Tips for Installing a New Flush Valve

Installing a new flush valve is one of the easiest DIY plumbing projects that homeowners can do. A new flush valve is inexpensive and can help save hundreds of dollars per year on wasted water. This article will provide 10 tips for helping you fix your toilet flush valve with ease and little frustration.

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet

The shut off valve is normally located in close proximity to the toilet. The shut off valve needs to be turned off so that water is not deposited into the tank after flushing; this will ensure that changing the flush valve is as easy as possible.

2. Where can I find a new flush valve and what brand is reliable?

Hardware stores and home improvement stores are the best places to find a new flush valve, and they typically cost under $15. I recommend the Korky brand flush valves because of their reliability and low price.

3. Wet vac and towels

When emptying toilet water it is always a good idea to have towels on hand to clean up any mess around the area you are working. www.bobvila.com suggests using a wet vac to completely remove the water from the holding tank, but if you do not own one you can change the valve without one, just expect to get a bit wet.

4. Is there anything I should bring into the store that would help me get the best flush valve for my toilet?

There are multiple brands and styles of flush valves, which can be confusing for someone with little knowledge of plumbing. When I worked for a local hardware store, I could best help customers find the right valve when they brought their old one in.

5. Picking a new flush valve

You want to pick a flush valve that is very close to the one you already own, this will ensure less wasted water and a proper fit.

6. Draining the toilet tank water

As mentioned earlier you will want to drain the holding tank of all water before attempting to replace the flush valve. The water is drained when you flush the toilet and have the water shut off valve turned off. The extra water in the holding tank does not necessarily have to be removed to change the valve.

7. Do I need any special plumbing tools to do this project?

Fortunately, there are no special plumbing tools requires to change the toilet flush valve.

8. What will changing the flush valve accomplish?

If you toilet puts too much water or not enough water into the bowl you could be wasting money or winding up with a clogged toilet. Changing the flush valve is an inexpensive fix that will help regulate the amount of water put into the toilet from the holding tank.

9. Why does my new flush valve not work after I installed it?

A common reason that a new flush valve will not work after it is installed is because it was the wrong fit for the toilet. Make sure that the flush valve is the same size as the one you are replacing.

10. Are there any helpful websites that help with this project?

www.bobvila.com offers many helpful home improvement videos that help both beginners and avid DIY enthusiasts. I regularly use the site for helpful reminders before doing a DIY project. Click here for a great instructional video on changing a toilet flush valve from www.bobvila.com.

Sources:

Personal experience working at ACE Hardware for multiple years

www.bobvila.com

http://video.bobvila.com/m/21291711/how-to-replace-a-toilet-flush-valve.htm