Replace Toilet Fill Valve

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-103 -- More Projects »

Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to silence a noisy toilet and save water by replacing the ball cock assembly in the tank with a new fill valve. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

adjustable wrench
petroleum jelly
toilet tank fill valve assembly

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Steps:

1. Turn off the water to the toilet, then flush to remove water in tank. Sponge out any remaining water in the tank then disconnect the water line (figure A). After disconnecting the water line, remove the retaining bolt holding the fill valve assembly in place (figure B).

2. Pull out the old fill valve assembly (figure C). Thoroughly clean the tank around the opening so the new washer seats properly.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

3. Go ahead and replace the rubber flapper valve as well (figure D). Rubber flapper valves start to disintegrate after being in use for several years, leaving a residue in the toilet tank.

4. Snap the new the flap valve in place on the base of the fill tube (figure E). Next attach the chain from the flap valve to the flush arm (figure F). You may need to adjust the chain a bit. Just add or subtract links until the mechanism functions properly.

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

5. Next adjust and install the new fill valve that maintains the water level. Different assemblies may vary, but usually the valve should be adjusted so the line at the top (figure G) is one inch above the top of the fill tube. Most assemblies can be adjusted by twisting the base to change the height of the tube. Follow directions included with your kit.

6. Rub a dollop of petroleum jelly on the bottom of the rubber washer before installing the fill tube in the tank (figure H).

7. Position the new fill valve assembly in the tank and turn it so the nozzle faces the fill tube (figure I). Tighten the retaining bolt on the bottom of the toilet tank and reconnect the water line.

Figure J

Figure K

8. Snap the new nozzle assembly to the side of the fill tube (figure J) and cut a piece of rubber tubing to connect the nozzle on the valve assembly with the nozzle assembly on the fill tube (figure K).

9. Turn the water back on, fill the toilet and test the new valve.

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-103
•	Replace Toilet Fill Valve
•	Rotting Siding
•	Sagging Cabinets
•	Toolbox: Drill Bits

Remodeling

Replace Toilet Fill Valve

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