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.
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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
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.