Is your American Standard toilet constantly running or leaking?
One of the most common culprits is a faulty flapper. Luckily, replacing a flapper is a quick and easy fix that can save you money on your water bill and prevent further damage to your toilet.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to remove and replace the flapper on your American Standard toilet.
With just a few tools and a little bit of know-how, you’ll have your toilet running smoothly in no time.
So let’s get started!
How To Remove American Standard Toilet Flapper
Step 1: Shut off the water supply
The first step in removing your American Standard toilet flapper is to shut off the water supply. You can do this by turning the valve located behind the toilet clockwise until it stops.
Step 2: Drain the tank
Next, you’ll need to drain the tank. Hold down the handle or lift the valve chain inside the tank to flush out as much water as possible.
Step 3: Remove the trip lever rod
Depress the trip lever and remove the clevis pin from the trip lever rod. You may want to use needle nose pliers for a better grip.
Step 4: Detach the trip lever rod from the flush valve
Once you’ve removed the clevis pin, detach the trip lever rod from the flush valve.
Step 5: Lift the flapper and remove the flush valve chain
Lift up on the flapper and loosen and remove the flush valve chain.
Step 6: Remove and replace the flapper seal
Open up the flapper and remove and replace the flapper seal.
Step 7: Reattach the flush valve chain
Insert and tighten the flush valve chain back onto the flapper.
Step 8: Place the flapper back into the toilet tank
Carefully place the flapper back into its original position in the toilet tank.
Step 9: Reattach the trip lever rod and clevis pin
Finally, reattach the trip lever rod to the flush valve and secure it with the clevis pin.
Congratulations! You have successfully removed your American Standard toilet flapper. With a new flapper installed, your toilet should be running smoothly once again.
Identifying The Problem: How To Know If The Flapper Is Faulty
If you’re experiencing issues with your toilet, such as a continuously running water or a slow leak, it could be due to a faulty flapper. The flapper is the valve that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and controls the flow of water into the bowl. Over time, the flapper can become worn or damaged, causing leaks and other problems.
One way to identify if your flapper is faulty is to perform a food coloring test. Simply lift the lid of your toilet tank and turn off the flush button. Then, pour 10-20 drops of green or blue food coloring into the tank and let it sit for an hour. If the dye has made its way into the bowl, blame the flapper for the toilet leak. The faster it seeps into the bowl, the more serious the water leak is.
Another way to identify if your flapper is faulty is to listen for a constant trickle of water or a hissing sound coming from your toilet. If you hear either of these sounds, it’s likely that your flapper is not sealing properly and needs to be replaced.
In addition, if you find yourself jiggling the handle of your toilet frequently to stop a running toilet, this could also be a sign of a faulty flapper. While jiggling the handle may work temporarily, it’s best to replace the flapper before the problem escalates.
By identifying these common signs of a faulty flapper, you can take action to fix the issue and prevent further damage to your toilet.
Gathering The Tools: What You’ll Need To Remove The Flapper
Before you begin removing your American Standard toilet flapper, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Adjustable wrench – You’ll need this to loosen and tighten the nuts and bolts that hold the toilet tank to the bowl.
2. Needle nose pliers – These will come in handy when removing the clevis pin from the trip lever rod.
3. Replacement flapper – Make sure to purchase a flapper that is compatible with your American Standard toilet model.
4. Flapper seal – You’ll need this to replace the old, worn out seal on your flapper.
5. Towel or sponge – It’s always a good idea to have something nearby to clean up any water that may spill during the process.
Once you have all of these tools, you’re ready to begin removing your American Standard toilet flapper. Remember to take your time and follow the steps carefully to ensure a successful removal and replacement process.
Removing The Old Flapper: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have shut off the water supply and drained the tank, it’s time to remove the old flapper. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you through the process:
Step 1: Disconnect the flapper chain
Start by disconnecting the flapper chain from the flush handle lever. Locate the horizontal bar that runs from the flush handle to a position just above the flapper. There is usually a small clip on the top end of the chain that hooks into one of the holes on the handle lever. Undo the clip and let the chain drop.
Step 2: Remove the flapper ears from the pegs
Next, slip the side ears of the flapper off of the pegs extending from the sides of the flush valve tube. If your flapper is made of hard plastic, these ears will snap loose. If your flapper is made of soft rubber, then the ears will simply slide off the pegs.
Step 3: Unhook the flapper chain
With one hand holding onto the flapper, use your other hand to unhook the chain from where it attaches to the top of the flapper. Most designs do not make this removal simple, so be patient and gentle.
Step 4: Remove and dispose of old flapper
Once you have successfully unhooked the chain from the top of the flapper, you can remove and dispose of it properly.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you should now have successfully removed your old American Standard toilet flapper. Remember to dispose of it properly and proceed with installing a new one for a fully functional toilet.
Choosing The Right Replacement Flapper: Tips For Finding The Perfect Fit
When it comes to choosing the right replacement flapper for your American Standard toilet, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure a perfect fit. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Determine the size of your toilet flapper: As mentioned earlier, the size of your toilet flapper is based on the inside drain diameter. You can measure the flush valve opening or search for the make and model of your toilet to find out the appropriate size.
2. Check for compatibility: Not all replacement flappers are compatible with all toilet models. Make sure to double-check that the replacement flapper you choose is compatible with your American Standard toilet.
3. Look for quality: It’s important to choose a high-quality replacement flapper that will last longer and be more effective in preventing leaks and water waste.
4. Consider special features: Some replacement flappers come with added features such as adjustable float balls or anti-siphon technology. These features can improve the performance of your toilet and prevent costly repairs in the future.
5. Seek professional help if needed: If you’re unsure about which replacement flapper to choose or how to install it, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional plumber.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right replacement flapper for your American Standard toilet and avoid any issues with leaks or water waste.