How to Replace a Toilet Valve

This is really not that difficult to do provided you take your time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two adjustable wrenches
• A bucket
• A sponge
• Replacement Toilet Valve
• tape measure
• Scissors/Cutting tool

1. To replace the Toilet fill valve the first thing you will need to do is turn the water off under the toilet at the inlet from the wall or floor.
   
   Turn this off and flush the toilet to make sure it is off and that you have as much water out of the tank as possible.

2. Once you have drained the tank into the bowl you will need to use the sponge and bucket to remove the rest of the water getting as much as possible out of the tank.

3. After the water is out take one wrench on the inside of the tank and grab the nut on the bottom of the Tank fill valve holding it still while with the other wrench you loosen and remove the water line that is attached being careful to avoid damaging the outside line connection nut as it will probably by nylon these days.
   
   Place the bucket under the fill valve area in case you do drip any water when removing.
   
   Don't forget to remove the locking nut on the bottom of the tank that holds the Fill Valve in or you won't remove the Fill Valve.

4. Take out the old valve and using the tape measure measure the Overflow tube that sits next to the flapper hole at the bottom of the tank. You will want to adjust the tank fill valve if that is possible making it 1" ( One Inch) taller than the tube.
   
   Not all Fill Valves are adjustable if not don't panic just use the one you have.

5. Having either adjusted the Fill Valve Replacement if possible install the Fill Valve.
   Re-install the locking nut and inlet water connection line (Do not turn on water as of yet trust me)
   
   Install the flow tube that goes toward the Overflow tube cutting if necessary to fit on the Angle adapter if one is used on the Overflow tube otherwise make it just long enough to flow into the Overflow tube.

6. Now turn on the water and adjust the float as needed many of the newer Fill Valves have a clip on the float to adjust for the water to stop on the water line on the Overflow Tube. You will want to stop the water about half inch below the top of the Overflow tube in case the tube doesn't have a mark on it.
   
   BE SURE TO CHECK FOR ANY LEAKS INCLUDING INTO THE BOWL AFTER FLUSH AND REFILL. YOU MAY NEED TO CLEAR THE FLAPPER HOLE TO ALLOW THE FLAPPER TO SIT EVENLY ESPECIALLY IN HARD WATER AREAS!

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check for leaks
• Be cautious when using the wrenches on the nylon nuts to prevent damage/cracking them
• Using food coloring can help to determine if your leaking water from the tank into the bowl
• Be sure to use gloves if you use a toilet cleaner tablet/liquid in your toilet tank to protect your skin
• If you over-tighten the nylon nut and it cracks replace it or you will find leaks later

Resources

• Family Handyman Article on this topic

[karileighk]

on 6/26/2009 Never know when this will come in handy. *5

[Tfurby]

on 1/2/2009 Thanks to you, I can now replace a toilet valve!