Repairing Guides

how to repair toilet valve

by Celestino Ankunding I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair a Toilet Shut Off Valve

  • Step 1 - Execute Basic Shut off Valve Repair. Get started by shutting off the valve. Shut off the main water supply to...
  • Step 2 - Clean Shut off Valve Washers. When loosening the packing nut, make sure to disengage the valve slowly. This...
  • Step 3 - Tighten Shut off Valve Water Supply Line. You need to tighten the inlet of the...

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 to shut off a toilet valve?

Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Turning Off the Main Shutoff Valve

  1. Look for the valve in the basement if you live in a colder climate. ...
  2. Check outside to find the valve if you live in a warmer climate. ...
  3. Note that the shutoff valve usually looks like 1 or 2 "wheel" handles. ...
  4. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off your main water supply. ...

How do you replace a toilet fill valve?

  • Turn off the toilet’s water supply valve by rotating it clockwise till firm, to prevent any flow of water from the source into the tank. ...
  • Remove the tank lid then flush the toilet to drain as much water as you can out of the tank. ...
  • Detach the water supply hose from the base of the tank while placing a bucket under it to catch the remaining water. ...

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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 to replace the fill valve on a toilet?

The good thing is the simplicity of the process:

  • Close the water shutoff valve and empty the tank
  • Remove the broken fill valve
  • Insert the new fill valve
  • Open the water supply line

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Can you repair a toilet fill valve?

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 toilet shut off valve?

1:292:39How to Fix a Toilet - Water Supply Valve Replacement - Part 1 of 2YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen take the water valve out of the box. Remove both lock nuts and turn the valve to the offMoreThen take the water valve out of the box. Remove both lock nuts and turn the valve to the off position. So it is ready for quick installation when the old valve is.

How do you fix an old toilet fill valve?

0:141:31How to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve | Toilet Repair | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you'll need to shut off the water supply. Then flush the toilet to empty the tank. Remove theMoreFirst you'll need to shut off the water supply. Then flush the toilet to empty the tank. Remove the lid and football. Then use a sponge or towel to remove any remaining.

How do I know if my toilet 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 fix a shut-off valve that won't turn off?

0:574:53Water Valve Won't Shut Off Water - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to put your wrench. On this nut and turn it counterclockwise to remove the entire stem fromMoreYou want to put your wrench. On this nut and turn it counterclockwise to remove the entire stem from the body of the valve. Place a bucket under the valve. And then turn this nut counterclockwise.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet shut-off valve?

It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.

How long do toilet fill valves last?

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 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.

When should I replace toilet valve?

Before you try unscrewing the ball to lengthen the float arm, adjusting the rod length on a cup float or adjusting the valve tension with a screwdriver, hold the float up as far as it will go. If the water doesn't shut off or you hear muted screams or other protestations, it's time to replace the valve.

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.

How long do toilet shut off valves last?

A ball valve is a shut-off valve capable of preventing or allowing liquid or gas to pass through a fixture. Using the latest and greatest ball valve in your plumbing can help save more water. It also helps you save money while helping the environment. A ball valve life expectancy is about eight to ten years.

Why is my toilet running when the water is turned off?

Adjust the Fill Height by Checking the Float The water level in the tank is controlled by an adjustable float. A float that's set too low produces a weak flush; if it's set too high, water spills into the toilet overflow tube and the fill valve won't shut off. The toilet keeps running.

Can you spray WD40 on water shut-off valve?

Absolutely – WD40 is safe for use on plumbing. So, if you have a stuck water shut-off valve, consider using WD40 to loosen things up. Many folks, especially avid DIYers, have WD40 on hand, so it might save you a trip to the store. WD40 is a non-lethal solution that won't damage or dissolve the pipe or the threads.

Why is my toilet shut-off valve leaking?

The plumbing supply shutoff valves behind toilets or under sinks can go for years without being turned off and then reopened again. That inactivity can cause the neoprene washers to become either brittle or crusted up with mineral deposits, and they lose their ability to seal leaks.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

How to open a toilet shut off valve?

Use your other hand to carefully open the shutoff valve by turning it counterclockwise. Water will flow out of the fill valve, into the cup, and then down into the toilet tank. This flushes any debris from the valve.

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 repair a Fluidmaster 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. If your Fluidmaster fill valve is not shutting off all the way or not filling quickly like it did when it was new, then replacing or cleaning the fill valve seal will most likely fix the problem.

Why flush toilet tank?

Flush the toilet to remove most of the water in the 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.

Where is the valve seal on a valve?

Lift the cap from the top of the valve and set it aside. The valve seal is inside the cap.

Can bleach tablets erode toilet seals?

If you use bleach tablets to clean your bowl, inspect your tank more frequently. The bleach tablets may erode your toilet fill valve and seal.

How does a toilet flush valve work?

Integrated into the flush valve is a vertical overflow tube that extends up into the tank from the base of the flush valve. The role of the overflow tube is both to prevent water from overflowing the tank, and also to allow a small amount of water to flow down into the toilet bowl as the tank is refilling. A small refill tube placed into the top of the overflow tube allows a small stream of water to flow down into the bowl during the refill cycle. This restores the level of standing water in the toilet bowl, keeping the trap sealed.

How does a toilet tank work?

The toilet tank's function is to hold a quantity of water until you flush the toilet, at which time the water in the tank rushes down through an opening in the bottom of the tank and into the bowl, forcing waste out of the bowl and into the home's drain and sewer lines. There are two major components in the tank ...

What is a ballcock valve?

Although the term ballcock is sometimes used to refer to any type of fill valve, technically the term applies only to two types—the plunger-type and the diaphragm-type—both of which have the identifying float ball that operates the valve via a long arm attached to the ball.

How does a fill valve work?

Whatever the design, the fill valve works to automatically open the water supply valve when the water level falls in the tank during a flush, then shuts off automatically when the water level rises to a specific level in the tank. Depending type of design, the valve is operated either by a floating ball or a float cup that moves up and down with the water level in the tank. Floatless fill valves operate by sensing water pressure at the bottom of the tank.

What is the function of a flapper in a toilet?

The flapper or float ball seats against the val ve opening and keeps water in the tank until the flush handle is operated. When the handle is depressed, a chain or lift wire connected to the handle rod lifts the flapper away from the valve seat and allows the water to flush down out of the tank and into the toilet bowl.

Why is my toilet running?

The problem occurs either because the flapper is not seating itself correctly in the opening of the flush valve, or because the water level in the tank is too high and allows water to flow over the top of the overflow tube and down into the tank.

How does a floatless fill valve work?

Floatless fill valves operate by sensing water pressure at the bottom of the tank.

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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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