Photo by House Method on Unsplash
Some home maintenance projects definitely require a professional. But given just how fast homeownership costs can add up, it's nice to know that other home projects are DIY for the average person.
Replacing your toilet fill valve and the flapper is one such project.
The toilet is one of the few items in our homes that hasn't changed much in the past couple hundred years. What does that mean for you?
For the most part, basic mechanical principles make it work. And the great news is, if the toilet looks okay cosmetically, then replacing these mechanisms basically gives you a toilet that will function as if brand new.
Let's get started.
What you'll need
Aside from the replacement parts, we'll bet you have most of these things at home. Replace all or some of these parts using this guide. It's up to you.
Step one: Empty the tank
Start by turning off the water using the knob behind your toilet. This keeps the tank from re-filling as you empty it.
Flush the toilet. This will empty the tank partway. Don't miss this step or there will be way more water in the tank than the bucket can hold.
Now, place your bucket behind the toilet, and carefully remove the hose from the tank but not the wall. Direct the water into the bucket.
*Pro tip* If you have a larger than average tank, then you might have more water in it than you can fit into the bucket. Don't freak out it if it fills fast. Just place your thumb over the hole to stop the flow. Empty the bucket into one of the following:
Step two: remove the flapper & gasket
The flapper simply sits on top of the hole in the bottom of the tank. Simply dislodge the hinge of the flapper and pull it out of the tank.
Now, remove the gasket under the tank. Just unscrew the tank from the bowl. Lift the bowl carefully and set it on the floor. Remove the gasket by hand. You can then remove the valve by unscrewing it.
*Pro tip*: If the nut and bolt are on extra tight, you'll need one wrench to hold the nut under the tank while you unscrew from the inside.
Step three: replace the gasket & flapper
Simply screw the new gasket on. Be careful not to over-tighten and strip the grooves or you'll have a more significant repair job on your hands.
Screw the tank back onto the bowl, and then install your new valve with the lock nut, which will be under the tank. Place the flexible tube into the tanks overflow pipe.
Now, snap the new flapper in place and that's it. Use the rags to clean up any water that spilled. Fill up your tank and go.
For more easy DIY projects, follow our blog.
About the Author
Diana Hellman
Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters