Are you tired of constantly dealing with a running toilet or a weak flush?
The culprit could be your toilet flapper.
But what exactly is a toilet flapper and how does it work?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of adjustable toilet flappers and explore how they function.
From understanding the mechanics of traditional flappers to learning how to adjust an adjustable flapper, we’ve got you covered.
Say goodbye to frustrating toilet issues and hello to a more efficient and effective bathroom experience.
Let’s get started!
How Does An Adjustable Toilet Flapper Work
An adjustable toilet flapper is a type of flapper that is designed to flush toilets that use a flush volume of 1.28 and 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). Unlike traditional flappers, adjustable flappers do not allow the flapper to trap or hold air inside their cone/bulb.
Adjustable flappers may use a float or a dial to delay the flapper from closing right away. The float is placed on the flapper chain and can be moved up or down to adjust how long the flapper remains open. This allows more water to enter the bowl for a better flush, resulting in a stronger flush and a lower water bill.
The dial, on the other hand, sets a secondary hole in the flapper cone to release air and force the flapper to close. By turning the cone from a minimum to maximum setting, you can move the secondary hole away from the top of the tank, which traps the air in the flapper cone for a longer period of time.
Adjusting an adjustable toilet flapper is relatively easy. You can turn the cone from a minimum to maximum setting, move the float up or down on the chain, or pull slightly on the cone and turn it from a minimum to maximum setting to close the cone window and cause the flapper to stay open longer.
It’s important to note that adjustable flappers should not be used on toilets made before 1994. If you need a 2-inch adjustable flapper, we recommend using the 502 toilet flapper. If you need a 3-inch adjustable flapper, we recommend using the 5403 toilet flapper.
What Is A Toilet Flapper?
A toilet flapper is a rubber or silicone valve that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and controls the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. When you push down on the toilet handle, the lift chain lifts off the flapper, allowing water in the tank to flow out through the flush valve and into the bowl, which causes the toilet to flush. Once the water has drained from the tank, the flapper falls back into place, creating a watertight seal on the flush valve seat and allowing the tank to refill in readiness for the next flushing.
Traditional flappers use air to hold them open, while adjustable flappers are designed to flush toilets that use a flush volume of 1.28 and 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), and they do not allow air to be trapped inside their cone/bulb. Adjustable flappers may use a float or a dial to delay their closing time, resulting in a stronger flush and lower water bills. It’s important to note that adjustable flappers should not be used on toilets made before 1994.
The Mechanics Of A Traditional Flapper
A traditional flapper is a rubber valve located at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you press down on the flush handle, the flapper is lifted up, allowing water to rush into the bowl and flush the waste. As the water moves from the tank to the toilet bowl, the flapper slowly sinks again to seat on the flush valve.
The flapper closes and seals the water inside the toilet tank, keeping it between flushes and controlling the amount of water a toilet uses per flush. The flush handle lifts its long arm inside the tank, which holds the flapper chain and picks it up while flushing. The chain lifts the flapper, letting the water go down the outlet pipe.
As the water drains, the flapper falls with the chain and the handle arm. When the flush process is over, the flapper returns to its original position to seal the tank. Without a reservoir of water to dispense human waste down the pipes and into the sewer system, an indoor toilet would be more unsanitary than an outhouse.
Common Toilet Flapper Problems
Even with the adjustable toilet flapper, problems can still arise. Here are some common issues that may occur:
1. Constant Running: If you hear your toilet refilling too often or if you hear the steady hiss of running water, the flapper may be leaking. When flappers or flush valve seats wear out, water trickles out, causing the water valve to open to refill the tank. This can result in a higher water bill and wasted water.
2. Flood Risk: If you left your dwelling unattended for a long time, a malfunctioning flapper can potentially cause a flood. This can lead to water damage and costly repairs.
3. Insufficient Flushing: If the toilet starts to flush but then stops, the chain may be too loose (causing the flapper to close prematurely) or the fill valve may be allowing insufficient water into the tank. This can result in incomplete flushing and the need for multiple flushes.
