Toilet flapper fine — bent trip lever needs a kit not just a flapper
Running toilet
When a toilet keeps running after a new toilet flapper, a bent trip lever can hold the flapper open. Replace the lever kit instead of stacking more flappers.
A new toilet flapper will not stop a tank that toilet keeps running if the metal or plastic trip lever is bent and holds the flapper ajar. Fix the lever path before buying a third flapper.
Bent trip lever can keep a good toilet flapper open
- Remove the tank lid. Flush and watch whether the lever arm returns fully and lets the flapper drop centered on the flush valve.
- If the arm is twisted, hits the fill valve, or leaves chain tension when at rest, do not keep adjusting chain alone.
- Install a matching trip-lever kit (handle + arm) for your tank hole style — left or right mount — and set chain slack so the flapper can seal.
- Listen for silence after the tank refills. Persistent hiss with a straight lever points back to flapper seal or fill-valve height — not another bent arm.
Honest stop: turn the supply stop off if water will not shut off. Do not force a wrong-hand lever through a porcelain hole. Cracked tanks need a plumber — not more plastic kits.
More help
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- Related fixes elsewhere: Adjust toilet flapper chain slack · Tighten toilet handle nut for partial lift