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The normal water level in a toilet bowl is about halfway full. The water should sit above the P trap drain because this creates a seal and suction. When you flush the toilet, the suction keeps sewer gases from entering your house through your toilet. Anytime the water level is higher or lower than half full, you need to make adjustments or replace broken parts.

Toilet handles can get stuck for a couple of reasons, but it’s commonly an issue with the chain. Remove the lid and check the chain’s connection, running from the flapper to the handle arm. Sometimes the chain gets snagged on or against another part of the tank. 

The chain might not have the right tension. For example, a chain that’s too short can make the handle feel stuck. Check that there’s some slack in the chain. Old, worn-out flappers can get stuck, too. In this case, you’ll need to see which size toilet flapper you need.

To test for toilet leaks, use water coloring in the water tank and see if the water slips into the bowl from the tank. This test will indicate if there’s a problem with the flapper or refill tube. You can also put water coloring in the bowl of the toilet to see if there is a leak there. If there is, you should see the colored water on the outside of the toilet bowl or on the floor. 

Replacing a standard toilet with an elongated one is straightforward. The two types can be installed using the same existing drainpipe and plumbing. If you have a small bathroom, make sure that an elongated toilet doesn’t violate local building codes for clearance, which is the space between fixtures and walls.