Repairing Guides

how to repair toilet float valve

by Marc Balistreri IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. Remove the lid on the top of the toilet, and set it aside.
  2. Grasp the spring clip attached to the float cup valve and pinch it with your fingers if the water is constantly running in the toilet.
  3. Turn off the water supply shutoff valve on the toilet’s supply line to fix a sticking float cup valve.
  4. Turn off the water supply and remove the water in the toilet’s tank to replace the ballcock assembly to fix a leaking float cup.
  5. Replace the lid on the toilet.

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Toilet - Fill Valve Replacement - YouTube
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Reach behind the fill valve and snap the lock ring down into place then attach the refill tube toMoreReach behind the fill valve and snap the lock ring down into place then attach the refill tube to the overflow tube and adjust the new fill valve for optimum water level.

Full Answer

How do you fix an overflowing toilet?

What To Do When Your Toilet Is Overflowing

  • Plunge the Toilet. Once the immediate problem has been handled, it’s time to plunge your toilet. ...
  • Prevent the Problem From Happening Again. The best way to prevent clogs is to avoid flushing anything that isn’t human waste, water or toilet paper.
  • Contact a Plumber. ...

How do you replace float in toilet?

To adjust an American Standard toilet float you’ll need to:

  • Remove the lid of your toilet
  • Look for the ball float; American Standard only produce one type
  • If it is not at the same level as the water in the toilet, flush the toilet and then adjust the screw on the top of the float to move ...
  • Turn the screw clockwise to raise the water level and anti-clockwise to lower it

More items...

How to fix a low toilet flange?

  • Secure the new flange to the subfloor with the provided hardware. If no hardware was provided, use wood screws or cement screws, depending on your subfloor material.
  • Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange. Secure them with washers and nuts.
  • There’s no need to use an adhesive when installing a gasket-sealed PVC flange.

How to fix a toilet overflow pipe?

  • Removing almost all the water is absolutely crucial. ...
  • Next, get a flat blade screwdriver to disconnect from the top, and to disconnect the bowl from the bottom, use a ratchet. ...
  • After that, remove the nut at the bottom of the tube to take out the old overflow tube. ...
  • Once that is done, simply reattach the chain to the handle. ...

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Can a toilet fill valve be repaired?

Fixing a toilet fill valve (once referred to as a ballcock) is relatively easy to repair if you happen to have a common Fluidmaster brand valve. Often, repairing a fill valve is done by simply replacing the entire fill valve, but Fluidmaster fill valves can be repaired by just replacing a seal inside the unit.

How do you fix a stuck toilet fill valve?

1:186:51Toilet Valve Stuck / Toilet Fill Valve Stuck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I would set up my six inch pipe wrench. Around the shaft of the fill valve. And set it up so theMoreSo I would set up my six inch pipe wrench. Around the shaft of the fill valve. And set it up so the handle was hitting the tank. So that when I proceeded to go counterclockwise.

How do you fix a broken float?

0:101:36How to Repair the Float Ball in a Toilet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you get your new float ball screw it back on to the rod. Back into the valve. And you don'tMoreOnce you get your new float ball screw it back on to the rod. Back into the valve. And you don't always have to remove the valve itself when you're replacing. Just the float ball.

Why is my toilet float not working?

If your toilet mechanism has a cylinder float, squeeze the float clip to release the float so you can slide it up or down to the correct level. In addition, if the toilet tank is not flushing all the way, it may be because the bowl's inlet holes are clogged, preventing enough water from entering the bowl from the tank.

Why is my fill valve sticking?

0:311:23How to Fix a Toilet - Diagnostics - Fill Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt can either leak profusely at the head of the valve or leak slightly both of which continuallyMoreIt can either leak profusely at the head of the valve or leak slightly both of which continually over fill the tank with water in most circumstances however the fill valve begins to stick meaning.

Are toilet floats universal?

Compatibility With Your Toilet Most toilet fill valves are compatible with valves of the same type—if they're labeled “universal.” For example, universal float cup valves will fit the tanks of most toilet brands as long as they contain a similar valve.

How do I know if my toilet float 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 I know if my fill valve is broken?

You can spot a faulty fill valve by listening closely to strange sounds that might be coming from your toilet. The sound of water constantly running through the tank can indicate fill valve problems. Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank and watch to see if the colored water leaks out into the bowl.

How do you open a stuck toilet valve?

