Is there a plumber out there? (tank, toilet, build, standard)

[mimosa]

Our toilet isnt old but we keep having problems with it. You have to hold the handle down until the water flushes or it won't. Even doing that, it sometimes just swirls around and looks like it's coming up. Then the chain came off and my husband put it back and it's the same as before. Do we need a plumber or can this be salvaged. It's an American Standard about 5 years old.

[nicolepsy]

do NOT call a plumber. this sounds like an easy fix that your husband or even you can do. how to fix it im not sure but i know somehere will tell you or you can find info on the net. just trying to save you $.

[RoaminRed]

Check here:

common toilet tank problem repairs

[sacredgrooves]

just change the innards....fill-tube, flapper etc. piece of cake.

[Arcticthaw]

Sounds like there may be two problems. First check the slack in the chain. It should be just loose enough that when the handle is released and the flapper is closed there is a slight sag. When flushing the chain should tighen a bit and when the handle is depressed the flapper should open completely (go almost vertical). As the water drops the flapper should close tightly. If the flapper closes too soon, it can cause what your describing. If you hold open the handle and the flapper is held up and the toilet still slowly swirls and doesn't go down then it may be one of two things. First is there a jet spary at the bottome of the toilet, if so make sure it is not plugged with calcium build up. The second is maybe some one dropped something down and it is caught in the trap. If this is the case then buy a good toilet snake with a drop swivel head. About 6 foot long with a 90 degree bend at the bottom. Use the snake to clear the blockage. If all else fails you usually can get a replacement toilet for 100 to 400 depending how fancy you want. This you can do yourslef just follow the instrucions.