This is a tutorial on Replacing the Flapper Valve in a Toilet

1. Replacing the Flapper
Valve in aToilet
LaWanda Smith
Foundations ofTechnical Communications
CM241 – 01
Kaplan University
June 24, 2015

2. Problem
Greetings, my name is LaWanda. I will be demonstrating
how to change the flapper on your toilet.
When it seems as if the toilet will not stop running after
you have flushed it, it could be as simple as a worn rubber
flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. This could be the
blame for your water bill suddenly escalating. And none
of us have money to be wasting.
As you flush the toilet, the flapper valve lifts, which
allows the water to flow into the bowl.While this is
happening, the tank empties, the flapper will sink back
to the bottom to block the hole, and this allows the bowl
to fill up with water again. Even though flappers are quite
useful in the overall function of toilets, they do wear out
over time.This allows water to drip in to hole at the
bottom of the tank, which then causes an outpouring of
supply water to top off the tank (Gibson, 2011). But there
is hope!

3. Introduction
This tutorial will serve as a guide to instruct you on
how to replace the flapper valve in your toilet.

4. RequiredTools and Materials
The materials required to perform this
replacement are:
• FlapperValve (costs $5 or less)
• Plyers (maybe – depending on your toilet)
• Your time
Flapper Pliers
Time

5. Steps For Replacing the Flapper
Step 1
• Remove the tank's lid

6. Step 2
• Turn off the water supply valve and flush
the toilet. The water supply valve is
located below the toilet bowl at the back
of the toilet.
Step 3
• When the tank is empty disconnect the
lift chain from the flush lever. This is the
chain connected from the handle of the
toilet to the flapper valve.

7. NOTE: Once the flapper is removed, you'll want to
take it with you to the hardware store/home center to
find the replacement part. This is because when you
get there you will find a daunting variety of
replacement flappers and flapper seal rings, and you'll
want to be sure to get the exact one. If you buy the
wrong one, your toilet may not flush properly, or it
may use more water than its design - therefore
wasting water.
Step 4
• When the chain is disconnected, pull both
sides of the flapper valve off the pegs on
the overflow tube.

8. Step 5
• With the new flapper valve, in hand,
connect each side of the valve to the pegs
on the side of the overflow tube
positioning the flapper over the tank's drain
to the bowl.
Step 6
• Clip the chain of the new
flapper valve to the flush lever
leaving some slack.

9. Step 7
Test to determine if the flapper valve moves
with a proper range of motion. This is where
you ensure you have enough slack in the
change for it to allow the flapper to close
completely. If it does not, adjust the lift chain
accordingly.
Step 8
Turn the water supply valve on and
allow the tank to refill. The flapper valve
should completely seal the water inside
the tank.

10. Step 9
• Test the flush cycle and replace the tank's
lid (Toilet Repairs Flapper Valve
Replacement, 2010).

11. FinalThoughts
• Hopefully, you have learned that replacing
the flapper in your toilet is an easy
process.
• The next time you flush your toilet and its
not running you can be proud to know
that you did that!

12. References
Gibson, S. (2011, January). Fixing Running Toilets and Dripping Faucets. Retrieved from This Old House
Website: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20403832_20813689,00.html
Toilet Repairs Flapper Valve Replacement. (2010, February 19). Retrieved from YouTube Website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suno4wxDNk0
Pictures and Clipart
Chain (clip on) - http://www.clipartbest.com/clock-clip-art
Clock - http://www.clipartbest.com/clock-clip-art
Flapper (Package) - http://www.clipartbest.com/clock-clip-art
Flapper (Removal) - http://removeandreplace.com/2013/09/09/fix-toilet-constantly-running-diy-toilet-repair-step-step/
Flapper (Replace) - http://www.clipartbest.com/clock-clip-art
Pliers - http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-pliers-set-deal-2013/
Toilet Flush - http://removeandreplace.com/2013/09/09/fix-toilet-constantly-running-diy-toilet-repair-step-step/
Toilet Lid - http://bathroomremodelingsz.blogspot.com/2012/05/toilet-tank-coverfleur-jacob-delafon.html
Toilet Water (Refill) - http://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/toto-dartmouth-flapper-replacement-
problems.44483/