If you have ever had a toilet that requires holding the handle down for the duration of the flush, you know how annoying those seconds can be. Fortunately, there is an easy solution.

1. MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT. Remove the toilet tank cover carefully and observe the action of the internal parts as you flush the toilet without holding the tank handle down. Then flush the toilet again, but this time observe the action of the internal parts as you hold the tank handle down. You may find that the center rubber device known as the flapper may not be staying up long enough to allow all of the water to flush out before closing again. Most likely, the chain that connects the flapper to the tank handle is too long.

2. ADJUST THE CHAIN. Remove the upper portion of the chain from the handle and pull out some of the slack by reattaching the chain to the handle slightly above where the chain was previously attached. The problem should be solved. If not, you may be able to get a chain or a flapper with a small float attached. The float holds the flapper up until the water comes down, thus releasing water longer.