How to Replace a Toilet Overflow

Toilet repairs are good for the do-it-yourself plumber

An old toilet overflow tube will need replacing if it becomes cracked, rusted, leaky, or broken. This can be a tricky job, since you will need to separate the tank from the base of the toilet to remove the overflow tube. Still it's a job that doesn't require any special tools or training. Your chance of getting it done right the first time is very good, but only if you replace all old hardware and rubber seals with new ones. A universal toilet repair kit will contain all the parts you need.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Screwdrivers
• Adjustable wrench
• Hacksaw
• Channel lock pliers
• Universal toilet repair kit

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply valve by turning the knob clockwise all the way. Remove the toilet tank cover. Flush the toilet once, holding down the flush handle until most of the water has emptied from the tank. Remove the remaining water from the toilet tank with a sponge.

2. Unscrew the plastic nut on the water intake hose with your fingers (located against the bottom of the toilet tank). Locate two nuts beneath the toilet tank, to the left and right of the center of the tank. Remove these nuts with a wrench, while holding the accompanying screws inside the tank with a screwdriver. If the nuts will not move, cut them off just below the tank with a hacksaw.

3. Lift the tank off the base and set it upside-down on the floor. Remove the large center jam nut which holds the old toilet overflow tube to the tank. Tip the tank and pull the toilet overflow tube out the inside of the tank. (The center flush valve will come out with the tube.) Dispose of the old tube and valve.

4. Slide a new toilet overflow tube and attached flush valve into the inside of the tank. Tighten the jam nut and washer onto the bottom of the tank, making sure all parts are in place as explained in the toilet repair kit instructions.

5. Insert two new toilet mounting bolts into the inside of the tank with accompanied rubber washers, positioning washers above and below the tank as described in the instructions. Set the toilet tank on the base, and secure it with washers and bolts as provided in the toilet repair kit. Grasp the tank with two hands and test to see that it is firmly mounted--it should be flexible but firm. Do not over tighten the mounting bolts.

6. Fasten the water intake hose to the intake on the bottom of the tank. Turn on the water supply valve and check for leaks--tighten the two mounting bolts slightly if you find any. Replace the toilet tank cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Optionally, you can replace the water intake valve and float mechanism with the new parts from the toilet repair kit. If your intake valve and float mechanism are in good shape, hold onto these parts until you need them.

References

• Vertri: Toilet Valve Repair