Are you tired of hearing the constant sound of running water from your toilet?
Not only is it annoying, but it’s also a waste of water and money.
One of the most common culprits of a running toilet is a leaky flush valve.
But don’t worry, fixing it is easier than you might think.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to stop your toilet flush valve from leaking and put an end to that pesky running water.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Stop Toilet Flush Valve From Leaking
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you start any work on your toilet, it’s important to turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve near the base of your toilet and turn it clockwise until it stops. This will prevent any water from flowing into the tank while you work.
Step 2: Drain the tank
Flush your toilet to drain all the water from the tank. If you’ve turned off the water supply correctly, no more water should enter the tank.
Step 3: Remove the old flapper
The flapper is a rubber seal that covers the flush valve opening. It’s attached to the flush lever by a chain. Unhook the chain from the lever and remove the old flapper from the prongs on either side of the flush valve.
Step 4: Install a new flapper
Purchase a new flapper that matches your toilet’s make and model. Attach it to the prongs on either side of the flush valve and hook up the chain to the flush lever.
Step 5: Adjust the chain length
Hold up the chain to see where it hits while the lever is at rest. Leave about two links of slack in the chain. If it’s too short, it will constantly pull up on the flapper and cause water to leak into the bowl. If it’s too long, it won’t be able to pull up on the flapper enough to allow for a proper flush.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test
Turn on the water supply and let the tank refill with water. Give your toilet a few test flushes to make sure everything is working properly. If you still hear running water, you may need to adjust the chain length again or check for other issues.
Step 7: Check for leaks around flush valve
If you’re still experiencing leaks, lift up the flapper and run your finger around the edge of the opening where water spills through. Check for any burrs, unevenness, or rough areas that could be preventing a good seal. Smooth out any rough spots with emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper.
If that doesn’t work, it’s possible that age and in-tank detergents have deformed the plastic of your flush valve. In this case, you’ll need to replace it entirely.
Understanding The Flush Valve
The flush valve is an essential component of your toilet’s flushing system. It controls the flow of water from the tank into the bowl during a flush. Depending on the age of your toilet, the flush valve can have either a rubber flapper or a tank ball assembly.
Both types of flush valves are usually mounted with a bracket that clamps over the overflow tube. The flapper or tank ball covers the opening at the bottom of the tank, and when you push down on the flush lever, it lifts up to allow water to flow into the bowl.
Over time, the flapper or tank ball can become worn or damaged, causing water to leak out of the tank and into the bowl. This can lead to an increase in your water bill and can also be a source of annoyance.
Replacing the flush valve is a relatively easy task that can be done by most homeowners with basic plumbing skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to stop your toilet flush valve from leaking and ensure that your toilet is running efficiently.
Identifying A Leaky Flush Valve
A leaking flush valve in your toilet can lead to a slow flow of water passing from the tank to the bowl and down the drain. The only symptom of this issue may be the fill valve opening for a few seconds periodically. Although this won’t cause any damage to your home, it will waste a massive amount of clean water. To identify a leaky flush valve, you can perform a simple test.
First, turn off the water supply and drain the tank. Then, add 2-5 drops of red or blue food coloring to the water in the tank. Wait for 10-30 minutes and inspect the toilet bowl for any sign of dyed water. If you find dyed water in your toilet bowl, your flush valve is leaking.
It’s important to note that existing stains or buildup in a toilet bowl may become tinted from the food coloring, so be sure to inspect carefully. If you do identify a leaky flush valve, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible to prevent wasting water and potentially damaging your toilet.
Tools You’ll Need For The Job
To complete this job, you’ll need a few tools:
1. Wrench – You’ll need an open-ended wrench to remove some of the nuts and bolts that keep your toilet sealed to the ground.
2. New flapper – Purchase a new flapper that matches your toilet’s make and model.
3. Flapper repair kit – A repair kit (such as the Model 555C kit from Fluidmaster) includes not only a new flapper but also drain seat insert and a sealant ring that fits over the existing flush valve opening.
4. Emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper – If you need to smooth out any rough spots on the flush valve opening, you’ll need some emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper.
5. Towels – Keep some towels handy to clean up any water spills or drips that may occur during the repair process.
Make sure you have all of these tools before you begin the repair process to make the job go smoothly.
Shutting Off The Water Supply
Shutting off the water supply is an important step in fixing a leaky toilet flush valve. To do this, locate the shut-off valve near the base of your toilet. It should be a small knob or lever that you can turn clockwise to shut off the water supply. If you’re having trouble finding it, check behind the toilet or in the wall behind it.
Once you’ve located the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise until it stops. This will prevent any more water from flowing into the tank while you work on fixing the leak. It’s important to note that some shut-off valves may be stiff or rusty if they haven’t been used in a while. If this is the case, apply a lubricant like WD-40 to help loosen it up.
After you’ve shut off the water supply, flush your toilet to drain all the water from the tank. If you’ve turned off the water supply correctly, no more water should enter the tank. This will make it easier to work on the flush valve without getting wet.
Remember to turn on the water supply and test your toilet after you’ve fixed the leak. If you still hear running water or notice any leaks, double-check your work and make any necessary adjustments.
Removing The Flush Valve
If smoothing out any rough spots on the flush valve doesn’t solve the problem, it may be necessary to remove the entire flush valve assembly. This is typically held in place by a bracket that clamps over the overflow tube.
First, turn off the water supply and drain the tank as described in steps 1 and 2 above. Then, remove any brackets, guide wires, or flush lever chain that are attached to the flush valve assembly. Be careful not to drop anything into the drain valve opening, as it could clog the toilet.
Once you’ve removed all the attachments, gently lift the flush valve assembly out of its seat. It may take a bit of wiggling to get it loose, but be patient and take your time to avoid damaging any other parts of your toilet.
With the old flush valve removed, you can now install a new one. Make sure to purchase a replacement that is compatible with your toilet’s make and model. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation carefully, making sure all attachments are securely in place.
Once you’ve installed the new flush valve, turn on the water supply and test your toilet with a few flushes to make sure everything is working properly. If you’re still experiencing leaks, it may be necessary to call in a professional plumber for further assistance.
Inspecting The Flush Valve And Seals
After removing the old flapper, it’s important to inspect the flush valve and seals for any signs of damage or wear. The flush valve is the opening at the bottom of the tank that allows water to flow into the bowl when you flush. The seal around the flush valve is what prevents water from leaking out of the tank and into the bowl.
Inspect the sealant ring around the outside of the flush valve seat. If it feels or looks loose or damaged, replace it with a new one. You can buy replacement rings at hardware stores. The simplest ones to use are self-adhesive and won’t stick unless the tank is absolutely dry.
Next, check for any cracks or damage to the flush valve itself. If you notice any issues, you’ll need to replace the entire flush valve. To do this, turn off the water supply and drain the tank as described in steps 1 and 2. Then, remove the old flush valve by unscrewing it from the bottom of the tank. Take it to a hardware store to ensure you purchase the correct replacement.
Once you have your new flush valve, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it correctly. Make sure to adjust the float and fill valve as necessary to ensure proper water levels in your tank.
By inspecting both the flush valve and seals, you can identify and fix any issues that may be causing your toilet to leak water into the bowl. This will not only save you money on your water bill but also prevent any potential damage to your bathroom floor or ceiling below.