Working Time: 10-20 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $5-20
Tools Needed: New toilet flapper with lift chain, rubber gloves, wire cutters
- What is a Toilet Flapper?
A toilet flapper is an essential sealing component located at the bottom of the overflow tube and sits above the flush valve opening. It connects to the flush handle with a chain, which lifts the flapper when the handle is pressed, allowing water to flush through. Over time, the flapper can wear out, leading to leaks and a constantly running toilet tank, which increases water costs.
- Installation Steps
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Find the water valve behind the toilet, which connects to the bottom of the tank, and turn it off. If you can’t locate it, turn off the main water valve for your home.
Step 2: Drain the Tank
Hold down the flush handle until all the water in the tank is drained. This ensures no water remains during installation.
Step 3: Remove the Old Flapper
- Disconnect the Chain: Unhook the old flapper’s chain from the flush handle.
- Remove the Flapper: Detach the flapper from the pegs on both sides of the overflow tube. (If it’s attached with a ring, simply slide the flapper off.)
- Clean the Area: Use a sponge or cloth to clean any buildup around the valve seat, ensuring a smooth surface for a better seal with the new flapper.
Tip: Keeping in mind where the chain is attached will help you determine the proper length and attachment point for the chain later when you install the new fender.
Step 4: Prepare the New Flapper
It’s essential to purchase a replacement flapper that matches the old one. Bringing the old flapper to the store can ensure the new one has the same size and style. If ordering online, measure the diameter to get the correct size. Most flappers are designed to attach with pegs on each side, but some may require a ring attachment—be sure to verify before installing.
If your new flapper has a ring but your toilet requires pegs, you can trim off the ring with wire cutters. Conversely, if your setup needs the ring attachment, slide the flapper onto the top of the overflow tube.
Step 5: Install the New Flapper
- Attach the “ears” of the new flapper onto the pegs on either side of the flush valve.
- Reconnect the Chain: Hook the chain to the flush handle and adjust its length, leaving enough slack to fully lift the flapper when flushing, but not so loose that it affects the seal.
Step 6: Turn the Water Supply Back On and Test
- Open the water valve and let the tank refill.
- Test the Flush: Press the flush handle and check if the new flapper seals properly and if the chain length is correct. Ensure the flapper closes completely to prevent any leaks.
- Conclusion
With just a few basic tools and a short amount of time, you can replace your toilet flapper to stop leaks and save on water bills. This easy DIY project saves you the cost of hiring a plumber and brings a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a repair novice or a DIY enthusiast, changing a toilet flapper is a quick, affordable, and practical home maintenance skill.