Is your toilet running constantly, even after you’ve tried fixing the flapper and other possible causes? It may be time to replace the flush valve.
This important component controls the flow of water into the bowl to flush its contents into the drain system. Over time, the valve seat can become worn or cracked, preventing the flapper from making a tight seal and causing water to continuously run.
But don’t worry, replacing a flush valve is a manageable project for the average handy homeowner. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and help you determine when it’s time to replace your flush valve.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to extend the life of your toilet and save some money in the process!
When To Replace Flush Valve
The clearest sign that a flush valve needs to be replaced is when water continues to run, even after the flapper and other possible causes have been addressed. If a toilet flapper that is in good shape doesn’t seem to seal, it’s likely that the flush valve itself is cracked or worn and needs to be replaced.
Another indication that it’s time to replace the flush valve is if you hear the water continuously running in your toilet tank or if it seems to take too long to fill. This could be a result of a worn-out flapper or a faulty flush valve seal.
If the toilet occasionally flushes on its own, that too can be a result of a worn-out flapper or a faulty flush valve. In this case, it’s important to replace the flush valve as soon as possible to prevent water waste and potential damage to your toilet.
What Is A Flush Valve And How Does It Work?
A flush valve is the component inside a toilet tank that controls the flow of water into the bowl to flush its contents into the drain system. It is typically a large plastic or metal assembly located near the middle of the toilet tank. The flush valve unit includes an overflow tube attached to a valve seat that fits into a large opening in the bottom of the tank. The flapper, which seals the opening and holds water in the tank until a flush is initiated, is also part of the flush valve assembly.
When a toilet is flushed, the handle lifts the flapper, allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl. This creates a siphon effect that pulls waste and water out of the bowl and into the drain system. Once the tank is empty, the flapper falls back into place, sealing the opening and allowing water to refill the tank.
Over time, the flush valve can become worn or cracked, preventing the flapper from making a tight seal. This can cause water to continuously run into the bowl or leak out of the tank, leading to higher water bills and potential damage to your toilet. In such cases, it’s important to replace the flush valve to ensure proper functioning of your toilet and prevent water waste.
Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Flush Valve
There are several signs that indicate it’s time to replace your flush valve. The most obvious sign is when water continues to run even after the flapper and other possible causes have been addressed. This is a clear indication that the valve seat may be worn or cracked, which prevents the flapper from making a tight seal. If a toilet flapper that is in good shape doesn’t seem to seal, it’s likely that the flush valve itself is cracked or worn and needs to be replaced.
Another sign that it’s time to replace the flush valve is if you hear the water continuously running in your toilet tank or if it seems to take too long to fill. This could be a result of a worn-out flapper or a faulty flush valve seal. If the toilet occasionally flushes on its own, that too can be a result of a worn-out flapper or a faulty flush valve.
Replacing the flush valve as soon as possible is important to prevent water waste and potential damage to your toilet. Ignoring these signs could lead to higher water bills and more expensive repairs down the line. Fortunately, replacing a flush valve is a manageable project for the average handy homeowner, and can save you money in the long run.
Tools And Materials Needed For The Replacement Process
Before you start replacing the flush valve, you will need a few tools and materials to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Here are the essential tools and materials you will need:
1. Bucket – to catch any excess water that might overflow during the replacement process.
2. Crescent wrenches – to loosen and tighten nuts that hold the fill valve to the tank.
3. Rags or towels – to clean up any spills or drips that may occur during the process.
4. Replacement fill valve – make sure to purchase a high-quality replacement fill valve that is compatible with your toilet model.
It’s important to note that while hiring a professional plumber may cost between $60 to $150, replacing the flush valve on your own can be done for as little as $10 to $30. With the right tools and materials, you can easily replace a faulty flush valve and save yourself some money in the process.
Step-by-step Guide To Replacing Your Flush Valve
Replacing a flush valve in your toilet is a task that can be done with a few simple steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you replace your flush valve:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply. Before starting any installation, turn off the water supply to your toilet to prevent flooding. Typically, the valve is found on the wall-entry pipes to your toilet.
Step 2: Remove the toilet tank. The supply hose is the only one connected to the toilet, so locate it at the base and take it off. Then, raise the tank after removing the hose’s nuts and bolts with your adjustable wrench. The toilet’s tank will detach from the base by delicately being lifted.
Step 3: Remove the tank bolts. Another set of nuts linking the tank bolts to the tank of the toilet is conceivably there. If you can, take them out. In addition, using a hacksaw, you can cut the nuts and bolts off in older toilets where the interiors may be tarnished that nothing else would work to remove them. After removing the tank bolts, carefully raise the tank out of the bowl and place it so that you may work on it on a firm surface.
Step 4: Remove the old flush valve. You can find a conical, thick rubber gasket; take it off. A sizable plastic nut is located beneath the gasket. You have to release the plastic nut to remove the flush valve. Moreover, with your pliers, begin rotating the nut in the other direction to loosen it. After doing that, you can easily remove the flush valve.
Step 5: Install the new flush valve. Take the new flush valve and place it in the same spot as the previous one. Similar to the other, this ought to be a tight fit. Make sure the metal rod drops into the right place. Before removing the old valve, it may be helpful to snap a picture of it so that you can properly install the new one.
Step 6: Install new tank bolts. You then fix the tank bolts through the holes in the toilet tank’s bottom. In addition, you should place rubber washers under each bolt’s heads. Moreover, you should fix metal washers and additional rubber washers over bolts from tank’s exterior. Each bolt is fitted with a mounting nut, which is then snugly tightened until rubber washers are barely compressed.
Step 7: Set tank onto bowl. To prevent breaking any of parts you recently fitted, carefully flip toilet tank back over and reinstall it on toilet bowl. To ensure tank fits securely on toilet, reinstall nuts. Use fresh screws with your toilet kit if you bought one.
Step 8: Connect water supply hose. Now you can reconnect water supply hose once toilet is firmly planted on ground once more. In order to avoid any leaks in future, ensure water hose is secured correctly. Ensure hose is not too tight; you want it to be snug enough to prevent leaks but not so snug that hose is harmed.
By following these simple steps, you can replace your flush valve and stop any leaks or running water in your toilet tank.
Tips For Maintaining Your New Flush Valve And Extending Its Lifespan
After replacing your flush valve, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining your new flush valve and extending its lifespan:
1. Check for discoloration: Look for any bleached or faded discoloration on the fill valve, as this can indicate age and wear that could compromise its function. If you see any signs of discoloration, replace the fill valve with a powerful one like the Fluidmaster PerforMAX 400H Toilet Fill Valve.
2. Check for leaks: Inspect the water supply connector for signs of leaking at the water supply line to the fill valve. Replace it if it is worn or over 5 years old to prevent flooding and property damage.
3. Clean your fill valve: If you notice calcium and mineral build-up on the outside of the fill valve, clean it using vinegar and an old toothbrush to dissolve and break off the build-up on the surfaces of the fill valve. Then wash the valve with warm soapy water and rinse with fresh water.
4. Flushing your fill valve: Once a year, or if the fill valve will not turn off, remove the cap assembly and inspect for debris in the valve body seat. Use an inverted coffee cup over the uncapped valve body and turn on the water all the way for three or four seconds then turn off. Do this twice to rinse out the valve. Remove and clean the seal and cap assembly then reinstall.
5. Replace the Top Cap Assembly: Replace the Top Cap Assembly (model 385) with master seal every 5 years.
By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your new flush valve and avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.