"Jiggle the handle!" It's a common phrase in many homes--even plumbers'. It seems like the toilet bowl flushing mechanism is one of the most common fix-it problems. Why else would there be rows of toilet fix-it parts at most hardware stores? So how can you take care of these and other toilet plumbing problems? Keep reading.

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical toilet tank.

A toilet is a bathroom fixture that usually consists of a water-flushed bowl and seat. Two mechanisms operate simultaneously when a toilet is flushed: a flush valve and a fill (ball cock) valve. Tripping the flush handle raises the flush valve, releasing water from the tank into the bowl. The rushing water creates a siphoning action in the bowl that forces wastewater down the drain. As the tank empties, the lowering water level lowers a float that's connected to the ball cock. As the float falls, it operates the fill valve inside the ball cock. Meanwhile, the flush valve closes itself after the water drains from the tank. With the fill valve open and the flush valve closed, the tank fills and the rising water lifts the float. When it reaches a preset level, the float closes the fill valve in the ball cock. At that point, the tank should be full and ready to flush again.

There are various versions of this mechanism, sometimes with their own brand name. However, essentially they all work about the same.

What Can Go Wrong?

 A toilet can get plugged up and overflow or drain slowly. The handle can quit working effectively, and the flush mechanism or lift chain may need adjusting or replacing. The ball cock can malfunction. Leaks sometimes develop. A seat may need replacing. And a porcelain fixture can crack. All of these problems are fixable with basic tools and instructions.