The seeping of water in the toilet bowl is quite a common thing. But sometimes it starts causing irritation due to the constant noise of water flowing and wasting water. But you can fix it yourself by replacing the old flapper with the new one. Read the blog, watch the DIY video, and learn how to fix a toilet flapper.
What is a Toilet Flapper?
The flapper valve is basically a large rubber or silicone check valve that prevents water from constantly seeping into the toilet bowl. It covers the drain hole at the bottom of the tank. When it is worn out, it does not cover the drain hole properly which allows water to seep down the toilet bowl.
How Does a Toilet Flapper Work?
The toilet flapper is attached with a chain and the lever of the tank. It covers the drain hole at the bottom of the water tank of the toilet. When the lever is pushed, the chain picks the toilet flapper making the drain hole open. The water in the toilet tank flows down through the drain hole, entering the toilet bowl. After the flush, the flapper valve covers the drain hole to seal off the flow.
When is it Needed to Replace a Toilet Flapper?
If you have a toilet that intermittently flushes on its own, or you can hear water running, the problem may be an old leaky flapper valve. It’s the time you need to replace the toilet flapper to prevent excessive water loss and irritation that comes with the sound of constant water running.
Replacing a flapper valve on a toilet is easy to do if you follow the simple instructions in this do-it-yourself video.
Choose the Right Flapper for Your Toilet
There are a couple of different types of flapper valves available. If you have water with a normal PH value and do not use any chemicals in the toilet tank, an inexpensive rubber flapper valve may work well. However, if your water tends to be alkaline (such as in the Phoenix area) or you use chemicals in the toilet tank, a better quality chemical-resistant flapper valve made of silicone would be a better choice. Chemical-resistant valves are slightly more expensive but are more cost-effective in the long run.
How to Replace a Toilet Flapper?
A toilet flapper can be replaced easily. If the chain kit is not broken, you don’t need special plumbing tools to change it. The material needed for replacing a toilet flapper is:
- A new flapper
- A sponge or cloth
Steps To Replace a Toilet Flapper
1. Turn off the water to the toilet
There should be a small valve on the wall or floor beneath the toilet tank. This wall must be linked to the water inlet of the toilet tank. Turn it off to stop water from getting into the tank.
2. Remove the lid on the toilet tank
Just pick up the lid on the toilet tank and place it aside carefully. This lid is made of porcelain clay so it is heavy and breakable.
3. Flush the toilet to empty the water from the tank
To change the toilet flapper, you need to empty the toilet tank. Pull the lever and wait for the water to run down the toilet bowl.
4. Disconnect the flapper chain from the flush lever
Lift the chain carefully and disconnect the flapper from the flush lever. Make sure that you do not damage the chain while disconnecting it.
5. Remove both sides of the flapper from the pegs on the overflow tube and remove the old flapper
The other sides of the flapper are linked to the pegs on the overflow tube. It is right where the flapper is fitted. Remove both sides carefully and pick the old flapper out.
6. Wipe the seat of the flush valve with a cloth or sponge
Sometimes, you may find a buildup on the seat that prevents the valve from sealing properly. So wipe it with a cloth or a sponge, and if there is any buildup, it needs to be addressed first.
7. Take the new flapper and connect it with the pegs on the overflow tube
Place the new flapper valve on the seat and connect the two sides to the pegs on the overflow tube. Make sure the flapper is centered over the flush valve seat, covering it properly.
8. Connect the chain to the flush lever
While connecting the flapper with the chain to the flush lever ensure that when the flapper valve is closed, there is a small slack in the chain for its smooth working. Most flapper valves come with a chain with a small stainless steel clip.
9.Turn the water supply back on
Once the flapper is installed, let the water tank fill completely by turning the water supply on.
10. Check if the newly installed flapper is working properly
When the tank is full, press the flush lever to test the new valve. The valve may stay open for a few seconds after releasing the flush lever but should close on its own and seal the flow of water. If the valve is not closing properly, check the chain to make sure it is not hanging up, or adjust the slack until it operates properly. It is better to repeat this step 2-3 times to see if the new flapper is working properly.
11. Replace the tank lid
The last step is to put the tank lid on after you have checked the proper functioning of the toilet flapper.
Conclusion
Replacing a toilet flapper is easier to do at home. So, you can get rid of irritation caused by the constant running water in the toilet bowl. You can do it without heavy plumbing tools. All you need is to follow the above steps. If your toilet flapper does not get fixed, then it is better to call an expert.