Are you tired of dealing with a constantly running toilet?
One common culprit could be a worn-out flush valve seal. But don’t worry, replacing it is easier than you might think.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to get the flush valve out of your toilet and replace the seal. With a few simple tools and some basic know-how, you can save yourself the hassle and expense of calling a plumber.
So let’s get started!
How To Get Flush Valve Out Of Toilet
The first step in replacing a flush valve seal is to drain as much water out of the tank as possible. To do this, hold down the flush lever until the toilet is completely flushed.
Next, remove the worn-out flush valve seal by pulling it out of the groove it rests in, up over the water line, and out of the tank to discard it.
Now it’s time to get the flush valve out of the toilet. Start by turning off the incoming water to the toilet by closing the isolation valve located on the toilet’s water supply line. With the water shut off, flush the toilet to empty most of the water out of the tank. This will make it easier to drain what little water remains 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 access to the inside of the tank, locate and remove any bolts or nuts that are holding the flush valve in place. Once these are removed, you should be able to lift the flush valve out of the tank.
Identify The Type Of Flush Valve In Your Toilet
To properly replace the flush valve in your toilet, it is important to identify the type of flush valve that is currently installed. There are several types of flush valves, including standard, 3-inch, 4-inch, tower-style, and dual-flush valves.
The standard flush valve is the most common type and has a 2-inch opening. This type of valve can be found on most low-flow and older toilets with large tanks. If your toilet has a standard flush valve, you should be able to find a replacement at most home improvement stores.
A 3-inch flush valve allows more water to flow through at one time, resulting in a more effective flush with less overall water. If your toilet has a 3-inch flush valve, you can find a universal replacement at most home improvement stores or online.
The tower-style flush valve also has a 3-inch opening but uses a vertical seal instead of a flapper. This design allows for even more water to be directed into the bowl during a flush, resulting in a more powerful flush.
A 4-inch flush valve is the largest of the flush valves and provides the most flushing power while conserving water.
Finally, a dual-flush valve gives you the option of a half flush and a full flush with the same valve, allowing for significant water savings every year.
To identify the type of flush valve in your toilet, remove the top of the tank and take a look. If you are unsure which type of valve you have or need assistance with replacing it, consider reaching out to a licensed and insured plumbing professional for help.
Gather The Necessary Tools And Materials
To successfully remove the flush valve from your toilet, you will need a few tools and materials. Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Plumber’s wrench – You will need this to unscrew the locknut holding the flush valve to the tank.
2. Channel lock pliers – These will come in handy when disconnecting the water supply line from the base of the toilet tank.
3. Bucket – Place this on the floor underneath where the water supply line connects with the toilet to catch any leftover water that you can’t remove from the tank.
4. Towel, cloth, or sponge – Use this to clean up any water that misses the bucket.
5. New flush valve – You will need to purchase a new flush valve to replace the old one that you are removing.
By having these tools and materials on hand, you’ll be prepared to remove and replace your toilet’s flush valve with ease.
Turn Off The Water Supply And Drain The Tank
Before attempting to remove the flush valve, it’s important to turn off the water supply and drain the tank. The shut-off valve for the toilet’s water supply is usually located at the bottom left behind the toilet. Look for a pipe coming from the tank and attached to the wall or floor. The turn-off valve is usually oval-shaped and can be turned clockwise until it can’t be turned anymore.
It’s important to note that the valve might be tough to turn because it’s stiff or rusty, but you can use a lubricant, like WD-40, to loosen it. Do not use a wrench or any other tools to turn the valve as it can break off and cause flooding. Just doing a 1/4 turn should be good enough.
Once you’ve successfully turned off the water supply, you’ll need to drain the tank. To do this, hold down the flush lever until the toilet is completely flushed. This will empty most of the water out of the tank, making it easier to remove the flush valve.
With most of the water drained out of the tank, you can now proceed with removing the flush valve by following the steps outlined above. Remember to take your time and be careful when handling any parts of your toilet.
Remove The Flush Valve Assembly
With the tank bolts out of the way and the tank on a steady work surface, it’s time to remove the flush valve assembly. The first step is to remove the large foam gasket covering the plastic mounting nut on the tailpiece of the flush valve. This gasket is usually located at the bottom of the tank, near the center.
Using a set of channel-lock pliers, unscrew the plastic mounting nut that holds the flush valve assembly in place. This nut is usually located at the bottom of the tank, near the center. Once you have removed the nut, carefully pull the flush valve assembly out of the tank.
Be sure to clean up any debris or old gaskets that may be left behind in the tank before installing new hardware. This will ensure that your new flush valve assembly will fit properly and function correctly.
Reassemble The Flush Valve Assembly And Turn The Water Supply Back On
After removing the old flush valve, it’s time to reassemble the new one. Begin by placing the rubber gasket onto the new flush valve and insert it into the opening at the bottom of the tank. Make sure that the gasket is properly aligned and that the valve is inserted all the way down into the opening.
Secure the flush valve in place by tightening the nuts or bolts that hold it down. Be careful not to over-tighten them, as this can cause damage to the tank.
Once the flush valve is securely in place, it’s time to reconnect the water supply line. Reattach the water supply line to the base of the tank and tighten it with your channel lock pliers. Make sure that it is snug, but again, be careful not to over-tighten it.
Now, turn on the water supply by opening the isolation valve. Allow the tank to fill up with water and check for any leaks around the new flush valve assembly. If there are no leaks, you can flush the toilet a few times to make sure that everything is working properly.
In conclusion, replacing a flush valve seal can seem like a daunting task, but with some basic tools and a little know-how, it can be done in just a few simple steps. By following these instructions, you can save money on your water bill and avoid costly repairs down the road.