Are you tired of hearing your toilet constantly running or flushing on its own?
The culprit may be an old, leaky flapper valve.
Luckily, replacing a toilet flapper is a simple DIY task that can save you money on your water bill and prevent further damage to your plumbing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove a toilet flapper and replace it with a new one.
Say goodbye to that pesky running toilet and hello to a more efficient bathroom!
How To Remove A Toilet Flapper
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary materials on hand. You’ll need a new flapper valve and chain kit, as well as a cloth or paper towel to wipe down the flush valve seat.
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the shutoff valve on the water supply line leading to the toilet and rotate it clockwise until it stops.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank and flush the toilet to empty the water from the tank.
3. Locate the flapper chain connected to the flush lever and disconnect it.
4. Remove both sides of the flapper from the pegs on the overflow tube and remove the old flapper.
5. Wipe down the seat of the flush valve with a cloth or paper towel to remove any buildup that may prevent proper sealing.
6. With the old flapper removed, you’re now ready to install a new one. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to replace a toilet flapper for instructions on how to install your new flapper valve.
Identify The Type Of Flapper Valve In Your Toilet
When it comes to replacing a toilet flapper, it’s important to identify the type of flapper valve in your toilet. Flapper valves can range in size from 2 inches to 4 inches, and the size of the flapper your toilet uses is determined by a couple of factors.
One factor is the date of manufacture. More recently manufactured toilets tend to use 3-inch or 4-inch flappers, as opposed to 2-inch flappers.
Another factor is the Gallon Per Flush (GPF) amount. This refers to how much water flows in and out of the tank when the toilet is flushed. It’s important to know how many gallons your toilet uses and whether it is considered full flow or low flow. For example, 1.6 and 1.28 GPF toilets typically use 3-inch toilet flapper valves.
To identify the type of flapper valve in your toilet, you can measure the size of the existing flapper or check the manufacturer’s specifications for your toilet model. Once you know the size and type of flapper valve you need, you can purchase a replacement that will fit correctly and function properly.
Remember that using the correct size and type of flapper valve is essential for proper toilet function and water conservation. By identifying the type of flapper valve in your toilet, you’ll be able to replace it with confidence and keep your toilet running smoothly.
Turn Off The Water Supply To The Toilet
To remove a toilet flapper, the first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is important to prevent any water from flowing into the tank while you’re working on it. To do this, locate the shutoff valve on the water supply line leading to the toilet. It’s usually located near the bottom of the toilet tank or on the wall behind the toilet. Once you’ve found it, rotate the valve clockwise until it stops. This will shut off the water supply to the toilet.
After turning off the water supply, remove the lid from the toilet tank and flush the toilet to empty the water from the tank. This will make it easier to work on the flapper valve without any water getting in your way.
Once you’ve emptied the tank, locate the flapper chain connected to the flush lever and disconnect it. Then, remove both sides of the old flapper from the pegs on the overflow tube.
Before installing a new flapper, it’s important to wipe down the seat of the flush valve with a cloth or paper towel to remove any buildup that may prevent proper sealing. With these steps completed, you’re now ready to install a new flapper valve and chain kit.
Remove The Old Flapper Valve
Removing the old flapper valve is a crucial step in replacing a toilet flapper. Here are three methods you can use to remove the old flapper valve:
1. Unclip the Flapper: If your flapper has open loops on its arms, unclip it from the post at the base of the overflow tube. Hold down the post with one hand while gently prying upwards on the flapper’s arm with your other hand. The flapper should come free from the post. Repeat this process on the other side and then the flapper can be completely removed.
2. Slide Off The Arms: If your flapper has closed loops on its arms, slide them off over the ends of the post. To do this, pull the flapper to one side and push the post in the opposite direction until you can slide the flapper arm off the post. Repeat for the other side.
3. Cut Through The Arms: In some cases, your flapper may have hardened due to age and use, making it impossible to slide off the post. If this is the case, use a utility knife to cut through the arms of the flapper. Be careful not to damage the post or other toilet tank components. Once you have cut through the arms of the flapper, it will be simple to remove the flapper valve and arms separately.
With these methods, you can safely remove your old flapper valve and prepare your toilet for a new one. Remember to properly dispose of your old flapper and any other toilet components you may have removed during this process.
Clean The Flapper Valve Seat
Mineral buildup on the flapper valve seat can cause poor sealing and result in a leaky toilet. To clean the flapper valve seat, first, make sure the water supply to the toilet is turned off. Flush the toilet to empty the water from the tank. Then, wear a pair of rubber gloves and gently lift the flapper valve to expose the flush valve seat. Use an old toothbrush or scouring pad to scrub both the flapper valve and the flush valve seat, removing any mineral buildup or debris. Once you’ve cleaned both surfaces thoroughly, turn the water supply back on and test your work by flushing the toilet. If the toilet still leaks, you may need to replace the flapper valve entirely.
Install The New Flapper Valve
Now that you have removed the old flapper valve, it’s time to install the new one. Follow these steps to ensure a successful installation:
1. Take the new flapper valve and place it on the seat of the flush valve, making sure it is centered and aligned properly.
2. Connect both sides of the flapper valve to the pegs on the overflow tube. Make sure they are securely attached.
3. Connect the flapper chain to the flush lever using the small stainless steel clip provided with the kit. The chain should have a small amount of slack and the flapper valve should be closed.
4. Turn on the water supply to the toilet and let the tank fill completely.
5. Once the tank is full, press the flush lever to test the new valve. The valve may stay open for a few seconds after releasing the flush lever, but should close on its own and seal off the flow of water.
6. If the valve is not closing properly, check the chain to make sure it is not hanging up or adjust the slack until it operates properly.
By following these simple steps, you can easily replace a leaky flapper valve and prevent water waste in your toilet. Remember to choose a chemical-resistant flapper valve if you have alkaline water or use chemicals in your toilet tank for a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Turn The Water Supply Back On And Test The Toilet
Once you have installed the new flapper valve, it’s time to turn the water supply back on and test the toilet.
1. Turn the water supply back on by rotating the shutoff valve counterclockwise until it’s fully open.
2. Allow the tank to fill completely with water. This should take just a few minutes.
3. Once the tank is full, press the flush lever to test the new flapper valve. The valve should open to allow water to flow into the toilet bowl, and then close to seal off the flow of water.
4. If the valve is not closing properly, check the chain to make sure it is not hanging up or adjust the slack until it operates properly.
5. If the valve is still not working correctly, you may need to adjust the float level as well. Refer to our guide on how to adjust a toilet float for detailed instructions.
By following these simple steps, you can easily remove and replace a toilet flapper valve and ensure that your toilet is functioning properly once again. Remember to always turn off the water supply before making any repairs or adjustments to your toilet to avoid any accidents or damage.