If the valve does not turn by hand, spray it with a lubricant like WD-40 and let it sit for 5 minutes. Twist the valve back and forth to loosen it. Avoid using a pair of pliers since this could damage the valve and cause a water leak. You may still hear a trickling sound after shutting off the water. This is the stored water escaping from the tank, not fresh water being pumped in. If you’re unable to find a shutoff valve in your bathroom, you may have to disable the water to the house.
Note the movement of the flapper when you flush the toilet. It will tell you whether the problem is a weak seal or something more innocuous, like a chain that’s pulled too tight. A functioning flapper will raise and lower smoothly and settle back over the flush valve without creating gaps.
Be careful when taking out the flapper. Prolonged exposure to hard water can make the submerged components brittle, which could cause them to break into pieces if you handle them too roughly. Most new flappers will come with a chain attached. If your new one has a chain, disconnect the existing chain from the flush lever.
Toilet flappers come in different sizes, designs, and materials. Your best bet for a home bathroom is a standard rubber flapper, which offers a little bit of flex to provide a secure seal. [3] X Research source If you have any questions regarding toilet flappers or their function, don’t hesitate to ask one of the home improvement specialists on staff for assistance.
Double check that each of the connection sites is secure so the flapper doesn’t accidentally come loose after a few flushes. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to clean the valve seal so your new flapper is watertight.
A good rule of thumb is that the ring on the end of the lift chain should be touching or hovering just above the bottom of the tank. Keep in mind that more force will be required to depress the handle when the tank is full. Right now, you’re just feeling for a comfortable range of motion. Don’t let the chain have enough slack where it would be pulled under the flapper when you flush the toilet.
Listen for the faint sound of running water between flushes to know whether the new flapper did the trick. Don’t forget to replace the toilet tank lid when you’re satisfied with the toilet’s performance.
Some tell-tale signs of a failing flapper are a soft hissing sound (this is the tank refilling itself constantly), low flushing power, or rippling water in the bowl. You may also have to jiggle the handle to get the toilet to stop running after flushing. [6] X Research source Be prepared to change out your toilet flapper every 2-3 years, or more frequently as needed.
Look for a valve seal repair kit at your local home improvement store. One of these kits will contain a flexible replacement seat that can fit over the old one using waterproof adhesive. [8] X Research source Don’t underestimate the importance of a working valve seal seat. Without it, your new flapper won’t work properly, and your toilet will still be prone to leaks.
A thorough inspection eye may even turn up more serious problems that you wouldn’t have caught yourself. Whatever you pay out of pocket will be worth it if it means dodging more extensive repairs plumbing repairs later on.
