A running toilet is more than a minor inconvenience. All that water going down the drain could be your hard-earned cash.
It is important to replace a worn out toilet flapper on your toilet sooner rather than later.
Preparation to replace toilet flapper
Replacing a toilet flapper is a relatively easy task. However, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials ready before following the steps below.
Remove old flapper
1) Turn off the water supply to your toilet
You will need to stop water from flowing to the toilet tank before you can replace the old flapper or flush valve seal. The water supply valve is located on the wall behind or beside your toilet. The dial should be turned clockwise until it stops turning.
If the valve is difficult to turn, spray the valve with WD-40. Let it sit for five minutes and then twist it back and forth to loosen the valve. Avoid using pliers as this could damage to the valve and cause a water leak.
After shutting off the water, you may still hear a trickling sound. This is not fresh water being pumped into the toilet tank, but the stored water escaping.
If you are unable to locate a shutoff valve for your toilet, you might have to turn off the water supply to the house.
2) Empty the tank
Take off the tank lid of the toilet tank and place it aside carefully. Next, flush the toilet. This will drain the water from the toilet tank and allow you to work without any obstructions.
You should pay attention to the flapper’s movement when you flush the toilet. It will indicate whether the problem is a weak seal, or something more benign like a tight chain.
A functioning flapper will raise and lower smoothly and then settle back over the flush valve without creating gaps.
3) Disconnect the old flapper
The flapper is a large semicircular rubber sheet that covers the hole that lets water out of the tank and into the toilet bowl. It connects in two places: the tiny pegs on either end of the tubular valve and the chain attached to handle lever. To remove the flapper, first unclip the chain. Then pull the edges from the pegs.
When removing the flapper, be careful. The submerged parts can become brittle from prolonged exposure to hard water and can break apart when removing.
The majority of new flappers come with an attached chain. If your new flapper has a chain attached, disconnect the existing chain from its flush lever.
Installing the new flapper
1) Buy a new flapper
When shopping for a new flapper, bring the old one. This will allow you to compare different styles and help you find the right one. You should ensure that the flapper covers the toilet’s flush valve and connects to the same points.
Toilet flappers come with a variety of designs and materials. A standard rubber flapper is the best choice for a bathroom. It has a little bit more flexibility to give you a proper seal.
Don’t hesitate to ask one of the home improvement specialists for help if you have any questions about toilet flappers and their function.
2) Connect the flapper to the flush valve
Slide the rubber seal’s holes over the valve’s pegs, and then attach the lift chain to either end of the tank lever arm. To ensure that the flapper is in a straight line over the flush valve, and that it covers the entire area, lower the flapper.
Verify that each connection is secure to ensure that the flapper doesn’t come loose after a few flushes.
Clean the valve seal with fine-grit sandpaper so that your new flapper is watertight.
3) Adjust the length of the chain
The chain should have enough tension to allow the flapper to be pulled open by the toilet flush handle lever. Give the handle a push to feel the action. To get the perfect flush, you may need to adjust the position of your chain several times.
The rule of thumb is to have the ring at the end of the lift chain touch or hover just above the bottom.
Remember that you will need to apply more force to depress the handle if the tank is full.
Do not let the chain get too loose so that it can be pulled under the flapper as you flush the toilet.
4) Test the new toilet flapper
To restore water, turn the water shutoff valve clockwise. After a few seconds, the water level should rise to the top of the flush valve. Then press the handle. The toilet should flush immediately and forcefully, and then refill in about 30-45 seconds. To determine if the flapper worked, listen for the sound of running water in between flushes.
When you are satisfied with the performance of the new flapper, don’t forget about replacing the tank lid.
Note: If the water tank does not refill after turning back on the water, you may need to replace the fill valve.
Keep your toilet flapper in good working order
1) Replace your toilet flapper at first signs of wear
To avoid wasting money, it is a good idea to fix any running toilet problems as soon as possible. There will most likely be an inexpensive and simple fix. When you receive your next utility bill, you’ll be happy you did.
An old flapper can be identified by a soft hissing sound, low flushing power or rippling water inside the bowl. To stop the toilet from running after flushing, you may need to jiggle its handle.
You should change your toilet flapper every 2 to 3 years or more often as necessary.
2) Inspect the valve seal seat
Sometimes it’s not the flapper that is causing a running toilet but the circular lip it sits on. It may be necessary to replace the toilet’s valve seal seat if it appears worn, split or peeling. A seat will allow the flapper to form a tighter seal, and prevent water loss.
You can find a valve seal repair kit in your local home improvement shop. These kits will include a flexible replacement seat that can be fitted over the existing one with waterproof adhesive.
3) Hire a professional if needed
If you have tried everything to fix a slow leak but are still unsure of the cause, you should call a residential plumbing service. Plumbers are specially trained to deal with water-related problems that can be confusing for the average homeowner.
A qualified plumber shouldn’t cost more than $50, even if they have to install a new flush valve. However, they might uncover more serious issues.
