How to Fix a Leaky Fill Valve in a Toilet
- 2 Empty the tank. ...
- 3 Disconnect the water supply hose. ...
- 5 Buy a replacement fill valve. ...
- 6 Slide the rubber gasket on the new valve. ...
- 7 Screw the new valve into your toilet. ...
- 8 Clip the refill tube into the overflow pipe. ...
- 9 Reconnect your water supply. ...
- 10 Turn your water back on. ...
- 11 Set the water level below the overflow pipe. ...
How do you unclog a fill valve in toilet tank?
- Turn off the water supply.
- Take off the lid of the tank.
- Flush the toilet.
- Unscrew the water hose from the tank.
- Remove the existing fill valve.
- Adjust the height of the new fill valve.
- Install the new valve.
- Reattach the water supply hose.
How to install a new flush valve in your toilet?
- Unscrew the spud nut with a spud wrench or a pair of slip joint pliers and remove the old flush valve.
- Slide the cone washer onto the tailpiece of the new flush valve - the beveled side of the cone washer should point toward the end of the tailpiece.
- Insert the flush valve into the tank opening so that the overflow pipe faces the fill valve.
How do you fix a leaking toilet valve?
Replacing the Packing Material
- Turn off the Water. Ensure you turn it off from the meter box.
- Drain the Lines. Drain all the water in the line by turning on the tap in your home.
- Eliminate the Handle. Go ahead and discard the handle of the shutoff valve.
- Discard the Old Nut. ...
- Wrap a New Packing. ...
- Fasten the Packing Nut. ...
- Confirm If the Valve Still Leaks. ...
How to clean your fill valve?
Follow this simple procedure:
- Turn off the shutoff valve under the toilet. There's no need to empty the tank.
- Grasp the cap of the valve with one hand and the valve body with the other, push the cap down and turn it counterclockwise. ...
- Hold a plastic cup over the valve to avoid getting sprayed and turn the water valve on. ...
- Replace the cap and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
How to fix a toilet valve that is not working?
Why is a toilet fill valve important?
How to find the float on a toilet?
How to stop toilet from using more water?
How do you fix a toilet fill valve?
If your fill valve is leaking, you'll need to replace it following the steps below.Turn off the water supply. ... Flush the toilet. ... Disconnect the water supply from the tank. ... Remove the fill valve. ... Buy a new fill valve. ... Install the new fill valve. ... Reconnect your water supply. ... Turn your water supply back on.
What causes a fill valve to stop working?
0:194:05Fill Valve Does Not Shut Off : Clean or Replace the Seal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver time dirt or mineral particles can build up on or around the rubber seal inside your fill valveMoreOver time dirt or mineral particles can build up on or around the rubber seal inside your fill valve. This buildup will prevent your fill valve from shutting off causing.
What happens when a toilet fill valve is broken?
A broken fill valve will allow too much water to enter your toilet's tank, increasing the amount of water that you send down the drain with each flush. You can spot a faulty fill valve by listening closely to strange sounds that might be coming from your toilet.
Is it easy to replace a toilet fill valve?
However, the good news is that replacing your toilet fill valve is something any homeowner can do. It does not take a lot of experience with plumbing or a lot of time. However, you do need a few parts, a couple of tools, and a little bit of effort.
How do you know when a toilet fill valve is bad?
0:101:58How to Know When Your Fill Valve on a Toilet Needs Replacing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNeeds to be replaced. Now a lot of times what happens is either the bottom washer ends upMoreNeeds to be replaced. Now a lot of times what happens is either the bottom washer ends up deteriorating and causing a leak or the toilet fill valve just won't fill anymore.
How do you clean a fill valve?
If the outside of the fill valve has calcium and mineral build-up; clean the valve by using vinegar and an old tooth brush to dissolve and break off the build-up on the surfaces of the fill valve. Then wash valve with warm soapy water and then rinse with fresh water.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet fill valve?
Cost of Replacement PartsPartPriceDIY Project TimeFill Valve$8 - $301 - 2 hoursShut Off Valve$5 - $351 - 2 hoursBowl Flush Valve$20 - $30½ - 2 hoursFlapper$5 - $1020 - 30 minutes
How often should you replace your toilet fill valve?
about 5 yearsToilet fill valves last about 5 years and sometimes longer depending on the quality of the valve, how often the toilet is flushed, and whether the home has hard water. However, like any valve that's constantly exposed to water, a fill valve can eventually clog or begin to leak.
Are toilet fill valves universal?
