Repair or replace toilet flush valveWelcome to my remedy for a faulty toilet flush valve. In this section you'll discover a basic repair that will save water and a hefty plumbing bill:) Before we jump in. Find out what part of your toilet is definitely causing the problem. As soon as you've checked it out, click on your back button to return.
So you've carried out the color test and found out, your toilet flush valve is leaking. Great: The solution's a breeze. At this stage the symptoms are pointing to a worn flush washer. Sooo..... Follow the photos and steps that go with them to repair.The top photo below is covered on this page. NB Due to thousands of different brands we have covered the main types of flush valves. Your cistern may not look exactly like one of the photos below but the principles will be the same. If your toilet tank looks more similar to one of the next two photos click on them, to take you to your solution.
Back to business for top photo Take the lid off your cistern/water tank, to reveal inside of flush box. Your cistern may differ from this one but the principle remains the same. Follow the photos and stay confident:)
Your toilet flush valve may be clipped into a housing that holds it central. You will need to gently unclip the lugs (creamy white in color) that hold the valve in place. These lugs fit into the housing peachy, pinky color) while pulling upward on the (creamy white) flush mechanism You'll find these lugs, to the front and back of housing.There are usually 4 lugs. Gently pry them outwards NB these lugs can break easily so try to apply just enough pressure and no more.
The toilet flush valve will now completely slide out. Turn upside down to reveal flush washer.
Now grab hold of the washers edge with a small pair of plier or poly/multi grips. Stretch out from middle and upwards.The washer will come away from assembly. If the washer has perished, you may have to use a thin bladed knife to slide down to where washer is held. Work forward and try to regrab washer with pliers. Take the washer into plumbing wholesaler to ensure you get the correct size washer. Putting the toilet flush valve back together.Now here's the tricky part.Stretch the new washer on to assembly. Usually the washer is sticky and difficult to get sitting central. So here's what you do. Cover the washer both sides with liquid soap. If you're really desperate spit will do the trick. This allow the washer to move more easily when in place allowing you to get it sitting central. Make sure the washer does not get puckered up.If this happens, relube and try again. The hard parts over. Before you replace the flush assembly into housing, check out the flush seat at the bottom of cistern.
This should be clean and smooth.Run your finger around to check.Rub of any old pieces of washer or grit that may be sitting on valve seat. Now gently lower the flush assembly back into place.Again place special importance on being gently as lugs clip back into place. Turn the water back on to cistern/flushing box. YeeeHaaaa. Well done. Light yourself a stoogie and say.I am a mean lean plumbing machine.
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