Are you tired of dealing with a toilet that’s hard to flush or constantly running?
It might be time to replace the flush valve gasket.
This small but important piece can deteriorate over time, causing issues with the flushing mechanism.
Don’t worry, though – replacing the gasket is a relatively simple process that can save you money on costly repairs or a full toilet replacement.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace a flush valve gasket and get your toilet working like new again.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Replace A Flush Valve Gasket
Step 1: Shut off the water supply
Before you begin, you’ll need to shut off the water supply to your toilet. Look for the shut-off valve located under the toilet tank. If your toilet doesn’t have a fixture shut-off valve, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your home.
Step 2: Drain the tank
Flush the toilet and hold down the flush lever until all the water has drained from the tank. This will make it easier to work on the flush valve gasket.
Step 3: Remove the old gasket
Take a look at the flush valve and locate the rubber gasket. If it’s deteriorated or damaged, it’s time to replace it. Unscrew the center piece on the flush valve and loosen the flush lever. The flush valve will pull off, exposing the old gasket. Remove it carefully and discard it.
Step 4: Clean the flush valve
Before installing the new gasket, clean the bottom of the flush valve itself. Raise the flapper and clean it off as well.
Step 5: Install the new gasket
Take your new flush valve gasket and place it onto the plunger/float flush valve. Make sure it sits in place properly and goes back in the same way as before.
Step 6: Reassemble
Reattach the flush valve by screwing on the center piece and tightening the flush lever. Reconnect any water refill tubes that were removed during disassembly.
Step 7: Turn on water supply
Turn on the water supply to your toilet and let it fill up. Test out your newly repaired toilet by flushing it a few times.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your flush valve gasket and saved yourself from costly repairs or a full toilet replacement. Remember to keep an eye on your toilet’s flushing mechanism and replace any worn or damaged parts as needed.
Gathering The Necessary Tools And Materials
To replace a flush valve gasket, you’ll need a few tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Adjustable wrench
– Pliers
– Screwdrivers (both Phillips head and regular types)
– New flush valve gasket
– Towels or rags
Most of these tools are common household items that you may already have on hand. If not, they can be easily found at your local hardware store or home improvement center. The new flush valve gasket can also be purchased at these locations.
It’s important to note that some hardware stores and plumbing supply shops may offer loan or rental options for plumbing tools that you only use once in a while. However, it’s recommended to invest in your own set of tools as they are a lifetime investment and will come in handy for other home repairs as well.
Once you have all the necessary tools and materials, you’re ready to begin replacing your flush valve gasket. Remember to follow the steps carefully and take your time to ensure a successful repair.
Shutting Off The Water Supply And Draining The Toilet
Before you can replace the flush valve gasket, you’ll need to shut off the water supply to your toilet. This can be done by locating the shut-off valve, which is usually located under the toilet tank. If your toilet doesn’t have a fixture shut-off valve, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your home. Once you’ve turned off the water supply, it’s time to drain the tank. To do this, flush the toilet and hold down the flush lever until all the water has drained from the tank. This will make it easier to work on the flush valve gasket without getting wet.
It’s important to note that if you’re replacing the flush valve gasket because of a leak, you may want to place a bucket or towel under the tank to catch any remaining water. Once the tank is fully drained, you can move on to removing the old gasket. Take a look at the flush valve and locate the rubber gasket. If it’s deteriorated or damaged, it’s time to replace it. Unscrew the center piece on the flush valve and loosen the flush lever. The flush valve will pull off, exposing the old gasket. Remove it carefully and discard it.
Before installing the new gasket, clean the bottom of the flush valve itself. Raise the flapper and clean it off as well. This will ensure a tight seal between the new gasket and flush valve. Take your new flush valve gasket and place it onto the plunger/float flush valve. Make sure it sits in place properly and goes back in the same way as before.
Once you’ve installed the new gasket, it’s time to reassemble everything. Reattach the flush valve by screwing on the center piece and tightening the flush lever. Reconnect any water refill tubes that were removed during disassembly. Turn on the water supply to your toilet and let it fill up. Test out your newly repaired toilet by flushing it a few times.
By following these steps, you can easily replace a flush valve gasket and have your toilet working like new again in no time!
Removing The Old Flush Valve Gasket
Now that you’ve located the old gasket, it’s time to remove it. Unscrew the center piece on the flush valve and loosen the flush lever. The flush valve will pull off, exposing the old gasket. Be careful not to damage any other parts while removing the gasket. Gently lift the old gasket off of the plunger/float flush valve and discard it.
It’s important to clean the bottom of the flush valve itself before installing the new gasket. This will ensure a proper seal and prevent any leaks. Raise the flapper and clean it off as well to remove any debris or buildup.
Once you’ve removed the old gasket and cleaned the flush valve, you’re ready to install the new one. Take your new flush valve gasket and place it onto the plunger/float flush valve. Make sure it sits in place properly and goes back in the same way as before.
Now that you’ve successfully removed the old gasket, move on to installing the new one by following the steps outlined above. Remember to take your time and be careful not to damage any other parts during the process.
Reassembling The Toilet And Turning The Water Supply Back On
After you have replaced the flush valve gasket, it’s time to reassemble your toilet and turn the water supply back on. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Reattach the tank
Carefully lower the tank back onto the bowl, making sure that the bolts are aligned with the holes in the bowl. Place a washer and nut onto each bolt and hand-tighten them. Use a wrench to tighten them just enough to secure the tank, but be careful not to overtighten them as this could crack the porcelain.
Step 2: Reconnect the water supply
Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve and turn on the water supply. Check for any leaks around the connections.
Step 3: Adjust the water level
Adjust the water level in the tank by adjusting the float arm or float cup on your fill valve. You want the water level to be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.
Step 4: Test your toilet
Flush your toilet a few times to make sure that everything is working properly. Check for any leaks around the base of your toilet or around the connections.
By following these simple steps, you can easily reassemble your toilet and turn on your water supply after replacing your flush valve gasket. Remember to keep an eye on your toilet’s flushing mechanism and replace any worn or damaged parts as needed to ensure that your toilet continues to function properly.