Toilet flapper disintegrating is a big problem for every household. However, a worn-out toilet flapper needs to fix right away. And in this article, we are giving you the solutions for the toilet flapper disintegrating problem!
Generally, a toilet flapper lasts up to 3 to 5 years. After that, it creates many issues like the toilet will not flush properly, the leaky faucet wasting water, and increasing water bills. So you need to fix a toilet flapper immediately to avoid any problems.
So if you are interested to know more about toilet flapper disintegration, then read on.
Why does the toilet flapper disintegrate?
Toilet flapper can last long, but it gets damaged over time & there are many reasons for a toilet flapper to disintegrate. For example, avoid using toilet cleaner on the toilet tank. Toilet cleaners contain chlorine which is the biggest enemy of your toilet flappers.
The chlorine in the toilet cleaners destroys your toilet’s rubber seals and rubber washers. Thus, it damages your toilet flapper quickly. So you should avoid these kinds of toilet cleaners.
Another reason for toilet flappers disintegrating is the existing bacteria, algae, and rotifer habitats in the toilet tank. These cause damage to the tank fittings.
How to fix a toilet flapper?
Fixing a toilet flapper is not a big deal. You can do it by yourself or hire a plumber. But hiring a plumber can be costly. So it’s better to do it yourself. We have given some tips to fix a toilet flapper disintegration.
Choose a new toilet flapper:
When your toilet leaks water, it’s a sign to change your old flapper. Here keep in mind to bring a flapper according to your toilet model.
Stop the water supply in the toilet tank:
Stop any water supply in the toilet tank. Hence, you can replace the old toilet flapper.
Drain the toilet tank:
Then drain the water from the toilet tank. Now you can place the new toilet flapper.
Attach new toilet flapper:
After you drain all the exits water from the toilet tank, remove the old toilet flapper with the new one.
Run the water and check it out:
The last step is to run the water supply back & check whether the toilet leaks water. If your toilet flushes properly, then the toilet flapper disintegrating problem is fixed.
What happens if you don’t replace the toilet flapper?
You can have many problems if you don’t replace the toilet flapper. When you flush the toilet, the bad flapper will cause water leakage. As a result, you will waste so much water & have a large amount of water bill. And nobody likes to pay an extra water bill.
A worn-out toilet flapper needs to fix as soon as possible. Now you know the consequences of not replacing the toilet flapper. So it’s better to replace your worn-out toilet flapper else you will face many troubles.
How do I know if my flapper is bad?
Here are some ideas to know if your toilet flapper is bad. So read on below to know if your toilet flapper is bad.
- Your toilet water will run nonstop.
- You will notice rippling water between flashes.
- Next, you will notice a hissing filling sound coming from your toilet.
- Your toilet will have low flushing power.
- After a flush, your toilet will leak water.
- And lastly, the toilet handle will not help stop the flushing.
What causes the toilet flapper to stick?
The toilet flapper gets stuck because of too much slack in the lifting chain. This chain connects the flush lever with the flapper. And doesn’t allow the water to flow through the flush valve. So it causes the toilet flapper to stick.
How to fix stuck flapper in toilet?
- First, you will need four to five washers.
- Open the toilet tank, flush the remaining water, and remove the chain from the flapper.
- Also, you need to close the water supply.
- Next, put the washers on top of the chain and put them back with the flapper.
- Now run the water back and see whether the flapper is heavy enough to hold the water.
- If it’s flush properly and does not get stuck, you have fixed the stuck flapper in the toilet.
Why does my Toilet have two flappers?
Nowadays, toilet companies are giving two flappers with two flush valves. So you get a strong water flow with each flush. This design is known as the VorMax flush. And if you have a VorMax model toilet, you may have two flappers.
These kinds of two-flappers toilets give you dual flush & save water. So you can choose between a half flush or a full flush for disposing of the solid waste.
How do I make my flapper last longer?
A toilet flapper can last for about 4 to 5 years. And you can make your toilet flapper last long by not using chlorine products in the toilet tank. Many toilet cleansing products use chlorine which can harm the toilet flapper.
So don’t use any toilet cleansing products directly in the toilet tank to avoid damage to your toilet flapper. Next, you can get a flapper with a chain float. This chain float helps the flapper open for a long time and gives a better flush. So you will have a lower water bill.
Frequently asked question(FAQ)
What is the lifespan of a toilet flapper?
The lifespan of a toilet flapper is 4 to 5 years. However, this lifespan depends on several factors and so, it varies.
How much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet flapper?
A plumber charges $145 to $165 on average to replace a toilet flapper. The price is not fixed. The cost will vary according to the problem you are facing.
Should I replace my 20-year-old toilet?
Yes, you should replace a 20-year-old toilet. Because after that it starts leaking water and suffers from many problems. So it’s better to replace your 20-year-old toilet.
Final thoughts
A toilet flapper disintegrating is a big problem for every household. It can waste water and cause you to pay extra water bills. So fix a flapping toilet as soon as possible to avoid any hassle.
Also, read – Are toilet flappers universal?
