Directions for the Removal of a Flapper-Type Drain Valve

Flapper valves control the water flow from the tank to the toilet bowl.

Flapper drain valves are found in the bottom of toilet tanks, which in turn are positioned on top, and at the back of, the toilet bowl. The flapper valve is pivoted to the bottom of the overflow tube, and also connects via a plastic or metal chain to the toilet's flush handle. When the handle is pushed down, the flapper valve is raised and water flows out of the toilet tank into the bowl. If the flapper is old and its underside rubber seal has disintegrated, it is easily detached by removing the pivots and the chain.

Instructions

1. Close off the water supply to the toilet's tank by turning off the water-supply shutoff valve, located behind the toilet. This valve is attached to the water-supply pipe which comes out of either the wall or floor.

2. Push down on the toilet's handle on the front of the tank to flush the toilet and remove as much water from the tank as possible. Remove the lid on top of the toilet tank.

3. Locate the circular flapper valve sitting on the base of the inside of the tank, usually between two tank bolts that connect the tank to the toilet bowl.

4. Pull the end of the chain away from the toilet handle's arm. Pull the flapper valve's pivots from the hooks on the bottom of the flush valve, also by hand. Lift out the flapper valve from the bottom of the toilet tank.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not turn on the water supply, or use the toilet, until a new flapper valve has been installed.

References

• The Family Handyman: Replace Toilet Valves: Flappers, Fill Valves and Flush Valves
• The Home Depot: Installing a New Flush Valve in Your Toilet