How to Install a Fill Valve in a Toilet Tank

If your toilet isn't flushing properly, install a new fill valve.

With all of the mechanical action that takes place in a toilet tank, it's no surprise that some of the internal pieces will need replacement from time to time. If your toilet tank keeps running or won't flush properly, it's time to replace the fill valve. It's not a difficult task, even if you don't have any plumbing experience.

Things You'll Need

• Small bucket
• Sponge
• Adjustable wrench
• Teflon tape
• Towels

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to remove water. You may also at this time want to clean all the lines and valves involved.

2. Remove the top of the toilet tank. Using the sponge, remove any more water still standing in the tank.

3. Loosen and remove the feed line from the underside of the tank. Have your bucket ready to catch any water that is standing in the pipe or old valve.

4. Remove the large retaining nut just above the feed line on the bottom of the old unit, and remove the old unit from the tank.

5. Wipe the tank clean and dry with the sponge before installing the new unit to remove any grit or rust particles that could ruin the new seal or valve.

6. Adjust the new fill valve. Most new valves twist to adjust the height. You want to adjust it to the highest point you can go without it touching anything inside the tank. Now just reinstall the new unit in place of the old one. Be sure the float doesn't touch the sides or top of the tank or the ball valve at the bottom.

7. Install the overflow tube into the overflow pipe. These usually just clip on at the top.

8. Install and tighten the retaining nut on the unit. Only tighten this nut enough to hold it -- be careful not to crack the porcelain. Wrap the threads of the feed line end of the unit in Teflon tape and install the feed line and tighten. Do not overtighten this fitting either as it is a plastic fitting in most cases and can break easily.

9. Turn the water back on and flush the toilet. If it doesn't flush or refill properly, you may have to adjust the height of the new fill valve by twisting it higher or lower.

Tips & Warnings

• Great idea if you have more than one rental property, will save a few dollars over time.

• Old plumbing tends to have sharp rusty edges sometimes. Be careful how you handle these items.

References

• The Family Handyman: Replace Toilet Valves: Flappers, Fill Valves and Flush Valves
• Acme How To: How to Install a New Fill Valve