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How to Replace a Toilet Flush Valve

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DIFFICULTY RATING: (2 out of 5 - Easy)

Replacing the flush valve is an easy, efficient way to stop leaking and save thousands of gallons of water per year.
Flush valve (Buy) Wet and dry vacuum (Buy)

The water connection must be completely closed and all water flow to the toilet stopped before you can replace the valve.


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Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Turn off the toilet's water supply valve just below the tank. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Hold down the lever to allow most of the water run out of the tank. Use a wet/dry vac to suction out the rest of the water if desired.

Turn the water supply handle cloclwise to turn off the water supply.


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Step 2: Disconnect the valve chain
Disconnect the chain that is clipped to the trip arm.

Disconnect the chain by unclipping it from the trip arm.


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Step 3: Remove the old flush valve
Remove the flush valve or flapper from the flush valve seat by lifting it out of the clips on the side or pulling it up and off of the overflow tube, depending on the type of valve.

Remove the flush valve by unclipping from the sides or lifting over the top of the tube.


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Step 4: Select the right flush valve
It is important to select a flush valve that matches the style of the valve you are replacing.

Make sure that the flapper style and clips on your new valve are similar to the old one.


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Step 5: Attach the new valve and flapper
Snap the tabs of the flush valve over the clips on the overflow tube, or slide it down over the top of the tube, seating the flapper level on the valve seat and ensuring a good seal.

Clip the new flapper valve onto the overflow tube and set the flapper level on the valve seat.


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Step 6: Connect the new valve chain
Connect the new valve chain to the trip arm by clipping it into the hole. Adjust the chain so that the flapper sits flat and has a good seal. Cut off extra links of chain that might interfere with toilet operation.

Clip the valve chain to the trip arm.


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Step 7: Open the shut-off and test the new valve
Turn on the water supply from underneath the toilet and let the tank fill. Once the water completely covers the flapper, water should stop filling the bowl. Test the new valve by flushing the toilet and watching the bowl fill. Once the flapper closes, all water to the bowl should stop as the tank refills.

The flapper will seal tight when covered with water and all water going into the bowl should stop.


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Text by Deb Alden
Renovate Your World




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