How to Replace Toilet Fill Valve

Replace the fill valve to solve running water in the toilet.

A toilet that won’t stop running is an annoying noisemaker and an expensive waste of water. If you have checked the flapper valve and adjusted the water level -- and the water continues to run -- the culprit may be the fill valve. Replace a faulty fill valve with little mess and few tools.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge or old towel
• Wrench
• New fill valve

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply to the toilet and flush. Use a sponge or old towel to sop up any water left in the bottom of the tank. Disconnect the water line to the toilet.

2. Reach underneath the toilet tank to loosen the bottom of the fill valve with a wrench. Rotate the valve and pull it out of the tank.

3. Position a new valve in the hole in the bottom of the tank. Tighten the lock nut a half turn beyond hand tight. Connect the water supply.

4. Attach the refill tube. Make sure the overflow is above the tube and the end of the tube is above water level. Otherwise, the toilet will flush itself from time to time.

5. Turn on the water and adjust the water level if necessary. Make sure the water is not leaking.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the toilet when replacing fill valve.

References

• Danny Lipford: How to Repair a Toilet