1:453:21How to Fix Stuck Bathroom Water Toilet Shutoff Valve? Repair without ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you were gonna do here is you're gonna spray a bit of wd-40. But not all over the valve.MoreAnd what you were gonna do here is you're gonna spray a bit of wd-40. But not all over the valve. All you need to do is spray this on the joint. Between the valve stem and the body.

How do you free a stuck ball valve?

0:324:34Ball Valves Water Shut Off Best Way To Turn Off Stuck Frozen ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you want to do is push it a little bit. And then come back. And then. And then come. Back. You'MoreWhat you want to do is push it a little bit. And then come back. And then. And then come. Back. You're a break on you mistake most people.

How do you loosen a toilet valve?

1:223:34Toilet Repair - Ball-Cock Supply Valve Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe lock nut located on the bottom of the ballcock supply valve shank. With the nut removed theMoreThe lock nut located on the bottom of the ballcock supply valve shank. With the nut removed the entire assembly can be pulled out of the tank.

How do you loosen a lock nut on a fill valve?

One of the best ways to remove a difficult lock nut is by using plumber's grease. Simply apply the plumber's grease to lubricate the plastic nut, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Once that has sat for a while, attempt to remove it using your hands or a pair of pliers.

How to clean a toilet with a float cup valve?

Flush the toilet to remove the water. Use a towel to remove water remaining in the bottom of the tank. Slide the float cup valve down, and clean the shaft with fine steel wool to remove buildup preventing the float cup valve from moving properly. Turn on the toilet’s water supply, and flush the toilet to check the movement of the float cup valve. ...

How to fix a toilet that keeps running water?

Grasp the spring clip attached to the float cup valve and pinch it with your fingers if the water is constantly running in the toilet. Slide the float cup down to adjust the water level in the tank and prevent it from overfilling and allowing water to run through the overflow tube. Flush the toilet and check the water level.

What is float cup valve?

The float cup valve in a toilet is part of the ballcock assembly. It is designed to maintain the water level in the toilet by sliding up and down on the ballcock assembly’s shaft. If it is not positioned properly or if it is stuck, the water in the toilet will run constantly or the tank will not fill with water as it should.

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.

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.

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 adjust a float?

If the float is a cylinder, you should find a mechanism to release it for adjustment. Release it, lower the float and be sure to re-engage the mechanism.

How to tighten a toilet fill valve?

Tighten the fill valve nut carefully. 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. The nut should be tightened by hand to ensure that you don't tighten it too much.

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.

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 would crack a toilet tank?

Tightening the nut on the bottom of the fill valve with a wrench or pliers could crack the toilet tank or the valve.

Where should washers be on a tank?

There should be washers on the inside and the outside of the tank where the fill valve goes through it.

How to stop water from flooding?

It's a good idea to turn off your main water valve, as well. Find the main water shut-off valve on the outside of your home and turn it off. Then, go around your property and turn on various fixtures to confirm that they're off, but it will also drain off residual water that's inside the system. Doing this will help you avoid water damage due to a flood.

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.

How to stop a geyser from forming in a toilet?

While the cap is off, place a cup over the top of the valve and open the water supply for a few short bursts. The cup prevents a small geyser from appearing in your bathroom and the water will drain into the toilet tank (this is why you flushed it earlier). This process will clear any sediment out of the valve and supply line, including any sediment that may break free from the toilet shutoff valve.

What would happen if a bit of water were to find its way inside the float?

Say, what if a bit of water were to find its way inside the float? Then it would lose some buyoancy and not rise as high as before or push the valve with as much force. Any heavier-than-water gunk and calcification sticking to the float itself will weigh it down, too.

Why do you put a cup in a toilet?

The cup prevents a small geyser from appearing in your bathroom and the water will drain into the toilet tank (this is why you flushed it earlier). This process will clear any sediment out of the valve and supply line, including any sediment that may break free from the toilet shutoff valve.

Can a fluidmaster flip the fork?

Sometimes, with a fluidmaster, the seconda ry chain can be too loose to flip the "fork" at the bottom of the floater. ...get rid of all the slack ...it will flip it and loosen the floater

Do you have to flush the toilet to empty the tank?

Flush the toilet to empty the tank (doesn't have to be completely empty, but you want some working space).

Does lubricant hurt rubber seals?

The type of lubricant that you used won't hurt the rubber top seal, but it is wholly unsuitable for this application, as K-Y jelly and other similar "surgical lubricants" are water soluble and will be rinsed off the seal within a short time after water starts flowing through the valve. If it worked for you, it may have because you cleaned out some contaminants while applying lubricant. A better solution is to install a new top seal; they're inexpensive and readily available in hardware stores.

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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 ...
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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.
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