toilet flapper won't float long enough to flush. put in a new one- same problem. adjusted chain length- same problem ???

biggray,

It seems like everyone is trying to outdo others on 'water saving' devices, including toilet flappers.  That often means a valve that doesn't let enough water through to do a decent flush.

Many of the manufacturers offer a valve with an adjustable fluch.  They are usually at the higher end of the price range.  That is what you will want to look for, one with adjustable timing.  Set it at the maximum time range and see if it meets your needs.  If not, take it back to the store.  If it gives an adequate flush you can always dial it back to save some water.  With a lot of valves, when you have solid waste to flush, you may have to hold the handle down for a little while to get long enough water flow.  But for just liquid waste, a simple push down and let go should always work. 

 

Some flappers have holes in them, and they will not stay open after you let go of the handle. Does your flapper have a hole in the side of the cone? This lets the air out that would otherwise keep the flapper open until the water level reaches the flapper. These flappers are good for saving water because they flush just enough for number 1, but you have to hold the handle down to flush a bigger load. Look for a flapper without a hole and this will solve your problem, though it will always flush a whole tank. They never explain this on the packaging, and sometimes stores only carry only one type.

I will check out the flapper for holes etc, I have installed many replacement flappers and never encountered this problem. Must we always screw up something that worked?