How to Change a Toilet Fill Valve

A toilet that runs continuously or makes a lot of noise after flushing could mean your toilet fill valve (tank valve) is not working properly. Checking your fill valve's operation and replacing a defective valve does not require a plumber--it's a job you can easily take on. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Large sponge or old turkey baster
• Crescent wrench or channel lok pliers
• Replacement fill valve (available at home, hardware and plumbing stores for about $10)

Instructions

How to Check a Fill Valve

1. Remove the lid from the toilet tank and place it somewhere out of the way where it won't get scratched or broken.

2. Understand that when you flush a toilet, water is released from the tank and the float falls to the bottom of the tank. When the float drops it opens a valve of the tank vale allowing water to run back into the tank. The incoming water should stop at a level about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube (a tube standing upright in the tank). If the water level is over the top of the tube, your toilet will run continuously.

3. Adjust the water level by either adjusting the float arm (metal or plastic arm with a large ball on the end), or if your existing valve has an adjusting screw, turn the screw so the valve will shut off at a lower level.

4. After changing the water level, flush the toilet and see if water keeps on running after the float rises. If it does, your fill valve is defective and you should replace it.

How to Replace a Fill Valve

1. Turn off the water at the valve underneath the toilet tank, then flush the toilet.

2. Take off the toilet tank lid and place it safely out of the way.

3. Use a large sponge or a turkey baster to remove any water left in the bottom of the toilet tank.

4. Use a crescent wrench or pair of channel lock pliers to undo the nut on the bottom of the tank that's holding the fill valve and the valve should lift out, then remove the rubber tube running from the valve to the overflow tube.

5. While you have the valve out, clean around the hole in the tank to make sure there aren't any small particles in the tank that could cause leaks at the base.

6. Your new fill valve should come in a kit that includes new washers for the base of the valve. Place one washer on the bottom of the valve and place it in the hole in the bottom of the tank.

7. Put another washer on the bottom of the valve on the outside of the tank and replace the nut holding it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much or you could crack your toilet tank. Inside the tank, attach the overflow tube to the valve.

8. Turn the water back on, flush the toilet and check for leaks to make sure the new valve is working properly. If necessary, adjust the water level to the proper depth.

9. Finish up by replacing the toilet tank lid.

Tips & Warnings

• Before replacing your fill valve, you could try removing it and making sure there aren't any small pieces of debris inside stopping it from closing. However, to do this you need to remove and reinstall it, so if it's defective you'll still need to replace it with a new one. At the price of a new one, you'll have to decide if it's worth it.

• Porcelain toilet tank lids can crack or break if dropped. Handle with care.