Toilet flapper fine — fix handle bushing sideways play
Running toilet
When the toilet keeps running after a good toilet flapper, sideways handle play from a worn bushing can lift the chain. Snug the bushing before another flapper swap.
A solid toilet flapper still lets the toilet keep running if the handle bushing is worn and the lever wobbles sideways, tugging the chain. Fix the bushing play before you buy another flapper.
Handle bushing sideways play can lift a good toilet flapper
- Shut off the supply and remove the tank lid. Flush once to lower the water if needed.
- Wiggle the handle: up/down is normal; large side-to-side play means the plastic bushing or mounting nut is worn.
- Tighten the mounting nut inside the tank (usually reverse-thread — snug, do not crack porcelain) or replace a cracked bushing kit.
- Confirm chain slack is still about a half-link with the flapper seated — then test that the toilet no longer runs.
If the handle still binds hard after a new bushing, stop forcing it — a bent lever arm may need a full trip-lever kit.
More help
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