There are not many people who own
toilets that don't have to perform some sort of maintenance on them
once in a while. One of the most common fixes for toilets, after
leaking, is replacing the flapper. The flapper covers the
opening inside the base of the toilet tank and regulates the flow
and amount of water that refills the toilet tank after each flush.As time passes, the rubber flapper
may lose its shape, especially if you live in areas where hard water
is common. Mineral deposits can eat away at the rubber flapper,
or cause buildups that prevent a good seal. When this happens, the
toilet may sound like it's always running.
Some people can replace a flapper
in as little as 5 minutes, but for most people, the job can be accomplished
in about 15-20 minutes. The key is to take your time and
be prepared before your start.
Before you get started, you need to
purchase a new flapper from your local hardware store. You shouldn't
need any tools, but you will need to flush your toilet. Then, before
the water starts to fill the tank, turn off the water at the wall
faucet and drain any remaining water from your toilet tank.
Then, you're ready to get started.
You'll need to remove the old, damaged
flapper. To do this, you'll need to pull the flapper from the arm
that extends from the toilet flush assembly. It should be attached
with a chain, which you will also need to disconnect.
If you find sediment beneath
the flapper, clean away with a scrub pad and wipe clean.
Install the new flapper, making sure
to line up the flap with the opening and adjusting the arm that
extends from the toilet flush assembly. Secure by attaching the
flapper to the plastic knobs near the base of the opening.
Remember that many toilets may be
different. Take the old flap with you if you think it might be difficult
to match your flapper with what's available now.
Before filling tank, make sure your
chain is adjusted. Give the chain a little slack, and then
test the seal with a cupful of water before refilling the tank.
