If you notice your water bills rising but don’t think you’re using more water than usual, you may have issues somewhere in the plumbing system that require help from expert plumbers in Glenn Heights, TX. One type of repair that some homeowners feel comfortable tackling themselves is a leaky flapper in a toilet tank. Learn how to replace a toilet bowl flapper and put a stop to a constantly running toilet.
Identifying a Toilet Bowl Flapper in Glenn Heights, TX
The flapper is at the bottom of the toilet tank, covering the flush valve opening. It’s round and made of rubber or plastic with a chain attached to it that runs to the handle lever inside the tank.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Toilet Bowl’s Flapper
Some of the signs you need a new flapper include:
- Constantly running toilet
- Phantom flushing
- Brittle material
- Damage to the flapper
- Rising water bill
Hard water, which is common in the Glenn Heights, TX, area, can cause the flapper to wear out. You might notice scale buildup on it or around the flush valve opening in the bottom of the tank. Try cleaning the scale, which can negatively affect the flapper’s ability to create a seal.
Steps To Replace the Flapper
You only need to follow a few steps to replace a toilet bowl flapper. Have a towel handy, as you might drip water, and your hands may get wet.
Turn Off the Water and Drain the Tank
Find the water supply valve along the wall or floor behind the toilet. Turn the knob clockwise (usually a quarter-turn) to shut off the water. Depress the toilet tank handle to allow the water to run into the bowl. A little water might remain in the tank.
Take the Old Flapper Out of the Tank
Disconnect the chain from the handle lever. Take note of how the flapper attaches to the overflow tube, so you can install the new one the same way. Detach the flapper ears or arms from the tube.
Insert the New Flapper
Clip the new flapper onto the overflow tube. Make sure it’s the right diameter to fit over the flush valve seat. A two-inch flapper is roughly the same diameter as a baseball, while a three-inch flapper is closer to that of a softball.
Connect the Chain to the Handle
One of the trickiest steps is connecting the chain from the new flapper to the handle. This flush lever chain should have minimal slack when the flapper is down.
Turn On the Water Supply and Do a Test Flush
After finishing the steps for how to replace a toilet bowl flapper, test the toilet. Turn the water supply valve back on and allow the tank to fill. Then, press the handle and watch how the flapper performs.
You might have to adjust the chain slack a few times if the flapper isn’t closing entirely or lifting properly when you press the handle. If it seems to be working correctly but you still notice phantom flushes, you may need help from a plumber.
Homeowners Can Replace a Flapper Themselves
Local regulations allow homeowners to perform simple repairs to their toilets themselves. However, replacing a toilet or major repairs require permits from the city. For toilet replacements, Glenn Heights, TX, requires you to hire a plumber who holds a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Although some homeowners replace the flapper themselves, others hire a plumber to make this repair. If you’re unsure whether the problem involves the flapper, you might want to call a trusted local plumber for an inspection.
Glenn Heights, TX, has experienced steady growth since the 1980s. Because flappers usually only last three to five years, most homeowners will have to replace one, whether they’re living in a newly built house or one that’s 20-plus years old.
Call Us for Help With Replacing a Toilet Bowl Flapper or Other Toilet Problems in Glenn Heights, TX
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville, our licensed plumbers can help with any problem you’re having. Although some homeowners feel comfortable with the steps for how to replace a toilet bowl flapper, others don’t. We’re happy to take care of this process for you.
Call us today for a service appointment for any bathroom plumbing issues you have. We’re proud to serve the Glenn Heights, TX, region, and look forward to giving you the utmost level of care and attention to detail.
