DIY Network

Water Saving Tips: Repairing Leaking Toilet Parts From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-206

It's a good idea to check for more than one leak in the toilet. Ed offers some tips on finding them.

Materials:

Food coloring
New flapper

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	Figure A
	Figure B

• To check for other leaks in the toilet, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. After a minute or so, if you see the coloring leaking into the bowl that means your flush valve and/or flapper is leaking.

• There are two common flapper problems. The first one is the handle and chain tension. If the chain is too tight, it'll keep the flapper in a slightly open position letting water leak out of the tank. The solution is to add some slack to the chain; about 1/2 inch of slack is recommended. Don't make it too loose or the handle won't be able to pull the flapper up all the way to flush the toilet.

• The second flapper problem is a bad (figure A) or broken flapper, which will constantly leak causing the water level in the tank to keep dropping. The flush valve will do it's job to keep the tank full, making a sound like the toilet is constantly flushing. Replacing the flapper will remedy this problem.

Replacing the Flapper:

1. Shut off the water to the tank, then drain the tank completely.

2. Disconnect the old flapper (figure B).

3. Purchase a new flapper. Identify the type and size flapper you have or take the old one with you to a home improvement store to match it up.

4. Next, inspect the flush valve seat.

5. Snap in a new flapper.

6. Turn the water on and fill the tank.

7. Finally, make any necessary adjustments.