A leaky toilet flapper is a common issue that can lead to both water waste and higher bills. Fortunately, fixing it is very simple and easy. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of repairing a leaky toilet flapper.
What Is a Toilet Flapper?
A toilet flapper is a rubber or plastic component located at the bottom of the toilet tank. It covers the flush valve opening and is lifted when the toilet is flushed, allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Once the flush is complete, the flapper closes tightly to prevent water from continuously flowing into the bowl, maintaining the water level in the tank.
A toilet flapper not sealing and leaking can cause water to continuously trickle from the tank into the bowl, causing water wastage and potentially leading to higher water bills. Additionally, it can affect the proper functioning of the toilet, including a toilet that won’t flush at all or won’t maintain the right water level in the tank.
Steps to Fix Your Toilet Flapper
Inspect the Toilet and Flapper
Lift the seat of your toilet and see if you notice water continuously running into the toilet bowl. If so, you could have a damaged flapper.
To inspect the toilet flapper, lift the tank lid and locate the flapper. It will be at the bottom of the long arm called an overflow tube. Check for any visible signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or tears.
Make sure the flapper is properly seated over the flush valve opening and that there are no obstructions preventing it from closing tightly.
Flush the toilet and make sure the flapper lifts properly. When you release the toilet handle, the flapper should close and create a seal so no water continues to flow from the tank to the bowl.
Turn off the Water
If you determine that you should replace the flapper, make sure you turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Flush the Toilet
Once the water is off, hold the flush handle down to empty the toilet tank. There will still be some water at the bottom of the tank, but it should be below the level of the flush valve opening where the flapper sits.
Remove the Old Flapper
Disconnect the flapper chain from the flush lever and remove the old flapper from the flush valve opening. Some flappers may be attached to the overflow tube with clips or hooks that need to be released. The flapper will likely be made of rubber and it will be very easy to remove it from the hooks.
Install the New Flapper
Place the new flapper over the flush valve opening, ensuring it sits evenly and covers the opening completely. Push the ends of the flapper over the hooks on the overflow tube. Reattach the chain to the flush lever, leaving just enough slack to allow the flapper to open and close freely.
Turn the Water Back On and Check the Bowl
Turn the water supply back on by turning the shut-off valve counterclockwise. Once the tank fills, flush the toilet and observe the flapper in action. Confirm that it opens fully during flushing and closes tightly afterward to prevent any leaks.
Additional Tips:
- Chain Length: Adjust the chain length as needed to ensure the flapper opens and closes smoothly without getting stuck.
- Clean the Valve Seat: If the valve seat is dirty or damaged, clean it with a soft cloth or fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a proper seal.
- Replace Other Components: If the flapper replacement doesn’t solve the issue, consider checking and replacing other components such as the flush valve or overflow tube.
Contact Ford’s Plumbing for Toilet Flapper Replacement and More
By following these steps, you can quickly fix a leaky toilet flapper and prevent water waste and other potential plumbing problems. If you encounter any difficulties or the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact Ford’s Plumbing for assistance.
