If the chain inside your toilet tank that connects the flapper valve to the flush handle suddenly snaps, you‘ll need to replace it as soon as possible to get your toilet flushing properly again. A broken toilet chain prevents the flapper from opening when you flush, meaning no water can flow from the tank to the bowl. Replacing a broken chain is an easy fix, but you‘ll need to turn off the water supply first. Here‘s a step-by-step guide to replacing a broken toilet chain.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you can open up the toilet tank and replace any parts, you‘ll need to shut off the water supply. There should be a water supply valve behind the toilet or along the wall behind the tank. Turn it clockwise until it‘s completely closed. Then flush the toilet to empty out the tank.
Remove the Tank Lid
The tank lid usually just lifts off, allowing you access to the inner workings. In some cases, you may need to unscrew a bolt on either side of the tank to remove the lid. Set the lid aside somewhere safe.
Disconnect the Existing Chain
Look inside the tank and locate the chain that runs from the flapper valve up to the flusher handle. You‘ll need to disconnect it from both ends. Start by gently unhooking it from the handle arm. Then unhook it from the hole or hook on the flapper valve. Set the broken chain aside.
Remove the Flapper Valve
The flapper valve is the rubber or plastic piece that covers the drain hole at the bottom of the tank. It‘s connected to the chain and lifts up when you flush. To remove it, look for a small retaining nut or clips around the edge of the flapper. Unscrew or unhook these, then gently pull up the flapper valve.
Inspect the flapper valve while you have it out. If it‘s cracked, brittle, or warped, you‘ll want to replace it at the same time.
Install the New Chain
Once the old chain is out of the way, you can install the new one. Start by hooking one end of the chain into the hole or hook on the flapper valve. Make sure it‘s secure.
Then take the other end of the chain and attach it to the arm of the flusher handle. The chain should have just enough slack that it can lift the flapper valve easily when you flush.
Reinstall the Flapper Valve
Gently press the flapper valve back down into place over the drain hole. Reattach any retaining clips or screws. Make sure you get a tight seal all around the valve.
Give the chain a test pull – the flapper should lift up easily. Adjust the chain as needed to remove any slack.
Replace the Tank Lid
With the new chain installed and connected, you can put the toilet tank lid back on. Some lids just drop back into place, while others will need to be re-secured with bolts or screws on the sides.
Turn the Water Back On
The final step is to turn the water supply valve back on behind your toilet. Check for any leaks as the tank re-fills. Once full, do a test flush or two to make sure everything is working properly.
And that‘s it! With a few simple steps and a replacement chain, you can easily fix a broken toilet chain and get your toilet flushing like normal again.
FAQ About Broken Toilet Chains
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about broken toilet chains and how to fix them:
How do you know if your toilet chain is broken?
The most obvious sign your toilet chain is broken is if the toilet won‘t flush at all when you push the handle. You can also check inside the tank. If the chain is disconnected or you see a break in the links, it needs to be replaced.
Why do toilet chains break?
Toilet chains most often break due to age and wear over many years of use. The constant back and forth motion weakens the metal. Links can also get twisted or rusted. Manufacturing defects can sometimes cause a weak link.
Can I just reconnect a broken toilet chain?
Trying to reconnect a broken link or two might work temporarily, but it‘s best to replace the entire chain. The weakened links are prone to breaking again. Replacement chains are inexpensive and installing a brand new chain isn‘t difficult.
How do I pick the right replacement toilet chain?
Bring the old chain with you to find an identical match. Hardware stores have a wide selection. Make sure to get the same approximate chain length and link size. The hook or clip ends should also match.
What if my flapper valve is cracked?
If the flapper valve is damaged, replace it when you install the new chain. Flapper valves are inexpensive and replacing them along with the chain takes just a few extra minutes. A cracked flapper will keep leaking and won‘t seal properly when closed.
How can I adjust a toilet chain?
If the new chain doesn‘t have enough slack, loosen a link or two so the flapper can raise higher. If it‘s too loose, tighten the chain by removing a link. Adjust the hooks at the ends to get the right lift height.
