Are you tired of hearing your toilet constantly running or flushing on its own? The culprit may be an old, leaky flapper valve.
Luckily, replacing a flapper valve on your toilet is a simple DIY project that can save you money on your water bill and prevent further damage to your plumbing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove the old flapper assembly and install a new one. With just a few tools and some basic knowledge, you can have your toilet running smoothly in no time.
So, let’s get started!
How To Remove Toilet Flapper Assembly
Before you begin, make sure to turn off the water supply to your toilet by rotating the shutoff valve clockwise until it stops. Then, drain the toilet tank by flushing it and holding down the flush handle until most of the water is out of the tank.
To remove the old flapper assembly, follow these steps:
1. Remove the lid on the toilet tank and locate the flapper assembly. It will be attached to the overflow pipe by two mounting posts on each side.
2. Undo the chain clip from the tank lever arm at the top of the tank. Gently pull up on the flapper arms until the flapper clips have unclamped from the mounting posts.
3. Once you have removed the old flapper assembly, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If it looks worn out or damaged, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Identify The Type Of Flapper Assembly In Your Toilet
There are a couple of different types of flapper assemblies that may be installed in your toilet. It’s important to identify which type you have before purchasing a replacement.
One common type of flapper assembly is attached to the overflow pipe by snapping the flapper clips over two mounting posts on each side of the overflow pipe. This type of assembly is easy to remove by gently pulling up on the flapper arms until the clips unclamp from the mounting posts.
Another type of flapper assembly may be attached to the overflow pipe by a single mounting post or may be held in place by a ring or other mechanism. If you have this type of assembly, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a plumber for guidance on how to remove and replace it.
It’s important to choose a replacement flapper assembly that is compatible with your toilet model and any chemicals or additives you may use in your toilet tank. A chemical-resistant flapper valve made of silicone may be a better choice if you have alkaline water or use chemicals in your tank, as it will be more durable and cost-effective in the long run.
Gather The Necessary Tools And Materials
Before you begin the process of removing the toilet flapper assembly, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:
1. New flapper assembly: Make sure to purchase the correct type of flapper assembly for your toilet. Take the old flapper assembly with you to the hardware store to ensure that you get the right replacement. Flapper kits that include a flush seat repair are also available.
2. Sponge: You will need a sponge to mop out any remaining water from the tank after flushing.
3. Scissors: A strong pair of scissors will be needed to cut off the ring on the back of the new flapper if it has one.
4. Plastic cup (optional): If you are using a Fluidmaster flapper, it may come with a plastic cup that allows you to adjust the length of time the flapper stays open. This is only necessary for toilets that use 3.5 gallons or less for a flush.
5. Adhesive (included in kit): If you are using a flapper kit that includes a flush seat repair, adhesive will be included in the kit.
6. Pliers (optional): You may need pliers to adjust the length of the chain on the new flapper assembly.
Make sure to have all of these tools and materials on hand before beginning the process of removing the toilet flapper assembly.
Turn Off The Water Supply To Your Toilet
To turn off the water supply to your toilet, you will need to locate the shutoff valve. This valve is usually located on the wall or floor beneath the toilet tank. Once you have located it, turn the knob on the valve clockwise until it stops.
By turning off the water supply, you will separate your toilet from the main water supply, allowing you to safely remove and replace the flapper assembly without any risk of flooding or water damage.
After turning off the water supply, you can then proceed to drain the toilet tank by flushing it and holding down the flush handle until most of the water is out of the tank. This will make it easier to remove the old flapper assembly and install a new one.
Remember to turn the water supply back on once you have completed the replacement process and test your new flapper assembly to ensure that it is working properly.
Remove The Old Flapper Assembly
Now that you have located the flapper assembly and unhooked the chain, it’s time to remove the old flapper assembly completely.
1. If your flapper has open-loop arms, unclip the arms from the mounting posts on the overflow pipe. Gently pull the flapper up and off the posts.
2. If your flapper has closed-loop arms, pull the flapper to one side and slide the loop off the end of the post. If this is not possible due to the shape of the post or the hardness of the flapper plastic, use a utility knife to cut through the hard plastic arms of the flapper.
3. Once you have removed the old flapper assembly, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If it looks worn out or damaged, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Remember to clean any buildup on the seat of the flush valve with a cloth or paper towel before installing the new flapper assembly. This will ensure that the valve seals properly and prevents any water from leaking into the toilet bowl.
Install The New Flapper Assembly
To install the new flapper assembly, follow these steps:
1. Start by aligning the new flapper clips over the mounting pins on each side of the overflow pipe. Gently push down until they snap into place.
2. Next, draw the chain up to the tank lever and attach it to the lever arm using the chain clip. Thread the clip into one of the lever arm holes, making sure to leave about 1/2 inch of slack in the chain.
3. Pro tip: If your toilet uses 3.5 gallons or less for a flush, consider using a flapper with a plastic cup that allows you to adjust the length of time the flapper stays open.
4. Turn on the water supply to your toilet by rotating the shutoff valve counterclockwise until it stops. Once the water supply is turned on, allow the tank to fill up completely.
5. Finally, flush the toilet to check if the new flapper assembly is operating correctly. If there are any issues, adjust the length of the chain until it works properly.
By following these steps, you can easily remove and install a new flapper assembly for your toilet. Remember to always turn off the water supply before beginning any repairs or replacements in your bathroom!
Turn The Water Supply Back On And Test Your Toilet
After you have removed the old flapper assembly and inspected it, it’s time to install the new one. Before doing so, make sure to turn the water supply back on by rotating the shutoff valve counterclockwise until it is fully open.
Once the water supply is back on, allow the toilet tank to fill up with water. Then, flush the toilet to test the new flapper assembly. Make sure that it is operating correctly and that there are no leaks or issues.
If you notice any problems, such as a leak or improper flushing, double-check that the flapper assembly is properly installed and adjusted. You may need to adjust the chain length or reposition the flapper to ensure proper operation.
Overall, replacing a toilet flapper assembly is a simple process that can be done with just a few basic tools and some attention to detail. By following these steps and testing your toilet after installation, you can ensure that your toilet is working properly and efficiently.