How to Replace an Overflow Toilet Bowl Assembly

You can replace the overflow assembly in a toilet.

A leaking toilet could be an indication of a problem with the overflow assembly. These tubes are mounted in the toilet tank, next to the flapper, and siphon off excess water in the tank, preventing an overflow. The water passes through the tank and into the toilet bowl, where it makes its way to the sewer system. Replacing an overflow toilet bowl assembly isn't a difficult chore and can be handled by the DIYer without any special tools.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Towels
• Sponge
• New overflow tube and flapper assembly
• Silicone grease
• Plumber's tape

Instructions

1. Turn off the water for the toilet. The water supply for the toilet is typically mounted on the wall or floor behind the bowl. There will be a short tube or hose connecting the water supply valve to the tank. Rotate the knob on the end of the valve clockwise to shut off the water.

2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank. On a dual-flush toilet, you will have to unscrew the push-button flush mechanism before the lid can be removed. Set the lid aside. Flush the toilet and continue to hold down the handle to allow all the water inside to escape. Wipe up any excess water with a sponge and towel.

3. Unscrew the water supply valve or tube from the bottom of the tank. Loosen the bolts on the underside of the tank. Unclip the refill tube from the top of the overflow tube. Unclip the chain from the top of the flush valve flapper at the bottom of the tank.

4. Remove the large nut holding the valve/overflow tube assembly in place with adjustable pliers. Pull the overflow tube and flapper assembly out of the toilet.

5. Coat the underside of the new flapper and overflow tube assembly with silicone grease. Press this into place at the bottom of the toilet so that the threads on the flapper assembly poke out through the bottom of the toilet. Secure into place with the retention nut.

6. Reconnect the fill tube to the top of the overflow tube and the flush chain to the top of the flapper.

7. Wrap the threads on the fill valve inlet on the underside of the tank with plumber's tape. Secure the water supply tube or hose.

8. Restore the water by turning the water supply knob counterclockwise. Allow the toilet time to fill. Flush and check for leaks. Tighten any bolts, if needed.

References

• Toilet-Repairs.com; How a Toilet Works, Plumbing Diagrams & Repair Tips
• Plumbing Basics: Toilet Repair
• Toiletology: How to Fix a Flush Valve