How to Fix a Fill Valve in a Toilet
If jiggling the handle on the toilet is getting annoying, it may be time to replace the fill valve in the toilet tank. If the fill valve is faulty or broken, it will cause the tank to fill continuously with water that drains down the overflow tube. The most effective way to fix a fill valve is to replace it. This project can be completed in less than a day with some basic tools and supplies from a home improvement store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Turn the water off to the toilet. Typically, there is a shut-off valve behind the toilet and under the tank. Once the water is off, flush the toilet to remove as much of the water in the tank as possible. Use the towel or sponge to eliminate the rest of the water in the tank.
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Place the bucket underneath the water supply line under the tank. Remove the coupling nut that holds the line to the tank. If it is stubborn, use the pliers.
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Remove the lock nut from the base of the fill valve inside the toilet tank. Unclip the refill tube from the overflow pipe. Take out the old fill valve assembly.
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Place the new fill valve assembly into the tank. Tighten the new lock nut into place, taking care not to over tighten it because it could get damaged.
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Clip the new refill tube to the overflow pipe. Reattach the water supply line underneath the tank. Tighten this by hand only.
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Turn the water back on. Watch the toilet fill and check for leaks. Check the height of the water in the tank, and adjust the float as needed. The height of the float can vary between 1/4 to 1 inch below the top of the overflow pipe.
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Tips & Warnings
This is also a good time to replace the flush or "flapper" valve in the toilet tank, especially if it is old.
Over-tightening the nuts on the fill valve or supply line can cause a crack to appear in the toilet tank. Then you have to replace the whole toilet.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
