Toilet fill valve replacement is needed when the toilet tank is not filling correctly. The mechanism that fills the tank is a toilet fill valve. The valve builds up with mineral deposits with age and does not move correctly. This prevents the mechanism from working properly.
Purchasing the Right Toilet Fill Valve
Purchasing a toilet fill valve at the local home improvement center is an inexpensive venture. Replacing your own fill valve will save on average $50 of labor to the local plumber.
A fill valve package includes the fill valve, rubber washers and detailed installation instructions. The instructions provide step by step do it yourself installation procedures. Make sure to read them thoroughly prior to beginning the installation.
Reader’s Digest and Do It Yourself provide excellent detailed installation instructions for replacing the toilet fill valve. The instructions are easy to follow and well written.
It doesn’t really matter which type of toilet fill valve is used. The biggest concern is making sure the fill valve you choose will fit the toilet tank. This will only be a concern if changing from a cylindrical to a ball float. The toilet tank may not be large enough to handle the ball float.
The toilet tank must be absent of water when replacing the fill valve. This may be done by turning off the water valve located behind the tank. Flush the toilet to remove as much water from the tank as possible. Remove any remaining water with a sponge or towel. Caution: If water is left in the tank it will drip out onto the floor when the fill valve is removed.
Disconnect the water hose from under the toilet tank. The plastic connection nut should loosen easily by hand. If not, use a pair of pliers or crescent wrench.
After the water hose is disconnected, loosen the retaining nut from under the tank. This nut holds the toilet fill valve in place. Remove the plastic hose from the fill valve inside of the tank. Then unclip the same hose from the overflow tube. Lift the toilet fill valve out of the toilet tank once this has been completed.
Installing the New Toilet Fill Valve
Place the new toilet fill valve in the hole you just made from removing the old fill valve. Make sure to put the rubber washers in the appropriate place. Follow the installation instructions. Once the new fill valve is in place, hand tighten the plastic nut under the tank.
Reattach the plastic hose to the fill valve and the overflow tube. Make sure to place any rubber washers in the appropriate place according to the installation instructions.
Reattach the water hose under the toilet tank. Turn the water back on to the toilet. This is done by turning the water valve on under the tank. Check your connections for any leaks. If there are leaks, turn the water off and reconnect. If there are stubborn leaks, pipe dope may be used to stop any obstinate leaks.
Fill the toilet tank with water making sure the water stops approximately 1/4″ from the top of the overflow tube. Adjust the float if the water level is not correct. Follow the installation instructions for the proper way to accomplish this according to the type of toilet fill valve used. Replace the top of the toilet tank and the job is complete.
Replacing the toilet fill valve takes approximately 20 minutes. The saving is significant when replacing the toilet fill valve on your own.
