To find the right match for your toilet model, check our rubber flapper buying guide. Settling for a one-size-fits-all flapper can quickly turn your water-efficient toilet into a water waster.
Note: Replacing a flapper or fill valve is not a difficult process. However, if you do not feel comfortable performing the following steps, we recommend that you hire a licensed professional plumber to do the work for you.
Tools needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Awl
- Flathead screwdriver
Steps for replacing your toilet flapper
Step 1
Turn off water to tank at the customer shut-off valve to the house.
Step 2
Flush the water in the tank. Note: the length of the flapper chain attached to flushing handle.
Step 3
Remove old flapper.
Step 4
Write down model of the toilet. Also note if toilet is a 1.6 gpf (gallon per flush) model. If the year of manufacture is before 1992, it most likely is not a 1.6 gpf toilet.
Step 5
Take the old flapper and its information to a plumbing supply store. If your toilet is a 1.6 gpf model, purchase a flapper that keeps the flush at 1.6 gpf.
Step 6
Be prepared to pay $2 to $10 for the correct flapper. Make sure you purchase the right flapper for your toilet. Installing the wrong flapper or a generic one could cause your toilet to use much more water than necessary.
Use our flapper buying guide to find the right match for your toilet model.
Step 7
Install the new flapper. Adjust the chain as it was before you removed the old on. Turn on water and perform a test flush. Make water level and chain adjustments if needed.
Fill Valve
To replace the fill valve in your toilet, follow the instructions found in the packaging you purchased.