How to Replace a Toilet Flapper Seat

Replacing your toilet's flapper is a simple and common DIY job. You'll know your toilet's flapper needs replacing if you start to see water continuously running into the toilet bowl, or you are having problems flushing your toilet. Problems occur because over time, the rubber that the flapper is made out of begins to weaken, causing an improper seal in your toilet tank. Any local plumbing supply store or home improvement store will carry a universal replacement flapper that will fit your toilet.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Universal flapper

Instructions

1. Close the shut-off valve behind your toilet. This valve should close by hand.

2. Flush your toilet, removing most of the water from the tank.

3. Unclip the steel chain from the top of your defective flapper. The other end of this chain will be connected to your toilet lever's arm.

4. Unhook the flapper from the two tabs holding it onto the flush valve.

5. Trim your new universal toilet flapper into the shape of your old one. Use the old flapper as a template.

6. Hook the two loops on the back of your new flapper onto the tabs of the flush valve and reclip the chain running from the toilet lever onto the small rubber loop on the top of the flush valve.

7. Open the shut-off valve, letting the toilet tank refill with water. Check to see if any problems persist.

References

• Toilet Flapper: FAQ