How to Replace a Toilet Flap

A toilet flap, also referred to as a flapper, is the little round rubber suction cup in the tank of a toilet. If you look inside you will notice that when you flush the flap lifts to uncover a hole, and when there is enough water in the tank the flap goes down again. When a flap is worn or doesn't perform the way it is supposed to anymore, it needs to be replaced. A new flap can be installed by following some simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off the water to the toilet using the valve below the tank and behind the bowl. Turn it to the right to turn the water off.

2. Take the tank lid off. Flush the toilet and take note of what kind of flapper system the toilet uses. Some toilets have a metal chain; others have a plastic ring.

3. Remove the ring or chain from the flapper. Remove the flapper by bringing it up the overflow tube, which is located on the right side of the tank. Some flappers have two connections and need to be pushed inward to disconnect from the pins that hold the flap. These two connections are called ears.

4. Go to the hardware store to purchase a new flap. You need the manufacturer's name and model number in order to get the right one. These can be found in two different places on the toilet. The number can be located in the tank; the manufacturer can be found on the bottom of the toilet bowl.

5. Install the new flapper by reversing the procedure you took to remove it. Place it over the overflow tube and bring it down to the bottom where the hole is. Connect the chain or ring to the flapper and make sure it is also connected to the flush lever.

Tips & Warnings

• Flaps do not need to be replaced often. They tend to last for years.

Resources

• Toilet flaps