If you’ve ever experienced a toilet that won’t flush or constantly runs, chances are the flapper and chain may need to be replaced.
The flapper and chain are crucial components of the flushing process, and over time, they can deteriorate and break. But fear not, replacing the flapper and chain is a simple DIY task that can save you money on a plumber.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to install a new toilet flapper chain, ensuring your toilet is functioning properly once again.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Install Toilet Flapper Chain
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you begin, locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it off. This will prevent any water from flowing into the tank while you work.
Step 2: Empty the tank
Flush the toilet to empty the tank of any remaining water. You can also use a sponge or towel to soak up any excess water.
Step 3: Remove the old flapper and chain
Locate the flapper and chain inside the tank. Unclip the chain from the lever and remove the old flapper from its pegs on the sides of the flush valve.
Step 4: Choose the correct replacement flapper
There are many different sizes and types of flappers, so it’s important to choose the correct one for your toilet. Take your old flapper with you to your local hardware store to ensure you get the right size and type.
Step 5: Install the new flapper
Put the new flapper into place and hook each ear of the flapper onto the pegs on the sides of the flush valve. Connect the flapper chain onto the handle lever, adjusting the chain length as needed. When the handle lever is in the resting position, the chain should be relaxed, with a little bit of slack.
Step 6: Test and adjust
Turn on the water supply by turning the shut-off valve counterclockwise all the way. Test the new flapper and chain length by flushing a couple of times and watching the flapper go up and down. Adjust the chain length as needed to ensure proper function.
Step 7: Secure the chain
Open the small metal ring that came with your new chain. Insert it into the hole at the top of the flapper valve. Put the last link of the chain onto the open ring and squeeze it closed with needle-nose pliers. Be sure it’s pushed together tightly to avoid it coming loose.
Step 8: Turn on water supply and test again
Turn on your toilet’s water supply by turning on its shut-off valve. Ensure that your tank is filling up with water properly, then flush your toilet again to make sure everything is working correctly.
Gather Your Tools And Materials
Before you begin installing a new flapper chain, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
– New flapper chain: Make sure to choose the correct size and type of chain for your toilet. You can find these at your local hardware store.
– Pliers: Needle-nose pliers will come in handy for securing the chain.
– Paperclip: A paperclip can be used to temporarily secure the chain while you make adjustments.
– Sponge or towel: You may need to use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water in the tank.
– Rug or carpet: It’s best to place the tank lid on a rug or carpet to avoid damaging it while you work.
With these tools and materials, you’ll be ready to install your new flapper chain and get your toilet working properly again.
Turn Off The Water Supply
The first step to installing a toilet flapper chain is to turn off the water supply. This can be done by locating the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turning it off. This will prevent any water from flowing into the tank while you work. It’s important to turn off the water supply before beginning any work on your toilet to avoid any potential water damage or flooding. Once the water supply is turned off, you can move on to emptying the tank and removing the old flapper and chain.
Remove The Old Flapper And Chain
To remove the old flapper and chain, start by locating the chain clip that connects the chain to the lever. Unclip the chain from the lever and then unclip the flapper from each end. You may need to use some force to remove it from the pegs on the sides of the flush valve.
Once you have removed the old flapper, it’s important to choose the correct replacement flapper for your toilet. Take your old flapper with you to your local hardware store to ensure you get the right size and type.
When you have your new flapper, put it into place by hooking each ear of the flapper onto the pegs on the sides of the flush valve. Connect the flapper chain onto the handle lever, adjusting the chain length as needed. When the handle lever is in the resting position, the chain should be relaxed, with a little bit of slack.
Before turning on the water supply, it’s important to test and adjust your new flapper and chain length. Flush a couple of times and watch the flapper go up and down. Adjust the chain length as needed to ensure proper function.
To secure the chain, open the small metal ring that came with your new chain. Insert it into the hole at the top of the flapper valve. Put the last link of the chain onto the open ring and squeeze it closed with needle-nose pliers. Be sure it’s pushed together tightly to avoid it coming loose.
Finally, turn on your toilet’s water supply by turning on its shut-off valve. Ensure that your tank is filling up with water properly, then flush your toilet again to make sure everything is working correctly.
Attach The New Flapper And Chain
After you have removed the old flapper and chain, it’s time to attach the new ones. Start by opening the small metal ring that came with your new chain. Insert it into the hole at the top of the flapper valve. Put the last link of the chain onto the open ring and squeeze it closed with needle-nose pliers. Be sure it’s pushed together tightly to avoid it coming loose.
Next, put the new flapper into place and hook each ear of the flapper onto the pegs on the sides of the flush valve. Connect the flapper chain onto the handle lever, adjusting the chain length as needed. When the handle lever is in the resting position, the chain should be relaxed, with a little bit of slack.
It’s important to make sure that you leave around 1/2 inch of slack in the toilet chain so if someone flushes too hard, the toilet chain will not disconnect or come loose from the toilet handle or the flapper. If the chain is too tight, the flapper may not close completely. Likewise, if the chain has too much slack, it can get caught under the flapper and prevent it from fully seating in the flush valve opening.
Finally, turn on your toilet’s water supply by turning on its shut-off valve. Ensure that your tank is filling up with water properly, then flush your toilet again to make sure everything is working correctly. If you notice any issues, adjust the chain length as needed to ensure proper function.
Adjust The Chain Length
The chain that connects the flapper to the handle lever should be adjusted to ensure proper function of your toilet. If the chain is too long, the flapper will close too soon and prevent a good flush. If the chain is too short, the flapper won’t seal properly.
To adjust the chain length, first turn off the water supply by closing the shut-off valve found under the toilet tank. Then, check the lift chain for any kinks. It should hang from the lever in an almost straight line to the flapper. If necessary, adjust the length of the chain by slipping a different link over the hook at the lever end.
Adjust the slack in the chain so it is long enough to allow the flapper to close completely but not so long that it droops when the flapper is closed. You may need to bend the hooks or chain links with needle-nose pliers to make any necessary adjustments.
Once you’ve adjusted the chain length, turn on your toilet’s water supply by turning on its shut-off valve and ensure that your tank is filling up with water properly. Then, flush your toilet again to make sure everything is working correctly.