless there's another problem with the toilet, it won't spring a leak on its own. People usually replace wax rings when they remove the toilet for some unrelated reason.
Why Do You Have to Flush Your Toilet Twice? A broken flapper is the most common reason for having to flush a toilet twice. The flapper keeps water from exiting the tank while the toilet is not in use. If the flapper is broken, water can escape from the tank when the toilet is not in use, forcing you to flush twice.
If your toilet isn't flushing all the way, it's most likely because of one of these problems: The water level in your toilet tank is set too low. Problems with your flapper. A clog in the toilet, flange or drain.
Causes. There are typically one of two parts accountable for a noisy toilet flush: the washer or ballcock valve. The flush valve washer is a rubber seal that prevents your toilet from continuously running. Over time, it can become weak and develop cracks or a loose seal that causes noise whenever you flush.
A loose toilet is a pretty quick and easy problem to solve, but we recommend hiring a professional because an inexperienced DIY-er may make it worse or cause other problems. Expect to pay $50 to $150 to fix a loose toilet.
Most plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.