The toilet fill valve is the device that allows water to get into your toilet tank. They generally have some type of float on them that causes the valve to shut off when the water has reached the correct level.

There are two things that are normally done with them. First adjusting them to keep the water at the proper height and Second, replacing them when the valve fails to shut off.

Not sure if this is your problem? See the article 'How To Fix a Toilet' for information on all of the possible toilet issues and what needs to be done to solve them..

The valve can go bad and get to the point where even after adjusting the float, the toilet will continue to run, wasting water. Replacing the fill valve is not a difficult job, read on and learn how.

A bad fill valve will usually cause the toilet to run constantly. This is a big waste of water and will cost you money on your water bill.

How a Toilet Fill Valve Works

The toilet fill valve is the device that allows the tank to fill with water to the correct level. The water is stored in the tank until the toilet is flushed. This valve uses a float to turn the water on and off.

As the name implies, it is a valve, just like any other water valve it has a seal inside that keeps water from getting through when it is closed. Just like other valves the seals can wear out and the valve won't stay closed.

Toilet Fill Valve Repair - Information

Replacing the toilet fill valve for an experienced person is a ten to fifteen minute job. Let's assume he does not take to long to assess the problem. One service call $50 to $100 plus one fifteen minute period. Total savings could be between $65 and $135 plus parts.

This repair requires that you remove the fill valve and replace it. Not hard at all.

Make sure you try adjusting the float first. Adjust if down if the tank is running all the time. When the valve keeps running no matter what you do, the valve is bad. Time to replace it.

Replacing the toilet fill valve involves removing it from the tank. The tank contains water, clean water, still water. You will need to take precautions to deal with any water that may spill out of the tank when it is removed. Anything that can be damaged by water should be removed from the area before the repair is attempted. Failing to drain the tank down can generate a lot of water on the floor and surrounding area. Getting the toilet partially repaired before it gets too late or the parts store closes can leave the toilet not operating. One trick is that a toilet can be flushed by dumping a couple of gallons of water quickly into it. This emulates the normal function of the tank.

Adjusting the Float

The method for adjusting a toilet float will vary depending on the type of fill valve you have. Older toilets may still have a ball that is attached to a rod. This type will have a screw near the valve that is used to adjust the height of the float. The water level in the tank should be adjusted so that it is near the top of the fill tube in the center of the toilet.

Newer toilets will have variations of a vertical post that is in the corner of the toilet. It will have a float attached to it that controls the water that is allowed in the tank.

Getting the water level right is important. See the article 'How To Adjust a Toilet Float' for complete instructions what to do.

Replacing a Toilet Fill Valve

If you have adjusted the toilet float and you cannot get the water to stop running, you may have an issue with the toilet fill valve. When the valve won't close properly, there is not much you can do with it. There are no replacement parts for the fill valve.

Replacing a toilet fill valve it the likely option. They are not expensive, maybe ten or fifteen dollars, depending on where you purchase it at. They are somewhat universal so a standard fill valve will work in most toilets.

See the article 'Replacing a Toilet Fill Valve' for instructions on how to change the valve. There is some preparation involved so you are going to want to review the article.

The toilet flush valve is a key element in the toilet tank. The flush valve is not at fault very often.

The toilet flapper can cause the toilet to run intermittently or not flush correctly. Before you assume it is the flush valvem make sure the flapper is not the culprit. See the article on 'Toilet Flapper Repair' for more information.

Not sure what your problem is, see 'How To Fix a Toilet' to troubleshoot your problem.

It includes a fill tube and the flapper and water inlet for the toilet bowl. Most replacement kits include a new gasket for the tank and bolts to hold the tank in place. You will want to replace the flush valve if the seal between the tank and the bowl is leaking and does not respond to tightening. Or if the flapper will not seat even after being replaced.

Is your problem a leak at the bottom of the toilet tank? You will want to try to tighten the bolts holding the tank in place first. Check out the article on Toilet Leak Repair for more information.

Toilet Flush Valve Repair - Information

Replacing the flush valve is more work than a typical service call. The initial call will be $50 to $100. If it takes longer than the initial time period (this varies), they generally charge you in fifteen minute increments. $15 to $35 per fifteen minute period. It is unlikely that you need a new toilet if it is just leaking. Assuming a repair period of one service call plus one half hour the Savings would be from $80 to $170. Parts would be extra of course, and marked up at a repair shop's pricing.

This repair requires that you take off the toilet tank. This is harder than some of the other toilet repairs.

Check the toilet tank flapper first for a toilet the leaks water into the tank and runs intermittently. See the article 'Toilet Flapper Repair' for information on adjusting or replacing a toilet flapper.

Replacing the toilet flush valve involves taking the toilet tank off the base. You will need to take precautions to deal with any water that may spill out of the tank when it is removed. Anything that can be damaged by water should be removed from the area before the repair is attempted. Failing to drain the tank down can generate a lot of water on the floor and surrounding area. Getting the toilet partially repaired before it gets too late or the parts store closes can leave the toilet not operating. One trick is that a toilet can be flushed by dumping a couple of gallons of water quickly into it. This emulates the normal function of the tank.

