Is your toilet constantly running or leaking?
One possible culprit could be a faulty flush valve seal. Fortunately, replacing the seal is a relatively simple DIY task that can save you money on a plumber.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace the flush valve seal on an American Standard toilet. With just a few tools and some basic know-how, you can have your toilet running smoothly again in no time.
So let’s get started!
How To Replace American Standard Toilet Flush Valve Seal
Step 1: Shut off the water supply
Before you begin, make sure to shut off the water supply to your toilet. You can usually find the shut-off valve behind the toilet or near the floor. Turn it clockwise until it stops to shut off the water.
Step 2: Drain the tank
Next, you’ll need to drain the tank. Hold down the handle or lift the valve chain inside the tank to flush out as much water as possible. If there’s still water in the tank, use a sponge or towel to soak it up.
Step 3: Remove the trip lever rod
Depress the trip lever and remove the clevis pin from the trip lever rod. You may need needle nose pliers for a better grip.
Step 4: Detach the trip lever rod from the flush valve
Once you’ve removed the clevis pin, detach the trip lever rod from the flush valve.
Step 5: Remove the flush valve chain
Lift the flapper and loosen and remove the flush valve chain.
Step 6: Replace the flapper seal
Open the flapper and remove and replace the flapper seal. Make sure to use a seal that is compatible with your American Standard toilet.
Step 7: Reattach the flush valve chain
Insert and tighten the flush valve chain back onto the flapper.
Step 8: Replace the flapper
Place the flapper back into the toilet tank.
Step 9: Reattach the trip lever rod and clevis pin
Reattach the trip lever rod and insert the clevis pin back into place.
Identifying The Problem: How To Tell If Your Flush Valve Seal Needs Replacing
If your toilet is running constantly or you notice water leaking into the bowl, it’s possible that your flush valve seal needs to be replaced. One common cause of this issue is a worn-out flapper, which creates a seal in the bottom of your toilet tank and allows water to flow into the bowl when you flush. To test if your flapper is allowing water to leak through, you can try a simple DIY test. Add a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank and wait for 30 minutes without flushing. After 30 minutes, check the toilet bowl to see if any dyed water has seeped in. If it has, it means that you need to replace your flapper seal. Another way to identify the problem is by inspecting the flapper for any signs of wear and tear or damage. If you notice any cracks or holes in the flapper, it’s time to replace it. Keep in mind that a faulty flush valve seal can lead to wasted water and higher bills, so it’s important to address the issue promptly.
Gathering The Necessary Tools And Materials For The Job
Before beginning the process of replacing the American Standard toilet flush valve seal, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials for the job. Here are some of the tools and materials you will need:
1. Tape measure
2. Screwdrivers
3. Adjustable wrench
4. Caulk and caulk gun
5. Cordless drill
6. Hacksaw
7. Level
8. Locking pliers
9. Slip joint pliers
10. Rags
11. Utility knife
12. Gloves
13. Shop vacuum
In addition to these common tools, there are some specific materials needed for this job, including:
1. American Standard compatible flapper seal
2. Replacement flush valve chain (if necessary)
3. Clevis pin (if necessary)
Make sure to have all of these tools and materials within easy reach before starting the replacement process to ensure a smooth and successful job. If you’re not sure what some of these items are or which ones you need, it may be best to consult with a plumber or hardware store professional for guidance.
Preparing The Toilet For Repair: Shutting Off The Water Supply And Emptying The Tank
Before you begin repairing your American Standard toilet flush valve seal, it’s important to prepare the toilet by shutting off the water supply and emptying the tank. This will prevent any water from flowing into the tank while you’re working on it, and will also make it easier to access the flush valve.
To shut off the water supply, locate the shut-off valve behind your toilet or near the floor. It’s usually a small valve with a football-shaped handle. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops to shut off the water supply.
Next, you’ll need to drain the tank. To do this, hold down the handle or lift the valve chain inside the tank to flush out as much water as possible. If there’s still water in the tank, use a sponge or towel to soak it up.
Once the tank is empty, you can begin repairing your American Standard toilet flush valve seal. By following these steps, you can ensure that your repair goes smoothly and that your toilet is functioning properly once again.
Removing The Old Flush Valve Seal: Step-by-step Instructions
Now that you have completed the previous steps, it’s time to remove the old flush valve seal. The following step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process:
Step 1: Lower the water level
Flush the toilet to lower the water level in the tank. This will make it easier to see and access the flush valve seal.
Step 2: Identify the old valve seal
Look for the old valve seal at the bottom of the vertical assembly of the overflow tube and float. It may appear worn out or damaged.
Step 3: Remove the old valve seal
Using your fingertips or a pair of pliers, pull up on the old valve seal until it breaks. Be sure to remove all pieces of the old seal.
Step 4: Roll new seal around trip lever holder
Take your new flush valve seal and roll it around the square trip lever holder. Make sure it is secure.
Step 5: Insert trip lever through center hole
Insert your trip lever through the large center hole of your new seal. You can do this by pulling the seal in a reverse direction toward the holder of the square trip lever.
Step 6: Reattach clevis pin
Use needle-nose pliers to pull up on the valve seal and remove the clevis pin from the trip lever rod. Press down on the trip lever to ease this process. Once removed, reattach the clevis pin.
Step 7: Reattach flush valve chain
Take away the flush valve chain by lifting the flapper and loosening the chain. After taking out the valve chain, reattach it to its proper place on the flapper. Be sure to tighten it securely.
Step 8: Reinstall flapper
Place your new or cleaned flapper back into its rightful place in the tank.
Step 9: Test for leaks
Turn on the water supply and test for leaks by flushing several times. If there are no leaks, your American Standard toilet should be working properly with a new flush valve seal installed.
Testing The Toilet: How To Ensure The Seal Is Working Properly
After you have replaced the flush valve seal, it’s important to test if the seal is working properly. First, turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill up. Then, flush the toilet and observe the flow of water. The water should flow smoothly and quietly without any rumbling sounds or spills.
If your flapper valve has a ball that floats at the end of a rod, gently lift the rod and listen for any sound of running water. If you hear running water, you may need to adjust the float. Gently bend the float arm down to put extra pressure on the toilet valve. If your float doesn’t have an arm, refer to Step 14 “Adjust the Float” below.
To confirm that your flush valve works well and is in its proper position, watch and listen keenly as the flushed water flows. If you notice any issues, such as leaks or unusual sounds, you may need to recheck your work and make sure that all parts are properly installed.
Finally, if you have a Fluidmaster-style fill valve, make sure it’s adjusted properly. You don’t have to empty the tank to make these adjustments. Some fill toilet valves have a float adjustment screw on top, which can be adjusted accordingly.
By following these steps and testing your toilet after replacing the flush valve seal, you can ensure that your toilet is working properly and avoid any potential issues in the future.