Fixing a Toilet Chain

Adjust the flush handle/flapper chain

Flapper chain fix

Adjust the chain to leave a little slack with the flapper closed. Then cut off the excess, leaving about an inch.

A chain that’s too short or tangled won’t allow the flapper to close and water will continue to leak into the bowl. This causes the fill valve to cycle on and off to refill the tank. A chain that’s too long, or a flush rod that hits the the tank lid, won’t open the flapper wide enough to stay open for the full flush. You’ll find yourself having to hold the lever to complete a good flush.

To avoid these problems, adjust the linkage in the chain to leave only a slight bit of slack when closed. Cut the chain at the rod to leave only about an inch extra to reduce the potential for tangles. Then put the tank lid back on and make sure the flush rod doesn’t strike the lid when you press the lever. If it does, bend it down slightly and readjust the chain.