Replacing a Toilet Flush Valve

Draining the Tank

Draining the toilet tank is the first thing you want to do before working on a flush valve. Toilet tanks have a lot of water in them, that can get everywhere. It is clean water, but still, it makes a mess.

Turn off the water supply to the toilet first. Most tanks have a fill line marked on the side of the tank. Some do not. You can use a marker to put a mark at the correct water level if it is missing. The new flush valve tube may be a different height than the old one.

With the water turned off, flush the toilet to drain out most of the water from the tank. Place a pail below the nut for the toilet tank inlet. Loosen the nut on the water supply line. If the water is off, you should not get much water from the supply line.

There will be about an inch of water left in the bottom of the tank. Sopping the water up with rags will be a tedious task. The best way to finish draining the tank is to loosen the nut to the toilet fill valve. Loosen the nut to the fill valve and let the water drain into the pail.

Any water that you do not remove is likely to wind up on the floor. Removing the toilet flush valve will completely open up the bottom of the tank. Draining the toilet tank prior to this step is important.

Removing the Toilet Tank Bolts

Removing toilet tank bolts begins with the right tools. The tops of the bolts usually take a large flat blade screwdriver. On the under side of the bolts you may find brass or plastic nuts. The plastic nuts may have wings on them that allow you to hold them with your fingers, this is nice feature.

Depending on the configuration of your toilet, you might need, an adjustable wrench, box end wrench or even a deep socket wrench.

You may have gotten a tool with the toilet that was used to tighten these nuts. Your builder or plumber may have thrown it away. Finding it now may be a challenge. Before you begin, try to locate wrenches that you can use on the nuts in question.

The tank is held onto the base by two or three bolts that are visible from inside the tank. Many times you can hold the plastic nuts with your fingers. Loosed and remove both bolts. That's all there is to it, the tank should be free. Place a piece of cardboard on the floor and pull the tank up from the base. Lay it on it's back on the cardboard.

Removing the Flush Valve

After you have removed the tank from the base, removing a toilet flush valve is pretty easy. Lay the tank on its back to see the washer and nut for the flush valve.

Before you purchase a flush valve, make sure you know the size. Most of them are a nominal 3" or 4" diameter. If you are not certain, you want to take the old flush valve with you to match it up.

Certain brands of toilets have proprietary flush valves that only fit that brand of toilet. This is usually only true of more expensive toilets. If you are in doubt, check the internet for your model of toilet to see which flush valve it takes.

Remove the rubber washer from the base of the tank. There is a large plastic nut that holds the flush valve in place. Use a large pair of adjustable pliers to remove the nut, holding the valve assembly from the inside of the tank.

Remove the tubing that is connected to the top of the flush valve tube. Remove the large nut and the flush valve should be free. Remove and discard the old flush valve along with the flapper. You should have gotten a new one with the flush valve kit.

Installing a New Flush Valve

By this time you should have the old flush valve removed. Before installing the toilet flush valve you want to get the instructions for the new one. Follow the instructions on the new valve to properly locate the washers and nut.

Put the new flush valve into the tank and orient it appropriately the same way the old one was. There should be a washer between the valve and the tank, if it is supplied loose you will need to put it on. Put the plastic nut on and tighten it down.

Obviously, with plastic fittings you want to exercise some caution with tightening them. On the other hand, make sure the nut is snug. If you get a leak from this connection, you will have to start all over again. Yes that is correct, you won't know unitl it is all put together and you turn the water on.

Place the main seal over the outlet and push it up to the bottom of the tank. Attach the tubing at the top of the fill valve. At this point the inside of the tank should look similar to how it was when you took it apart.

Replacing the Toilet Tank

You may want a little help replacing the toilet tank. It is fairly heavy with all of the parts inside. In addition, it is a little awkward to handle.

Put the tank back on the toilet base and start the bolts and washers through the holes. Put the wing nuts on and snug them up finger tight. Hold the wing nuts and use the screwdriver to tighten the bolts.

Tighten them down evenly, switching back and forth. Do not over tighten. Make sure the tank is secure.

Hook the flapper chain to the tank lever making sure that there is no slack. It should operate freely, up and down.

Make sure the nut for the fill valve is snug and then hook up the water supply. Tighten the nut for the water supply line, don't over tighten it, remember it is plastic. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. First check the water supply and then the main seal. No leaks, good. The float for the tank should still be set at the proper height.

When the tank stops filling, check the water level. Too low, adjust the float until the tank fills to the correct level. After that, flush the toilet. All your problems should be solved.

Summary

So replacing a toilet flush valve is a little bit of work. Taking the tank off sounds a little scary at first. Once you are past that it is a breeze. One big plastic nut and a few bolts to tighten. You have to do a leak check, but that's not hard.

