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How to Fix a Toilet Chain (Broken or Replacement) DIY Guide 2023

Last updated: Feb 2nd, 2023 by Tyler White

Fixing a toilet chain is not as complicated as rocket science. You need to shut off the water supply and replace the old faulty chain with a new one. You can either rely on a plumbing professional or get the work done by yourself. 

A broken toilet chain is a common problem homeowners come across. But the process is still time-consuming and requires a few proper steps. If not done properly, it might make the situation even worse.

We have many fix and repair guides, but this one will share steps in detail on how to repair a broken flush chain in your toilet. In addition to that, we will talk about a few important pieces of information in this ultimate guide.

Page Contents

  • Key Takeaways
  • Purpose Of A Toilet Chain
  • Noticing the Toilet Chain is Broken
  • Toilet Chain Keeps Falling Off  (Causes)
    • Rusting
    • Too Tight Chain
  • Fixing a Toilet Chain
    • Materials/Tools Needed for Repair
      • Step 1: Remove the Lid
      • Step 2: Turn the Water Supply Off
      • Step 3: Drain the Tank
      • Step 4: Check the Toilet Chain
      • Step 5: Remove & Install the New Chain
      • Step 6: Close the Lid & Turn On The Water Supply
  • FAQs
    • How Slack Should A Toilet Chain Be?
    • Can You Replace The Toilet Chain On Your Own?
    • How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Toilet Chain?

Key Takeaways

  • Fixing a toilet chain does not require any professional help; however, if you’re not confident doing it yourself, it’s better to take expert help
  • Toilet chains are one of the most important parts of the flushing tank
  • It connects the lever to the flapper valve to allow water into the toilet to blow
  • Corrosion and excessive pressure on the chain often cause it to break
  • Replace the broken chain with a new one within a few easy steps

Purpose Of A Toilet Chain

The toilet chain is an essential part of the system that flushes the bowl. Its purpose is to link the lever and flapper valve together inside the tank. You may have a ball float valve instead of a flapper valve, but the process remains the same.

Nonetheless, when you push down to flush the toilet, the lever moves upwards along with the chain, which unplugs the valve. Once the valve is unplugged, the water rushes through the bowl, flushing the toilet. After it is done, the lever moves back to its original position and closes it, shutting off the water.

Noticing the Toilet Chain is Broken

The broken chain inside the toilet chain is a highly common matter. If you notice that your toilet is not flushing properly, open the tank and check the chain.

In case the chain is broken, it will not be able to lift the flapper valve. And if the valve remains closed, the water will not rush through the bowl, preventing the flushing process.

Toilet Chain Keeps Falling Off  (Causes)

There are a few reasons why the toilet chain breaks/falling off, preventing the bowl from flushing. Let us look at some of these causes.

Rusting

One of the top reasons behind a broken chain in the tank is rusting. The chain remains in water inside the tank at all times. And this positioning often causes it to rust. The corrosion slowly affects the bond over time, and it eventually breaks.

Too Tight Chain

Another reason the chain breaks is when it is positioned too tightly in the tank. The chain inside the tank must be placed properly so that it is not too loose or tight. If the positioning is more loose than usual, the chain will fall, lowering the water pressure.

However, when the chain is positioned too tightly, flushing puts excessive pressure on it. And this excess pressure causes the chain to snap, preventing the toilet from flushing.

Fixing a Toilet Chain

Fixing the chain inside the toilet tank is quite easy, and you do not need many materials for the job. All you need for the repair are pliers and a new toilet chain. Let us look at how to fix it.

Materials/Tools Needed for Repair

To fix a toilet chain, you do not need a wide range of materials or tools. The items you need to repair the chain are:

  • Pliers
  • New Toilet Chain

Step 1: Remove the Lid

The very first step in this process is to remove the lid from the tank. Make sure that you place the lid in a safe place so that it does not fall or break in any way.

Step 2: Turn the Water Supply Off

After removing the lid, turn off the water supply properly. There is a small knob near the tank. Turn the knob in a clockwise direction until it turns off.

Step 3: Drain the Tank

Once you have turned the water supply off, you will have to drain the tank properly. Release the flapper valve manually to empty the tank properly. And the water will flush through the toilet bowl.

Step 4: Check the Toilet Chain

The next step is to examine the toilet chain. If any one of the chains snapped or came loose, it can be reattached back in place. However, if the chain breaks due to rust or excess pressure, you will have to replace it with a new one.

Step 5: Remove & Install the New Chain

Remove the broken toilet chain from the tank. The chain is connected to the lever and flapper valve through metal rings and clips. Make sure to remove the chain from these connecting points and keep it aside.

Take the new toilet chain and install it inside the tank. Connect one end to the metal clip of the lever and the other end to the flapper valve ring. Make sure that the chain is not too loose or too tight.

Step 6: Close the Lid & Turn On The Water Supply

Lastly, close the lid of the tank and turn the water supply back on. Once the water fills the tank, flush the toilet to see whether it is working properly or not.

FAQs

We understand it’s a lot to take in. We’ll answer some of the most common queries people have when fixing a toilet chain.

How Slack Should A Toilet Chain Be?

When installing a toilet chain inside the flush tank, make sure that it is not too tight or too loose. The chain should have a slight slack to allow the flapper valve to open properly. However, too much slack on the chain will prevent the valve from opening fully. If it is too tight, the pressure from the lever can cause it to break.

Can You Replace The Toilet Chain On Your Own?

Replacing a toilet chain is quite easy and does not require much time. If you have enough knowledge about plumbing and tools, you can replace the chain easily without any professional help.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Toilet Chain?

The cost of installing a new chain in the toilet tank varies depending on whether you rely on professional help or not. Typically, the cost of a new chain is between $6 to $10. However, hiring a plumber will add $50 to $100 to the total bill.

Category iconFix & Repair,  How-To and DIY Guides

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