Repair Toilet Flush Valve DIY

Tips for repairing Toilet Flush Valve

If you notice that your toilet is running constantly, the culprit is usually one of two things. It can be your toilet flush valve or your refill valve. You will need to determine the problem by examining your toilet tank and toilet flush valve

Repair a Leaky Toilet Fill/Flush Valve Video

Remove the toilet tank lid and have a look inside. Before making any repairs or replacing the toilet flush valve, you can sometimes make simple adjustments. The water level should be about ¾ “ below the top of the overflow pipe. You will notice a float mechanism. This float should not be rubbing on any other parts of your toilet. If it is, you can move the arm sideways to adjust it. It might even need to be replaced.

To determine if a toilet flush valve needs to be replaced, you can shut off the water to the toilet. Next, make a mark inside of the toilet tank just above the water level. Leave the toilet for about 30 minutes. When you return, check the water level again, if it is lower, then you probably need to replace the toilet flush valve because the toilet flush valve is obviously leaking.

Here is what you need to do to replace the toilet flush valve:

Shut off the main water to the toilet. This is a switch usually near the toilet base.

Flush the toilet so that that the tank drains completely.

Use a sponge to mop up the excess water inside the tank.

Your toilet flush valve is held to the bottom of the tank with one large nut. Installing a new toilet flush valve requires that you remove the tank from the bowl, but not always. If your tank is wall mounted, you may not have to remove it.

Unscrew the two rubber bolts with gaskets on either side of the toilet flush valve. Do not force the bolts if they are stuck, you might break the tank or bowl. If you are having a lot of problems with the bolts, you can wrap masking tape around a hack saw and cut slowly through the bolt.

Once the bolts have been removed, you can set it on the floor upside down on something padded. Remove the old toilet flush valve with channel locking pliers and penetrating oil. Work slowly and carefully to avoid breakage.

Install your new toilet flush valve by following the directions on the toilet flush valve packaging or insert. The rubber gasket is placed on the inside of the tank and the washer is placed on the outside of the tank.

Always take your time when you attempt to replace a toilet flush valve. If at any time you feel nervous, stop and take a break. The last thing you want to do while you are trying to replace your toilet flush valve is to break your tank or bowl and cause yourself more expense. It is really not that difficult to replace a toilet flush valve, you just need to make sure you use the right tools and give yourself plenty of time.

Once you have finished installing the new toilet flush valve, install the new bolts and gaskets that came with your new toilet flush valve. Never re-use old parts, always replace everything that can be replaced. This will ensure that your new toilet flush valve operates properly.

When you tighten the bolts of your toilet flush valve, the gaskets should be compressed to prevent your toilet flush valve from leaking. Once everything is installed and your toilet flush valve is in place, you can turn on the water and allow the tank to fill. Watch closely to ensure that your toilet flush valve is working properly and that there are no leaks.

Check to see if your toilet flush valve is still leaking by marking the water level and checking the water level after 30minutes. If the water level is lower, your toilet flush valve is leaking. If not, congratulations, you have correctly installed the new toilet flush valve.

Here is a video that shows step by by step process of replacing the valve

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Filed under: Types of Toilet Flush Valve

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