How To Replace a Flush Valve
No one likes a water leak. They can be costly and wasteful. If your toilet is leaking water from the tank to the bowl, you can replace your Flush Valve. You will have to take the toilet tank apart to do this, but it’s definitely something you can tackle yourself. Be brave, it's ultimately simple!
Tools Required: Adjustable Pliers, Adjustable Wrench, Needle Nose Pliers, Flathead Screwdriver
Supplies Required: Tank Bolts, Tank To Bowl Seal, Flush Valve
Step
1
These instructions are meant for traditional flapper style toilets. For other types of toilets, please follow manufacturer directions for installing the appropriate Flush Valve.
Turn off the water supply to the Toilet. Flush the toilet to remove the water. Hold the handle down to allow the remaining water to drain. Use a sponge or towel to remove the remaining water. Unscrew the Water Supply Line Connecting Nut on the Tank end of the Water Supply Line from the Fill Valve Shank. Often this Nut can be loosened by hand, however, Adjustable Pliers or an Adjustable Wrench may be required if the Nut has been over tightened. Remove the Nuts and Metal Washers from the Tank Bolts underneath the Toilet Bowl. Carefully remove the Tank from the Toilet Bowl. Continue to completely remove the old Tank Bolts from the Tank bottom.
Step
2
Remove the old Tank to the Bowl Seal from the Flush Valve Shank (The Black Ring is the Tank to Bowl Seal). Note the orientation of the old Flush Valve in the Tank using the Overflow Tube as a reference.
Step
3
Remove the Flush Valve Flange Nut from the Flush Valve Shank.
Step
4
Remove the old Flush Valve and discard.
Step
5
Insert the new Flush Valve Shank through the hole in Tank bottom. Note: Make sure the new Flush Valve is oriented in the Tank the same as the old Flush Valve. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, place any Gaskets or Seals onto the Flush Valve Shank on the bottom of the Tank.
Step
6
Screw the new Flush Valve Flange Nut onto the Flush Valve Shank. Do not overtighten to avoid cracking the tank.
Step
7
Place one Rubber Washer on each Bolt and slide the Washer to the Head. Place the Bolts in the bolt holes in the Tank bottom. On the bottom of the Tank, slide another Rubber Washer on each Bolt up to the Tank, followed by a Flat Washer and then a Hex Nut. Tighten with a Wrench until snug. Do not overtighten.
Place the Tank back on the Toilet Bowl. Install a Metal Flat Washer and Wing or Hex Nut on each Bolt. Tighten each Nut until the Tank is secure. Again, do not overtighten.
Step
8
After the Tank is installed, reconnect the Water Supply Line to the Fill Valve Shank. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Inspect the supply line connection for leaks. When the tank fills, inspect for leaks around the bolts.
Finally, attach the Chain to the Flush Arm. Trim any excess chain links leaving one or two links slack. Flush the Toilet. Inspect for leaks between the Tank and Tank Bowl.