How to Repair a Toilet Flush Valve
Toilets are among the most important appliances in the home, whether we like to acknowledge their importance or not. When a toilet isn’t working properly, your entire home will be disrupted! A functional toilet is a priority. Sometimes, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to call out a plumber to fix a relatively easy problem. You don’t even have to go out and buy a whole new toilet if you are just dealing with a broken toilet flush valve. In fact, you can fix it on your own in no time at all after you visit Greenwood Hardware to pick up a few things.
You will know if your toilet flush valve has a problem if the toilet constantly runs and you have already ruled out the flapper (the little rubber circle that covers the hole in the bottom of the tank). To replace the flush valve, you will need to remove the tank from the back of the toilet. Before you do that, you need to shut off the water to the toilet. There will be a shut-off beside or behind the toilet bowl.
Flush the toilet to empty the tank. It will not refill since the water is turned off. Use a wrench to disconnect the water supply line under the tank. Unscrew the two bolts that hold the tank on the back of the toilet.
Use a wrench to unscrew the large nut (spud nut) in the center. Use pliers to pull out the old valve. Insert the new valve with the top of the cone facing into the tank. Put the spud nut back on and reattach the tank. Attach the water line to the bottom. If you are replacing the flapper, do so now. Reattach the fill tube and turn on the water. Allow the tank to fill, flush and check for any leaks.
That’s it! That little bit of work can save you a hundred dollars or more in a service call from a plumber. Head into Greenwood Hardware today and get what you need to fix your own toilet flush valve. Stop on in, or contact us today!