There are several different types of fill valves commonly found in toilets, and you will need to be able to identify your type in order to make adjustments or replacements to yours. Some types of fill valves use older technologies and are best replaced with a newer type when repairs are called for.
What tools do you need to replace a fill valve?
0:533:58How to Fix a Toilet - Fill Valve Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe tools needed to replace the fill valve or a pair rib joint pliers an adjustable opening wrenchMoreThe tools needed to replace the fill valve or a pair rib joint pliers an adjustable opening wrench and a small plastic bin.
What tools do I need to replace the fill valve in the toilet?
This is what you'll need:Tools: Bucket, crescent wrenches and rags. ... Step 1: Turn off the water and drain the toilet. ... Step 2: The fill valve must be loosened from the other side of the tank (down below) in order to remove it. ... Step 3: Now, using adjustable pliers, loosen the nut that's holding the fill valve to the tank.More items...
How long does it take to change a toilet valve?
Most do-it-yourself homeowners can handle this project in about 60 minutes. All you need is the most basic understanding of how toilets work, a replacement fill valve kit, and the instructions above.
How does a toilet fill valve work?
The fill valve (sometimes referred to as a ballcock) brings water into the tank after the toilet is flushed and stays on until the tank refills. Any time water exits the tank (such as when a flapper is leaking), the fill valve will turn on in order to maintain the water level.
What causes sticky valves to stick?
0:381:29Fill Valve Problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat when water constantly drains into the overflow - of the tank.MoreThat when water constantly drains into the overflow - of the tank.
What is a fill valve on a toilet?
The fill valve is the part of the toilet that is responsible for refilling the tank after being flushed. Over time, a worn or out of alignment fill valve can become a problem, cause a leak, and wear on valve's components and parts.
How to fix a toilet valve that is not working?
This is a relatively simple procedure, though the actual procedure will vary depending on the kind of fill valve you have. First open up your toilet. Set a towel on the ground.
Why is a toilet fill valve important?
A well-maintained toilet fill valve is vital to a functional, efficient toilet. If a toilet fill valve develops a problem, it can bring negative results. Even if your toilet remains functional, a damaged toilet fill valve can waste a great deal of water and, with it, your money.
How to find the float on a toilet?
Next find your toilet's float. It will be either a plastic or rubber ball on the end of a metal arm, or a cylinder mounted on a pipe. If the float is a ball on the end of an arm, look for a screw at the base of the arm.
How to stop toilet from using more water?
Lowering the water level should stop your toilet from using more water than necessary. Close up your toilet tank and make sure to put everything back where it came from. Give the toilet a test flush. If everything works properly, your problem is fixed.
How to get water flowing again after replacing fill valve?
Once the replacement fill valve is in place, it's time to get the water flowing again. Attach the supply line to the bottom of the new fill valve. Make sure that there is a washer inside the end of the supply line and tighten it with a wrench until it’s tight.
What is the float on a toilet?
In newer toilets, it is the entire plastic column that includes the float and the on-off lever for filling. In older toilets, the float is a separate piece but it will be connected to the top of the fill valve. The fill valve also has a tube attached to it that connects to the overflow pipe.
Where is the lock nut on a toilet fill valve?
When you have the toilet fill valve in place, the final part of its installation is to tighten a lock nut onto the threaded part of the valve. This is located on the underside of the tank. When doing this, it is important not to tighten the nut too hard.
Where is the water valve located on a toilet?
You should have a water valve directly below the toilet tank. It should be located between where the water pipe comes out of the wall and where it attaches to the bottom of the toilet tank . In most cases, you will turn the water shutoff valve clockwise to turn it off.
Can a toilet valve be faulty?
A faulty toilet fill valve can cause your toilet to run all the time or otherwise malfunction. However, the good news is that replacing your toilet fill valve is something any homeowner can do. It does not take a lot of experience with plumbing or a lot of time. However, you do need a few parts, a couple of tools, and a little bit of effort.
Who is James Schuelke?
James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. James Schuelke, along with his twin brother David, is the co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, a licensed plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection company based in Los Angeles, California.
Where is the shut off valve on a toilet?
Locate the shutoff valve that controls the water supply to the toilet. The valve is usually located on the wall below the toilet tank and has a small handle. The valve will be connected to a water supply tube leading to the bottom of the toilet tank.
How to clean calcium build up on valve?
Clean the valve of calcium or mineral build-up by dissolving it with vinegar applied with an old toothbrush. After the surface is clean, wash the valve with warm soapy water, then rinse.
Why does my toilet keep running?
