Are you tired of dealing with outdated and unreliable flush valves in your commercial or public restroom?
Upgrading to a new commercial flush valve can not only improve the convenience of your lavatory, but also add value to your property.
While the thought of installing a new flush valve may seem daunting, the process is actually quite simple.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of setting up a toilet flush valve, from draining the water out of the tank to connecting the new valve.
So, let’s get started!
How To Set Up A Toilet Flush Valve
The first step in setting up a toilet flush valve is to drain the water out of the tank. This can be done by holding down the flush lever until the toilet is completely flushed.
Next, turn off the water supply to the toilet using the valve located at the base of the toilet, either near the floor or fixed to the wall. Once the water supply is turned off, flush the toilet again to empty most of the water out of the tank.
This will make it easier to drain any remaining water while reducing the risk of bathroom water damage. Using a set of channel lock pliers, loosen and disconnect the water supply line from the base of the toilet tank.
Place the end of the water supply line into a bucket so that any remaining water in the line can drain into the bucket, instead of falling on the floor. Use a towel, cloth, or sponge to clean up any water that missed the bucket.
Now that you have drained all of the water out of the tank, you can access and remove the old flush valve. Simply unscrew it from its mounting and remove it from the tank.
Next, install your new flush valve by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will typically involve screwing it into place and connecting it to the water supply line.
Once your new flush valve is installed, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If everything looks good, give your new flush valve a test run by flushing your toilet a few times.
Congratulations! You have successfully set up a new toilet flush valve in your commercial or public restroom. Not only will this improve convenience for your customers or employees, but it will also add value to your property.
Draining The Tank
Before you can install a new flush valve, you must first drain the water out of the toilet tank. To do this, start by holding down the flush lever until the toilet is completely flushed. This will empty most of the water out of the tank.
Next, turn off the water supply to the toilet using the valve located at the base of the toilet. This will prevent any new water from entering the tank while you are working on it.
To drain any remaining water from the tank, use a set of channel lock pliers to loosen and disconnect the water supply line from the base of the toilet tank. Be sure to place the end of the water supply line into a bucket so that any remaining water in the line can drain into the bucket, instead of falling on the floor.
Once you have disconnected the water supply line, use a towel, cloth, or sponge to clean up any water that may have missed the bucket. This will help prevent any damage to your bathroom floor or surrounding area.
With all of the water drained out of the tank, you can now access and remove the old flush valve. Simply unscrew it from its mounting and remove it from the tank.
By following these steps to properly drain your toilet tank, you can ensure that your new flush valve installation goes smoothly and without any complications.
Preparing The New Flush Valve
Before installing the new flush valve, it is important to prepare it properly. Start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you have all of the necessary parts for installation.
The first step is to slide the rubber washer included with the kit onto the bottom flange on the fill valve tailpiece. This washer will provide an inner seal that prevents leaking around the base of the fill valve.
Next, adjust the height of the fill valve if necessary. Different valves have different methods of doing this, but with most, it’s a simple matter of screwing the stem piece shorter or longer so the overall length of the fill valve will fit inside your toilet tank. Ideally, the top of the fill valve should be slightly taller than the top of the overflow tube but not so tall that it will prevent the tank lid from closing.
You’ll need the locknut and shank washer that comes with the new fill valve. For some models, you’ll need to remove an inner piece of the washer with your utility knife. Slide this piece up over the bottom shank of the fill valve.
Place the new fill valve in the toilet, making sure not to tighten it down yet. Adjust the top of the fill valve to about 3 inches above the overflow pipe. If you have a standard tank, the fill valve will probably come preset to the right height. But if you have a shallow tank or a deep tank, you may need to adjust the height of the fill valve by loosening the lock ring and raising or lowering the fill valve.
Next, while applying downward pressure to the fill valve, take the locknut and screw it to the bottom of the fill valve where it exits the bottom of the tank. Tighten it down so that the rubber washer squishes out and forms a good seal. Be careful not to overtighten it as this can crack either or both components and cause flooding.
By following these steps, you can properly prepare and install your new flush valve, ensuring smooth and efficient flushing for your toilet.
Installing The New Flush Valve
Now that you have removed the old flush valve, it’s time to install the new one. Here’s how to do it:
1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you begin. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts.
2. Insert the new flush valve into the hole in the bottom of the tank. Make sure it is properly aligned and securely fastened.
3. Connect the water supply line to the new flush valve. Tighten the connection using a set of channel lock pliers, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the valve or line.
4. Attach the flapper chain to the flush lever arm, making sure there is enough slack for the flapper to close completely.
5. Adjust the height of the overflow tube if necessary, so that it is slightly higher than the water level in the tank.
6. Replace the tank lid and turn on the water supply. Check for any leaks around the flush valve and water supply line.
7. Test your new flush valve by flushing the toilet a few times. Make sure it is working properly and that water is flowing smoothly into the bowl.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a new flush valve in your commercial or public restroom. Remember to perform regular maintenance on your toilet system to keep it running smoothly and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Testing And Adjusting The Flush Valve
After installing the new flush valve, it’s important to test and adjust it as needed. To do this, flush the toilet a few times and observe how the valve operates.
If the flush is weak, you may need to adjust the water level in the tank. This can be done by adjusting the float on the fill valve. Simply adjust the float up or down until the water level in the tank reaches the desired level.
If the flush is still weak, you may need to adjust the flush valve itself. Most flush valves have an adjustable flapper that controls the flow of water from the tank into the bowl. Adjust this flapper until you achieve a strong and efficient flush.
In addition to testing and adjusting the flush valve, it’s important to check for leaks around the base of the toilet and at all connections. If you notice any leaks, tighten any loose connections or replace any damaged parts as needed.
By properly testing and adjusting your new flush valve, you can ensure that your toilet is functioning at its best and avoiding any future problems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after setting up a new toilet flush valve, you might encounter some common issues that can be easily fixed. One issue that many people face is a constantly running toilet. This could happen because the flapper is not seated correctly in the opening of the flush valve or the water level in the tank is too high, allowing water to flow over the top of the overflow tube and down into the tank. To fix this, adjust the water level using the refill valve and adjust or replace the flapper valve.
Another issue you might face is when the valve doesn’t flush at all. In this case, check if the control stop or the main valve supply is closed. If they are, open them. If your valve isn’t flushing even after opening these, it could be because the handle assembly is worn out. Simply replace the handle assembly or use a handle repair kit to fix it. The same goes for the relief valve, which can get damaged over time and may need to be replaced.
If your toilet tank takes too long to fill or gets close to overflowing, check for fill valve or flapper issues. Banging noises from the pipes could also mean water supply trouble. In case of any such issues, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or call a professional plumber for assistance.
By troubleshooting these common issues, you can ensure that your toilet flush valve remains in good working condition and provides optimal performance for years to come.