Toilet Flapper Replacement

The flapper in the standard toilet is usually made of rubber and covers the hole in the bottom of the tank. When the handle is engaged, it lifts the flapper and allows the water in the tank to flush into the toilet bowl. As the tank empties, the flapper falls back over the hole and allows the tank to refill with water. Over time, the flapper can wear and deteriorate, allowing water to leak by it. This can cause the toilet to run. You can replace the flapper in your toilet in just a few minutes.


Tools Of The Trade
Flapper
Needle-nose pliers


Step 1:
Turn the handle or the knob on the shutoff valve under the left side of the tank completely clockwise to interrupt the water supply. Flush the toilet to remove most of the water in the tank and remove the tank lid. Notice the type of flapper that is present and purchase the same type when you go to the hardware or home improvement store.  The flapper may be one piece and attached to the bottom of the overflow tube. Or it may be on a bracket. There is a chain that connects the handle to the bracket or directly to the flapper.

Step 2:
Remove the flapper from the bottom of the overflow tube or the entire bracket from the mount at the bottom of the tank. In either case there are pins on both sides that the flapper or the bracket can be easily taken off of by hand.

Step 3:
Detach the chain from the flapper or the bracket. The chain may have a clip that can be operated by hand or you may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to disconnect it. If the flapper is on a bracket and you are not replacing the bracket, there is no need to remove the chain.

Step 4:
Attach the chain to the new flapper and secure it to the pins in the same location that the old one occupied. If the flapper is on a bracket, unscrew it from the bracket and connect the new flapper to bracket in the same location. If the bracket is in need of replacing, attach the chain to the new bracket. Secure the bracket to the mount at the bottom of the tank.

Step 5:
Restore the water supply by turning the handle or the knob on the shutoff valve completely counterclockwise. Replace the tank lid and flush the toilet several times to test it.