Replace Flapper Valve in Toilet
Why It Matters
A running toilet wastes up to 200 gallons per day. A $5 flapper replacement stops the waste immediately.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: Replacement flapper valve.
- 2
Perform the replace flapper valve in toilet
Remove the old flapper valve in your toilet tank and install a new one to stop running water. Safety note: Turn off water supply before replacing.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Materials
- Replacement flapper valve
Community Tips
Verify the flapper valve type before purchasing by photographing the existing mechanism or noting the tank model number, as Kohler Citerne flappers ($12-18) and Fluidmaster 400A models ($8-12) have different mounting systems that aren't interchangeable despite similar appearances.
Replacing a flapper valve costs $15-30 in materials versus $150-300 for a professional plumber visit, making this one of the highest ROI maintenance tasks homeowners can tackle independently.
Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet before beginning work, as attempting this repair with water pressure still active can result in unexpected flooding and water damage to surrounding flooring and cabinets. ---