How to Repair Toilet Plunger Valve Washers

When the water in your toilet continues to run after the tank has refilled, the culprit may be a worn washer in your toilet's plunger valve. While repairing a toilet can require trial and error, you should be able to complete the repairs yourself. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Empty the toilet tank by first turning the water supply to the toilet off. Then flush the toilet. You may have to flush the toilet a couple of times before the tank is completely empty.

2. Locate and disassemble the plunger valve linkage. You need to turn wing screws counterclockwise as you remove it. Use a small or medium flat head screwdriver for regular screws. You can loosen the connection by turning the plunger valve linkage with pliers before you remove the part.

3. Get the correct replacement washers to repair the problem. You may want to take the entire plunger valve to a hardware store. You need to get a new plunger washer, a new seat washer and possibly a new screw for the seat washer. Some stores carry a replacement kit with all three parts.

4. Replace the washers. If your old seat washer doesn't have a screw, pry it out with a screw driver. The plunger washer should be a rubber or leather washer that fits in the grove in the side of the plunger valve. Pry the old washer out with a screwdriver. You need to securely install the new washers.

5. Finish the repair by reassembling the plunger valve and reconnecting the linkage. You may need to make minor adjustments to the linkage and float arm after installation. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.