All done, toilets works great, Good Job! This is a home repair has a higher level of difficulty. By following the instructions and taking your time you were able to do it. What's even better is that you saved some money, great.

Replacing a toilet flapper is not a hard job at all. Unhook the chain from the toilet tank lever and remove the flapper from the fill tube. Some types have an assembly that slides over the fill tube.

Not sure if you have a problem with your toilet flapper? See the article, 'Fixing Toilet Tank Issues' or 'Fixing and Troubleshooting Toilet Problems' for a complete listing of all the subjects related to toilet repair.

Before you can replace your flapper, you will need to purchase a new one.

Purchasing a Toilet Flapper

Toilet flappers can be ordered online or are available at home supply stores. Most of them are universal and vary only by size.

Cost

A toilet flapper is not an expensive item. You should be able to find one for around ten dollars, although some may cost more. For a premium toilet, you may have to obtain an particular flapper that is matched to the toilet, these will likely cost more.

Getting the Right Size

In the past flappers were pretty universal. With the new water saver toilet requirements (all new toilets are required to use 1.6 gallons of water), there have been some engineering changes. Many of the newer toilets have a 3" diameter outlet for the flush valve, instead of the 2" that was standard for many years.

For a long time all toilets were manufactured using a 2" outlet for the flush valve. Most flappers would handle this opening size as long as the opening did not exceed 2 1/2" or so. There has to be enough of a flange around the opening for the flapper to properly seal. If there isn't, the toilet will leak water into the bowl and the tank will need to refill periodically.

Check the size of the existing flush valve outlet before getting a replacement flapper. Lift the flapper up and measure the inside diameter of the outlet. Should be either 2" or 3". Purchase the appropriate replacement part.

For universal replacement flappers, you can get a 2" or a 3". If your toilet has been installed since 2000, it is likely that you will need a 3" flapper. Prior to that time, the 2" will likely work. If you want to be sure, take the old flapper with you when you go shopping.

Installing a Toilet Flapper

Before you can install the flapper, you will need to shut off the water to the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain most of the water out of the tank. Take the lid off the toilet tank to see the flapper location. A little water in the bottom of the tank is okay and will not interfere with the installation.

Attaching the Flapper to the Flush Valve

The flapper should attached to plastic wings on either side of the fill tube. The flapper is made out of rubber, so there are two flaps with holes in them that go onto the side of the flush falve.

Near the bottom of the flush valve you will see two ears that protrude out the sides. The flapper presses on and off these ears. Pull the old one off and then put the new one on over the two ears. Make sure it is moving freely up and down.

The new flapper should completely cover the rim of the flush valve with some over hang. If the edge of the flapper appears to be too close to the edge of the flush valve opening, you may have gotten the wrong flapper.

Hooking Up the Pull Chain

For the flapper to work, it needs to be attached to the arm on the toilet handle. This is done via a chain that is either metal or plastic. The chain should be hooked to the new flapper already.

There will be a clip that holds the old chain onto the arm of the toilet handle. Remove the clip and remove the old chain. Attach the new chain with the new clip.

You want some slack in the chain, but not too much. If the chain is too long, it will tangle and cause the flapper not to open or not close. See the article, 'Adjusting a Toilet Handle Chain' for infomation on getting the chain located properly.

Test the Flapper

After you have installed the new flapper, turn the water to the toilet back on. After the tank fills, flush the toilet a couple of times to make sure the flapper is opening and closing correctly. Check to make sure that there is no interference from the chain.

Summary

Replacing a flapper is a pretty simple job. You just need to make sure that you get the right one for your toilet. Most of the time this will be either a 2" or 3" flapper. While you are working in the tank, you should check to make sure that the toilet tank water level is set to the right height. See the article 'Setting Toilet Tank Water Levels' for instructions.

Checking the toilet flapper chain is the first step when your tanks refills intermittently. A poorly seated flapper will allow the water in the tank to drain out, causing the tank to refill.

Not sure if this is your problem? See the article 'Troubleshooting Toilet Problems' for a listing of all the toilet repair topics.

Checking the Toilet Flapper

Take the lid off the toilet tank. Look at the chain that connects the toilet tank lever to the flapper. Is there a lot of slack in the chain? When there is too much slack the flapper can lift slightly and then the weight of the water can push it back down before it allows the proper amount of water to go into the toilet.

Try it, is the tank draining down completely when you depress the lever? No, adjust the chain so that there is not a lot of slack in it. Not so tight that it holds the flapper open and allows water to drain out.

You adjusted the chain and the toilet flushes correctly. Problem solved, Great.

Replacing a Toilet Flapper

The toilet flushes fine but there is a trickling sound after the tank is completely full. This would mean that the flapper is not seating correctly. You have two choices here, replace the flapper or replace the whole flush valve assembly. A flapper is around five dollar and two minutes work Try this first, it works most of the time, see step two.

See the articles 'Replacing a Toilet Flapper' and 'Fixing Toilet Flush Valves' for options on what can be done at this point.