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August 21, 2008
Toilet Handle Stuck
Q: Hi, Ed. We have a strange problem with our toilet. In the mornings it is very hard to push the handle down. So hard we're afraid it will break! This may sound strange, but it almost feels like a vacuum forms overnight. Any ideas will be appreciated. Bill_Alabama
A: Bill, I have seen strange things with toilets and something uncommon may be happening in the bowl rim as it drains overnight to cause a vacuum. Check to make sure the toilet is level from front to back and side to side to prevent some type of air lock.
More likely, you may have a flapper that is getting soft from cleaning products or chlorine in the water. If a flapper gets soft and gooey it may stick to the seat of the flush valve. This may also explain why it locks in the closed position after sitting all night.
Also check the handle itself. If the handle locks up, it may feel like it's a flapper problem when it's not. Take the easy road first and change the flapper and handle to see what happens. After that you may need to call in a pro to see what's up with your locked up toilet!
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at August 21, 2008 3:04 PM
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