How do I stop my toilet chain from tangling?
Make sure the chain has some slack but isn‘t too loose. Lubricating the chain with silicone spray can help it move smoothly without tangling up. You can also install a chain with wider links that are less likely to twist and turn.
When should I call a plumber for a broken chain?
If you don‘t feel comfortable accessing the inner toilet tank or doing minor repairs, call a professional plumber. They can replace the chain, inspect the rest of the tank, and make any other needed repairs.
Replacing a Broken Toilet Handle Chain Step-by-Step
If the chain that runs from your toilet handle to the flapper valve has broken, the toilet won‘t flush properly. Replacing the handle chain is an easy DIY project that you can tackle in about 15 minutes. Follow these steps:
Supplies Needed
Toilet handle chain replacement kit (includes chain and handle if needed)
Adjustable pliers
Bucket
Old rag or towel
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve behind or near the base of the toilet. Turn it clockwise to shut off water to the toilet.
Step 2: Flush Toilet and Empty Tank
Flush the toilet one time to drain most of the water out of the tank. Then use a small bucket to scoop out any remaining water.
Step 3: Remove Tank Lid
The tank lid usually lifts right off, but you may need to unscrew bolts on the sides before removing it.
Step 4: Disconnect Old Chain
Use pliers to disconnect the existing chain from the flapper valve and the handle arm.
Step 5: Remove Flapper Valve
Unscrew or unclip the flapper valve from the tank bottom. Inspect it for cracks or warps.
Step 6: Attach Chain to Flapper
Hook one end of the new chain into the hole or hook on the flapper valve.
Step 7: Connect Chain to Handle
Attach the other end of the new chain to the handle arm inside the tank. Leave some slack.
Step 8: Reinstall Flapper
Place the flapper valve back into position and reattach any hardware to hold it in place.
Step 9: Replace Tank Lid
Put the toilet tank lid back on and bolt it back down if necessary.
Step 10: Turn Water On
Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill.
Step 11: Test Flush
Flush the toilet a couple times to ensure the new chain is working properly.
Be patient and take time to get the chain length and slack right so your flapper seals properly between flushes. And just like that, you‘ve successfully replaced a broken toilet handle chain!
How to Remove a Stuck Toilet Chain
Over time, the chain that runs from your toilet handle to the flapper valve can become stuck in place. A stuck chain prevents the flapper from lifting when you flush. Here are some tips for freeing a stuck toilet chain:
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Spray lubricant like WD-40 on the chain links and let it sit for 15 minutes. The lubricant will loosen up stuck links.
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Use pliers or channel locks to break the chain free from the handle or flapper. Grip tightly on the stuck link and twist and rock it back and forth.
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Replace the chain if you can‘t unstick it. Attempting to reuse a stuck chain could lead to future problems.
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Check that the chain isn‘t catching on anything inside the tank that‘s preventing it from moving smoothly.
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Make sure the hooks on the end of the chain aren‘t jammed into holes that are too small. Use pliers to disconnect.
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Adjust the slack in a loose chain to take out extra links that may be getting pinched or tangled.
With some troubleshooting, lubricant, or potentially a new chain, you can get a stuck toilet chain moving freely again in no time.
How to Stop a Toilet Chain From Unhooking
If your toilet chain keeps popping off the flapper valve or handle arm inside the tank, it likely needs to be adjusted. Here are some tips to stop a toilet chain from unhooking:
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Remove any excess chain length so there‘s less slack for the hooks to pop out of place.
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Check that the chain hooks are the right size for the holes they attach to. Hooks that are too small can easily slip out.
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Make sure the chain has a little bit of slack but not enough to be able to move around too much. Too much slack increases the chances of unhooking.
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Try a different style of chain that has closed links instead of open hooks, reducing the risk of detachment.
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Lubricate the chain, handle arm pivot, and flapper hinge with silicone spray to ensure smooth movement.
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Verify that the flapper valve is properly sealed when closed so there is no extra pressure on the chain.
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Check for signs of wear at the handle and flapper attachment points and replace any defective parts.
