How to Replace a Toilet Flapper

One of the most important plumbing fixtures for any home is the toilet. It’s used frequently by residents of the home and guests alike, so it’s important to ensure the toilet is in good condition. Unfortunately, the parts inside a toilet can wear out over time, leading to leaks, constantly running water, and faulty flush mechanisms. One such part that can create problems is the toilet flapper.

The toilet flapper is essentially the disk, ball, or rubber seal that closes the opening in the base of the toilet tank to prevent water from flowing into the toilet bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the toilet flapper is lifted up, allowing the water from the tank to rush into the toilet bowl. However, if the toilet flapper is leaking, it will not close properly, causing water to seep into the toilet bowl. As water drains out of the tank, the water level decreases, triggering the fill valve to begin filling the tank. If the flapper is not repaired or replaced, then the toilet will continue to run intermittently, increasing the cost of your water bill, as water flows into the toilet drain. Find out how to replace a toilet flapper using this informative guide.

Before You Begin

Don’t replace a toilet flapper without checking the toilet flapper size. Not every flapper will fit every toilet, so before going to the hardware store, you need to take a measurement of the old flapper and find a suitable replacement part.

The Process

Turn off the water to the toilet – The valve for the toilet is typically located just behind the toilet on the water line that runs to the base of the tank. Turn the valve counterclockwise to prevent water from flowing into the toilet tank.

Drain the toilet tank – Flushing the toilet causes the flapper to lift up, allowing the water from the tank to flow into the toilet bowl. Since the water is off, the fill valve is unable to fill up the tank, leaving it mostly empty for this repair.

Disconnect the old flapper – To remove the old flapper from the toilet, you need to first disconnect the chain from the flush handle lever. The flush handle lever is a horizontal bar that runs from the flush handle across the tank to just above the flapper. Undo the clip on the end of the chain from where it hooks into the holes on the handle lever. Next, slide the flapper off of the overflow tube. The overflow tube is the tall, cylindrical tube that extends up from the base of the tank. If the flapper is attached to the overflow tube with a ring, then simply lift the flapper up off the tube. However, if the flapper is attached to pegs extending from the sides of the overflow tube, then you need to slide the ears of the flapper off the pegs.

Install the new flapper

Turn on the water and test for leaks – After replacing the toilet flapper, check to make sure the chain is the right length. It should sit at a relaxed length, with a small amount of slack when the flapper is closed. If the chain is too tight, the flapper may not be able to close completely. Similarly, if the chain is too long, it could get caught under the flapper, preventing it from closing. Turn the water on to the toilet and allow the tank to fill. If the repair was completed successfully, the toilet should stop running when the toilet tank is full. Flush the toilet once to make sure that the flapper opens and closes properly, then wait for the tank to refill once more to ensure the issue is resolved.

Final Thoughts

The toilet flapper is responsible for blocking the toilet flush valve opening in the base of the tank, but if it gets cut, torn, bent, or otherwise damaged, then water may seep through the opening. This leak releases water into the toilet bowl, gradually draining the water out of the toilet tank.

However, with just a few simple tools, 15 minutes, and a minor investment in a new flapper for the toilet, you can resolve this problem on your own. However, if you aren’t ready to tackle such a fix, call Super Terry! One of our skilled technicians will have your toilet flushing like normal in no time! Give us a call or fill out the contact us form for help today.