How to Install a Toilet Flapper
The toilet's tank should fill up in less than a minute after flushing. A toilet flapper that functions correctly helps refill the tank by preventing water from leaking into the bowl. If you have a "running toilet" or water trickles into the bowl non-stop, it means the flapper is compromised, and you should replace it. Flappers are made of rubber, which means they deteriorate over time, but they are also inexpensive and available in all hardware and home improvement stores. The best thing is they're easy to replace. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Shut off the water. A defective flapper will let water leak into the bowl continuously. Most toilet systems are equipped with shutoff valves underneath the tank. If there is no valve leading to the water closet, turn off the water main of the house to prevent further water wastage.
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2
Empty the tank. Either flush the water or scoop the water out.
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3
Determine the type of flapper. Because numerous toilet manufacturers with different flushing mechanisms are in the market, it's best that you first check what type of flapper is installed in your toilet tank. Depress the flush lever, and observe the action of the flapper and the chain attached to it. To ensure that you purchase the correct replacement flapper, remove the defective piece and take it to the store for comparison. Removing the old flapper will also help you figure out how the piece is connected to the entire flushing mechanism.
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4
Check the flapper chain. If the chain looks corroded, replace it before it breaks.
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5
Purchase a new flapper (and chain, if needed). Flapper prices depend on the type and quality of the item but are generally low-cost. Flapper chains also come in different types and are likewise inexpensive.
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Attach the new flapper to the flushing mechanism. Flappers usually come with easy-to-follow installation instructions, but if you removed the defective piece yourself, you can merely reverse the action steps to install the replacement piece. Make sure the flapper sits well on the flush valve (where the water flows from the tank to the bowl) to establish an efficient seal.
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Attach the chain to the loop on the flapper designed for this purpose. You may need a pair of pliers to hook the chain to the flapper.
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8
Test the flapper action by depressing the flush lever a few times. Be sure the chain is short enough to lift the flapper when the lever is depressed but long enough to let the flapper drop onto the flush valve securely.
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9
Turn on the water. An efficient flapper should stop water from leaking into the bowl.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a relatively new, designer brand or custom water closet, you may need to get information on the toilet manufacturer for the correct flapper replacement part. The manufacturer information is typically located underneath or behind the toilet tank.
Have a spare flapper and chain in storage for quick replacements and minimum water wastage.
