The toilet flush valve is a key element in the toilet tank. The flush valve is not at fault very often.

 

The toilet flapper can cause the toilet to run intermittently or not flush correctly. Before you assume it is the flush valve make sure the flapper is not the culprit.

 

It includes a fill tube and the flapper and water inlet for the toilet bowl. Most replacement kits include a new gasket for the tank and bolts to hold the tank in place. You will want to replace the flush valve if the seal between the tank and the bowl is leaking and does not respond to tightening. Or if the flapper will not seat even after being replaced.

 

Replacing a Toilet Flush Valve

Draining the Tank

Draining the toilet tank is the first thing you want to do before working on a flush valve. Toilet tanks have a lot of water in them that can get everywhere. It is clean water, but still, it makes a mess.

 

Turn off the water supply to the toilet first. Most tanks have a fill line marked on the side of the tank. Some do not. You can use a marker to put a mark at the correct water level if it is missing. The new flush valve tube may be a different height than the old one.

 

With the water turned off, flush the toilet to drain out most of the water from the tank. Place a pail below the nut for the toilet tank inlet. Loosen the nut on the water supply line. If the water is off, you should not get much water from the supply line.

 

There will be about an inch of water left in the bottom of the tank. Sopping the water up with rags will be a tedious task. The best way to finish draining the tank is to loosen the nut to the toilet fill valve. Loosen the nut to the fill valve and let the water drain into the pail.

 

Any water that you do not remove is likely to wind up on the floor. Removing the toilet flush valve will completely open up the bottom of the tank. Draining the toilet tank prior to this step is important.

 

Removing the Toilet Tank Bolts

Removing toilet tank bolts begins with the right tools. The tops of the bolts usually take a large flat blade screwdriver. On the underside of the bolts you may find brass or plastic nuts. The plastic nuts may have wings on them that allow you to hold them with your fingers, this is nice feature.

 

Depending on the configuration of your toilet, you might need an adjustable wrench, box end wrench or even a deep socket wrench.

 

You may have gotten a tool with the toilet that was used to tighten these nuts. Your builder or plumber may have thrown it away. Finding it now may be a challenge. Before you begin, try to locate wrenches that you can use on the nuts in question.

 

The tank is held onto the base by two or three bolts that are visible from inside the tank. Many times you can hold the plastic nuts with your fingers. Loosed and remove both bolts. That’s all there is to it, the tank should be free. Place a piece of cardboard on the floor and pull the tank up from the base. Lay it on its back on the cardboard.

 

Removing the Flush Valve

After you have removed the tank from the base, removing a toilet flush valve is pretty easy. Lay the tank on its back to see the washer and nut for the flush valve.

 

Before you purchase a flush valve, make sure you know the size. Most of them are a nominal 3″ or 4″ diameter. If you are not certain, you want to take the old flush valve with you to match it up.

 

Certain brands of toilets have proprietary flush valves that only fit that brand of toilet. This is usually only true of more expensive toilets. If you are in doubt, check the internet for your model of toilet to see which flush valve it takes.

 

Remove the rubber washer from the base of the tank. There is a large plastic nut that holds the flush valve in place. Use a large pair of adjustable pliers to remove the nut, holding the valve assembly from the inside of the tank.

 

Remove the tubing that is connected to the top of the flush valve tube. Remove the large nut and the flush valve should be free. Remove and discard the old flush valve along with the flapper. You should have gotten a new one with the flush valve kit.

 

Installing a New Flush Valve

By this time you should have the old flush valve removed. Before installing the toilet flush valve you want to get the instructions for the new one. Follow the instructions on the new valve to properly locate the washers and nut.

 

Put the new flush valve into the tank and orient it appropriately the same way the old one was. There should be a washer between the valve and the tank, if it is supplied loose you will need to put it on. Put the plastic nut on and tighten it down.

 

Obviously, with plastic fittings you want to exercise some caution with tightening them. On the other hand, make sure the nut is snug. If you get a leak from this connection, you will have to start all over again. Yes that is correct, you won’t know until it is all put together and you turn the water on.

 

Place the main seal over the outlet and push it up to the bottom of the tank. Attach the tubing at the top of the fill valve. At this point the inside of the tank should look similar to how it was when you took it apart.

 

Replacing the Toilet Tank

You may want a little help replacing the toilet tank. It is fairly heavy with all of the parts inside. In addition, it is a little awkward to handle.

 

Put the tank back on the toilet base and start the bolts and washers through the holes. Put the wing nuts on and snug them up finger tight. Hold the wing nuts and use the screwdriver to tighten the bolts.

 

Tighten them down evenly, switching back and forth. Do not over tighten. Make sure the tank is secure.

 

Hook the flapper chain to the tank lever making sure that there is no slack. It should operate freely, up and down.

 

Make sure the nut for the fill valve is snug and then hook up the water supply. Tighten the nut for the water supply line, don’t over tighten it, and remember it is plastic. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. First check the water supply and then the main seal. No leaks, good. The float for the tank should still be set at the proper height.

 

When the tank stops filling, check the water level. Too low, adjust the float until the tank fills to the correct level. After that, flush the toilet. All your problems should be solved.

 

Summary

So replacing a toilet flush valve is a little bit of work. Taking the tank off sounds a little scary at first. Once you are past that it is a breeze. One big plastic nut and a few bolts to tighten. You have to do a leak check, but that’s not hard.

 

All done, toilets works great, Good Job! This is a home repair has a higher level of difficulty. By following the instructions and taking your time you were able to do it. What’s even better is that you saved some money, great.

 

If you are looking for high quality toilet flush valves, I recommend that you can visit the website of Kingsway Technology Inc. The company provides electronic flush valves both for toilet and urinal uses. Its products feature easy installation to convert manual flush valve to automation. Kingsway is the best choice of automatic sanitary products manufacturer for you.

 

 

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