Step 1 Turn Off Water
Behind the toilet you’ll find a knob that shuts off the water flowing to the toilet. Turn that knob to shut off the water and get the tank ready for the repair.
How to Replace a Toilet Flapper
The bathroom toilet is one of the most essential components of your home. When you hear that sound of water running between flushes, an old toilet flapper is to blame. Fortunately, changing out the toilet flapper is a fast and easy repair that requires no tools whatsoever. All you have to do is purchase a universal replacement toilet flapper, such as the Korky Ultra Saver Flapper. This toilet flapper’s design makes it easy to install on virtually any toilet. Learn how to replace the toilet flapper in five quick and easy steps.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time:
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There are 5 steps to completing this project:
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Step 2 Drain the Tank
Carefully lift the lid off the toilet tank and set it aside. While looking down inside the tank, give the toilet one more flush. Monitor the way the existing toilet flapper is working to ensure that it is the problem. This flush will drain the tank of water so you can work freely within the tank.
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Step 3 Remove the Old Flapper
Carefully remove the faulty flapper by sliding the holes on the sides off the pegs holding it. You’ll want to slide the holes off the pegs without causing any damage to the pegs, since you’ll need them for the next step. Once the flapper is removed, you can disconnect the chain from the toilet handle lever, as well. Throw away the old toilet flapper and get out the new one you purchased.
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Step 4 Install the New Flapper
Following the manufacturer instructions, take the new flapper and use the holes on the sides to attach it to the mount in the bottom of the tank. Once both sides of the flapper are secured, take the clip on the end of the chain and secure it to the toilet handle lever.
If for some reason your new toilet flapper didn’t come with a replacement chain, you can use the chain from the previous toilet flapper. It is important that the chain is just the right length so that it lifts the toilet flapper every time you push down the lever while allowing enough slack for the toilet flapper to close securely after each flush.
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Step 5 Turn the Water Back On
Once the new toilet flapper is installed, reach down to turn the water back on at the knob behind or beside the toilet. After the water is back on, give the toilet another flush to ensure the new flapper and chain are attached correctly and provide a watertight seal. If the chain disconnects from the new flapper when you flush, it simply means that you don’t have the right amount of tension. Too much chain will cause it to disconnect from the flapper while too little chain will prevent the flapper from sealing the whole way and cause a slow water leak. Once you’ve double-checked that everything is working properly, replace the tank lid and you’ll be ready to use the toilet again.
