How to Replace the Float Valve in a Toilet Tank

When a toilet float valve goes bad, that means that the tank can no longer retain water between flushes. As a result, the toilet is constantly running, which wastes a lot of water and can drive up utility bills. Replacing the float valve is a simple home repair that requires just a few few tools and about a half hour of the handyman's time.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Towel
• Pliers
• Crescent wrench
• New float valve

Instructions

1. Shut off the toilet's water supply by turning the valve handle located behind the toilet. Lift the lid off the toilet tank and set it aside. Flush the toilet so that all the water runs out of the tank. Use a sponge to sop up any extra water that remains in the tank.

2. Lay a towel down on the floor at the base of the back of the toilet. The towel will soak up any water that leaks out of the toilet during the process.

3. Use a pair of pliers to disconnect the hose running from the wall to the toilet tank. Disconnect the hose at the tank end by loosening the plastic nut connecting the hose to the tank.

4. Switch to a crescent wrench. Use the wrench to loosen the nut that holds the float valve in place. The nut is located near the area that the hose feeds into the tank.

5. Unclip the skinny plastic hose inside the tank from the valve and lift the valve out of the toilet tank. Discard the old valve.

6. Read the instructions accompanying the new float valve. Install the rubber washers tightly in the float valve hole at the base of the tank. Insert the new float valve into the hole and carefully tighten the retaining nut on the underside of the tank.

7. Reattach the hose to the valve and connect the skinny plastic hose inside the toilet tank to the valve. Make sure all seals are in place. Turn on the water supply and watch for leaks around the hose. Tighten the seals and plastic nut, if necessary.

8. Watch the inside of the tank as it fills with water. If the valve is installed correctly, there should be no leaks and the water line should shop about a half inch from the top of the tank.