Repairing a leaking toilet flush valve

Turn off the water supply

This is done by closing the shut-off valve, which is usually located between the water supply line and the flexible supply hose that leads to the toilet’s fill valve on the lower left side of the tank. Turn the handle to shut off the water. If your toilet does not have a shut-off valve, you will need to shut off the water supply at the main house shut-off valve.

Remove the old flapper or tank ball

Once the water supply is shut off, flush the toilet to drain most of the water from the tank.

Depending on the age of your toilet, the flush valve may have either a rubber flapper or a tank ball that controls the flow of water into the toilet bowl during flushing. Both are usually mounted with a bracket that clamps over the overflow pipe.

There should be nothing left of the old assembly, just the exposed seat of the drain valve. Be careful not to drop any objects into the drain valve opening as they may clog the toilet.

Remove the remaining tank water

After the tank has been drained and the old valve removed, a small amount of water will remain at the bottom of the tank. Soak up this water with a sponge until the tank is completely empty.

Clean the valve seat

If the old drain valve seat is brass (which many are), it needs to be clean and smooth before installing the kit. The easiest way to do this is to use steel wool or fine sandpaper to remove all residue from the valve seat. A plastic or porcelain purge valve opening can be cleaned with a scrub brush.

After scrubbing, wipe the valve seat with a dampened soft cloth and then dry completely with a towel.

Install the sealing ring

Peel the paper from one side of the sealing ring included in the repair kit, then carefully place it in the center of the cleaned valve seat. Press lightly to move it into position. Do not press too hard.

Position the flapper

Before removing the paper on the sealing ring, test the best position for the flapper. Try to position it at about a 45 degree angle to the front of the tank so that the tapered bottom of the baffle plate can rotate freely and open fully when lifted by the chain. Normally, the proper positioning is so that the lifting chain is as close as possible to the handle lever.

Solution

Sometimes it is better to call the professionals, when you have to do with plumbing jobs. The Emergency Plumber in Warrington is here 24 hours for you. After your call, our Customer Service sends the right plumber to you. The plumbers are licenced and professionals. Never hesitate to make us a call, 01925941004.