On Dec 24, 10:28*am, "SteveBell" wrote:
About 50% of the time, the flapper seats properly after flushing. *The
rest of the time, it does not, and it's necessary to tap the flush
handle.

Is this a flapper problem per se, or a problem with some other part of
the mechanism? *Thanks

The fix to this is truly trial and error.

Possibilities:
** The seat is covered with water deposits.
* *Scrub gently with a low-abrasive scotch-brite cloth or steel wool.
Possibly apply vinegar. Don't make scratches in the surface, or you'll
have a permanent leak.
** The seat is damaged.
* *Replace the seat.
** The flapper is misaligned above the seat.
* *Align it properly.
** The flapper is damaged or worn.
* *Replace it.

Start by replacing the flapper. It's less than three dollars most
places, and it takes about 30 seconds.

If the bolts that hold the tank to the base are corroded, get a rebuild
kit and replace the whole works all at once. You'll be set for ten
years or more. If the seat is damaged, this is the way to go.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX USA

I had just replaced my flapper when the same problem started occuring.
It took a while but I found that the flapper was wedging itself on the
bowl fill tube. a tie wrap placed on the fill tube stopped this. At
least part of the problem was people rotating the flush handle too
far.