Constant Running of Water. When the flapper of the fill valve is faulty, you could hear the water filling the toilet tank continuously. The problem is that it can’t completely close the outlet to the toilet bowl. As such, the water keeps flowing from the tank to the bowl with the inlet remaining open to maintain a certain level.
What is a fill valve?
The fill valve of your toilet combines with the flush valve to ensure your toilet always has enough water to flush and keep everything clean. The fill valve setup is a pretty simple one even when there are various types with different approaches on how to keep the toilet tank full. No matter what type of fill valve you have, ...
Why does my toilet tank overflow?
Too much or too little Water in the Toilet Tank. If your toilet tank holds too little water (not enough to clear wastes in one flush) or too much that it overflows, the cause is that the fill valve has been poorly adjusted and needs readjusting. The type of toilet fill valve determines the solution to this issue.
Why won't my toilet fill up?
It can be due to a stuck brass rod, punctured float ball, or a poorly adjusted float mechanism.
Why does my water tank fill valve leak?
Leaks. Fill valves tend to leak when there’s an issue preventing them from closing the water inlets and outlets completely. For example, the clogs previously mentioned may make it impossible for the fill valve to be completely closed. As such, water keeps on flowing into the tank and consequently into the bowl.
How to unblock a fill valve?
To unblock fill valve clogs, you need to first identify the actual location and type of blockage. You can easily identify the area of blockage as it’s a small setup. You then open the valve up and simply poke out the blockage.
Why is there so little water in my toilet?
At times, the reason for having too little water in the toilet tank may be a punctured floater ball which will require replacement. When adjusting these levels, keep an eye on the recommended water levels marked inside the tank to prevent having too little or too much water in it.
What is the fill valve in a toilet?
A fill valve, also known as an inlet valve, is the tall plastic piece inside of your toilet’s tank. It pulls water from the supply line into the tank and uses a ball float or line to automatically cut the water off when it gets to a certain level. How you adjust a fill valve depends on what type of fill valve you have.
How to tell if toilet water line is working?
If there isn’t a water line indicator on the valve and the toilet was working well before, look at the walls on the inside of the tank. You’ll see calcium buildup and water stains where the water normally sits. If the water level is below or over that line, it needs to be adjusted.
What is the ballcock valve called?
There are 2 different types of fill valves. Older tanks have a rubber ball, called a ballcock, that floats on the top of the water. When water fills the tank, the ball raises until it shuts the water off by sliding a cover over the valve.
How to change water level on a tank?
1. Turn the dial on top of the fill valve if you have a newer model. Take the cover of the tank off and inspect the top of your fill valve for a dial or switch. If the water level is too high, turn the dial to the right 1-2 rotations. If the water level is too low, turn the dial to the left 1-2 rotations.
How to check if water is too high?
1. Open your tank and compare the water level to the fill valve. Most tanks have a water level line on the flush valve—the pipe next to the fill valve where water flows out if it gets too high. Compare the water level with the line on the flush valve to see if the water is too high or low.
Who is James Schuelke?
James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. This article was co-authored by James Schuelke. James Schuelke, along with his twin brother David, is the co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, a licensed plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection company based in Los Angeles, California.
How to fix a toilet valve that is not working?
This is a relatively simple procedure, though the actual procedure will vary depending on the kind of fill valve you have. First open up your toilet. Set a towel on the ground.
Why is a toilet fill valve important?
A well-maintained toilet fill valve is vital to a functional, efficient toilet. If a toilet fill valve develops a problem, it can bring negative results. Even if your toilet remains functional, a damaged toilet fill valve can waste a great deal of water and, with it, your money.
How to find the float on a toilet?
Next find your toilet's float. It will be either a plastic or rubber ball on the end of a metal arm, or a cylinder mounted on a pipe. If the float is a ball on the end of an arm, look for a screw at the base of the arm.
How to stop toilet from using more water?
Lowering the water level should stop your toilet from using more water than necessary. Close up your toilet tank and make sure to put everything back where it came from. Give the toilet a test flush. If everything works properly, your problem is fixed.
Step 1 - Diagnose The Problem
Step 2 - Adjust The Water Level
- If you determine that you have a problem with your toilet fill valve, you should try adjusting the water level before you try anything else. This is a relatively simple procedure, though the actual procedure will vary depending on the kind of fill valve you have. First open up your toilet. Set a towel on the ground. Then remove the top of the tank ...
Step 3 - Finish Up
- Lowering the water level should stop your toilet from using more water than necessary. Close up your toilet tank and make sure to put everything back where it came from. Give the toilet a test flush. If everything works properly, your problem is fixed. However, if your toilet is still using water when it is not active, you may need to call a professional, as you may have a leak.