Learn How to Easily Replace Toilet Tank Parts & Give Your Toilet a Makeover
When it comes to replacing toilet tank parts, having a basic understanding of how it works and knowing how to identify and fix common issues can come in handy. This guide will help you understand the main parts of a toilet, so that you can make sure your toilet is functioning properly.
The first toilet tank part to worry about is the handle, which is responsible for flushing the toilet. It is usually connected to a rod inside the tank which is made of either steel, brass or plastic, depending on the age of the toilet. If it’s steel, it can corrode over time and eventually break, so it’s important to check for it every once in a while. It’s also common for the plastic rod to break, so if you’re experiencing problems with your handle, it’s likely that it needs to be replaced. To install the new one, first you’ll need to loosen the nut which holds the handle to the inside of the tank, and then slide the new handle in and tighten the nut back into place.
The next part to worry about is the flapper valve, which is responsible for controlling the flush. It’s usually made of rubber which can become hard and brittle over time, so it’s important to make sure it is sealing properly and not letting any water escape. If your toilet is running non-stop, it’s likely that the flapper is the problem. To change it, the first step is to turn off the water supply and flush the toilet once. This will empty the tank and you can proceed to install the new flapper valve by ensuring it fits securely into the clips that held the old one in place. Once the new one is in, turn the water supply back on and check that your toilet is flushing properly.
The final part of the toilet tank is the float system, which controls how much water comes into the tank. If your tank is filling and overflowing, it means your float switch isn’t working correctly, so you’ll want to empty the tank and take a look at the float system. At the base of it you should find a large nut which you can loosen, and then remove the entire float system. As before, you can take the old float system to the store and get a new one for use in its place. Once it’s installed, you can turn the water supply back on and check that the tank is functioning properly.
Replacing toilet tank parts may seem daunting, but once you understand what’s involved, it can be simple. As long as you have the right tools and materials, and take the time to do it correctly, you should have no problems with your toilet tank parts.