4. Buildup on Flapper: If the flapper is dirty or has a buildup of minerals or algae on it, it may not be able to seal properly. This can result in constant running and wasted water.
5. Dried Out or Cracked Flapper: If the flapper is dried out, warped, cracked, or pitted, it will need to be replaced. Cracks may also appear in the flush valve, which may require a whole new toilet if the part cannot be found or if the toilet is too old.
In any of these situations, it’s best to entrust the issue to a professional plumber who has the experience and know-how to repair the issue right away. A same-day plumbing service may be available in your area for urgent repairs.
Introducing The Adjustable Toilet Flapper
The adjustable toilet flapper is a modern and innovative solution to improve toilet performance and reduce water usage. It is designed to fit most toilets that use a flush volume of 1.28 and 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) and is more efficient than traditional flappers.
Unlike traditional flappers, adjustable flappers do not trap or hold air inside their cone/bulb, which allows for a more powerful flush. They may also use a float or a dial to delay the flapper from closing right away, which allows more water to enter the bowl for a better flush.
One of the most significant advantages of the adjustable toilet flapper is its ease of adjustment. You can easily adjust the float or turn the cone from a minimum to maximum setting to customize the amount of water used for each flush. This feature can help you save money on your water bill while also ensuring that your toilet performs optimally.
It’s important to note that adjustable flappers should not be used on toilets made before 1994. If you need an adjustable flapper, we recommend using the Fluidmaster PRO56 Universal Adjustable Toilet Flapper, which is chlorine resistant, has a solid frame for ultimate reliability, and is adjustable for optimum performance. Additionally, Fluidmaster offers toilet flappers with built-in Microban® protection, which fights flapper breakdown due to bacteria on the flapper itself, keeping it cleaner and more hygienic.
How To Adjust An Adjustable Toilet Flapper
Adjusting an adjustable toilet flapper is a simple process that can be done with just a few tools. Here’s how to do it:
1. Begin by turning off the water supply valve. This valve is usually a round handle that can be found under the toilet tank, against the wall on the left side. Flushing the toilet will empty the tank, and you can then sponge dry the tank.
2. Check if the lift wire is bent. If it is, use your hands to bend it straight again. The lift wire can be seen in the diagram below.
3. Using slip joint pliers, loosen the guide arm adjustment screw. Adjust the guide arm back and forth as necessary so it guides the flapper directly into the flush valve outlet. Then retighten the guide arm adjustment screw.
4. Pull up the flapper and clean the inside of the flush valve outlet using a scrub pad. This ensures that the flapper and flush valve seat are nice and clean for a perfect fit.
5. Drop the flapper into position and turn on the water supply valve under the toilet tank.
6. If you find that your adjustable flapper is still not working correctly, you can adjust the float that’s attached to the toilet flapper chain. Adjusting the float can help to ensure that your toilet flushes properly.
7. To adjust the length of the chain, move the clip to a different chain link. Be sure there are no kinks in the chain, squeeze the clip closed and cut off any excess chain.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your adjustable toilet flapper is working correctly and efficiently. Remember, adjusting an adjustable toilet flapper is easy and can help to save you money on your water bill while ensuring that your toilet flushes properly every time.
Benefits Of Using An Adjustable Toilet Flapper
There are several benefits to using an adjustable toilet flapper. Firstly, adjustable flappers can help reduce water usage and save you money on your water bill. By allowing more water to enter the bowl for a stronger flush, you can use less water overall.
Secondly, adjustable flappers can improve the performance of your toilet. With a stronger flush, you can avoid clogs and backups, leading to less maintenance and fewer repairs.
Thirdly, adjustable flappers are easy to install and adjust. With simple adjustments to the float or dial, you can customize the flush to your specific needs and preferences.
Overall, an adjustable toilet flapper is a smart investment for any homeowner looking to save money on their water bill and improve the performance of their toilet.