If water is leaking from the toilet tank into the bowl, a faulty flush valve is usually to blame. You can test this by shutting off the water supply to the toilet and marking the water level in the tank. If the water level has fallen after ten minutes, the leak is caused by the flush valve. Replacing it is not difficult or expensive. If the entire toilet does not need to be replaced, replace this valve only and you should be in good shape.
You Will Need:
• Flush valve
• Adjustable wrench
• Channel-locking pliers
• Plumber’s wrench
• Long slotted screwdriver
• Penetrating oil
• Towels
• Sponge
• Shop vacuum (optional)
• Bucket
Step 1: Remove the lid from the toilet tank. Turn off the water supply by turning the shut-off valve underneath the tank clockwise until it stops turning.
Step 2: Hold down the flush level to drain as much water from the tank as possible. Use a towel, sponge, or shop vacuum to remove any water that remains in the tank.
Step 3: Disconnect the hose or water supply tube attached to the underside of the tank.
Step 4: Disconnect the toilet flapper chain from the toilet tank lever arm.
Step 5: Disconnect the refill tube that is attached to the top of the toilet overflow pipe.
Step 6: Look underneath the toilet tank and find the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl. Unscrew these with the pliers. If they will not budge, apply some penetrating oil to them and then try again.
Step 7: Use the screwdriver to hold each bolt inside the toilet tank while you use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts located under the tank. Remove the nuts and the tank bolts.
Step 8: Lift the toilet tank off the bowl. Set it aside on a towel.
Step 9: Find the locknut on the underside of the tank. This secures the flush valve to the toilet tank. Use the plumber’s wrench to unscrew it. Remove the flush valve.
Step 10: Install the new flush valve in the same manner the old one was removed. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer instructions.
Step 11: Reattach the toilet tank to the bowl using the tank bolts. Reattach the flapper chain to the toilet flush lever arm. Reattach the fill tube to the newly installed overflow pipe.
Step 12: Use the adjustable wrench to reconnect the water supply to the toilet tank.
Step 13: Turn on the water supply and test the new flush valve, checking the area for leaks.
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