With a properly adjusted chain, lubrication, and inspecting for any issues, you can get your toilet chain to stay connected and working properly during every flush.
Why Does My Toilet Have Two Chains?
Some toilets have two chains inside the tank rather than just one. There are a couple reasons why a toilet might be equipped with two chains:
Dual Flush Toilet – Many modern water-efficient toilets have a split flush system with two flush buttons or handles on top. In this case, there are two separate flapper valves in the tank controlled by individual chains. One smaller chain is for liquid waste, while the larger chain flushes solids down with more water.
Fill Valve Chain – The second chain is connected to the fill valve, not the flapper. This chain allows you to manually close the fill valve to stop water from entering the tank. It can be used when you need to service the tank or if the valve is stuck open.
Backup Chain – Sometimes toilets have a secondary chain as a backup in case the main flapper chain breaks. Tugging the backup chain should still open the flapper valve so you can flush until you replace the main chain.
Grab Bar Support – In commercial bathrooms, the second chain may be connected to a tank support bracket, allowing it to double as a grab bar for accessibility.
So in summary, a second chain provides either a dual flush function, manual water shutoff, redundancy, or grab bar support in certain toilet models and installations.
How to Adjust Toilet Tank Water Level
If your toilet tank is filling up with too much or too little water, you likely just need to adjust the water level inside the tank. Here‘s how:
Supplies Needed
- Adjustable pliers
- Rag or small bucket
Steps to Adjust Water Level:
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Turn off water supply valve behind toilet.
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Flush toilet to empty tank. Soak up remaining water with rag or small bucket.
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Look inside tank and locate the fill valve, the tall plastic tube water flows through.
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At the top of the fill valve is a float cup attached to a vertical rod. Bend this rod up or down to adjust water level.
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Lower rod = more water in tank; Raise rod = less water in tank. Adjust in small increments.
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Turn water supply back on and allow tank to fill. Check water level and readjust as needed.
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The ideal level is about 1" below the top of the overflow tube.
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Flush a few times to verify fill level is correct. Make additional small adjustments if needed.
Adjusting the tank water level can solve issues like noisy valve refilling, weak or excessive flushing, and overflowing or running toilets. Get it right and your toilet will flush like new again.
Fixing a Sticking Toilet Handle
If your toilet handle sticks when you try to flush, or won‘t return back to its original position, it likely needs to be fixed or replaced. Here are some tips for fixing a sticking toilet handle:
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Spray lubricant like WD-40 into the handle pivot area and along the chain. Let it soak in for 15 minutes.
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Check for any obstructions or mineral buildup near the handle pivot that could be blocking movement.
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Make sure the nuts holding the handle to the tank are tightened properly, but not overly tight.
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Ensure the lift chain moves freely and is not catching on anything inside the tank.
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Adjust the angle of the handle arm so the lift chain aligns in a straight path to the flapper.
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If necessary, remove the tank lid and handle to inspect the interior mechanism for damage.
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Replace any defective parts like bushings or the handle return spring.
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Consider installing a new handle and arm set if the current ones are badly worn out.
With regular lubrication and inspection, you can fix a sticking toilet handle quickly and easily without needing to replace the entire tank.
Troubleshooting Constantly Running Toilets
If your toilet keeps running even after flushing, wasting gallons of water, there are several parts that could be the culprit. Here‘s how to troubleshoot a constantly running toilet:
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Flapper valve – A worn, cracked or misaligned flapper can cause leakage into the bowl. Replace the flapper if it isn‘t sealing properly after flushing.
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Fill valve – If the fill valve isn‘t shutting off completely, water will continuously enter the tank. Adjust the float cup height or clean the valve seal.
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Flush handle – A handle that sticks can prevent the flapper from closing fully. Fix any sticking handles.
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Overflow tube – A blocked overflow tube won‘t allow the tank to fill properly. Clean the tube.
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Tank water level – If set too high, water can spill into the overflow tube. Adjust the tank water level.
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Mineral buildup – Sediment around valves and seals can cause leakage. Clean tank components.
Constantly running toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water if left unresolved. By methodically checking each component, you can isolate and fix the issue.
