There are certain toilet parts that need replacing more than others. These are simple mechanical items and most toilet models are designed in such a way that they can be removed and replaced quickly and easily. It’s a good idea to have an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers and a screwdriver on hand when you work on your toilet. Listed below are the three main problems you may encounter with your toilet (whether it be a corner toilet, one piece or two piece model) and the toilet repair parts that need replacing in order to resolve the issue.
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1) The Toilet Flapper Valve
The toilet flapper is located inside the toilet tank and controls the water flow from the tank into the toilet bowl when flushed. It is basically a round disk that sits at the bottom of the tank and is connected via a change to the flush handle. When the toilet flush handle is pressed down the lever lifts a chain that pulls up on the flapper allowing the water to pass through the flush valve.
Most flapper values are made from rubber. Rubber creates a good seal over the opening at the bottom of the tank, but after some time may become brittle or cracked. The result is a toilet that continues to run. The water in the tank seeps out through the flapper value and runs continuously.
You should be able to replace a flapper valve in just a few minutes. It’s one of the easiest parts of a toilet to repair. When choosing a replacement flapper ensure you chose the same design as the original. Its a good idea to remove this first so that you can compare it with what you are buying. If you can’t find the exact same model, choose a universal flapper design that has been specially made to fit all toilets. If given the choice opt for a flexible rubber construction as these tend last longer than flappers made from harder rubber.
Before removing the flapper empty the tank of water and close the shut off valve that is located on the water line on the side of your toilet. The water line will either come out of the wall or up through the floor. You can normally keep the clips from your old flapper in place and use these to fasten the new flapper valve in place.
2) The Toilet Fill Valve And Float Mechanism
The toilet fill valve controls the level of water in your tank. When a toilet is flushed the water level in the tank falls, the toilet float also falls and triggers a switch as it does so. The switch opens a valve that allows water into the tank to refill it. As the water enters the tank the float begins to rise again and once the appropriate level is reached the valve is closed off stopping the water flow into the tank.
The switch mechanism is the part of the fill valve that tends to become defective most often. The result is a constantly running toilet. You can determine if the switch is defective by looking inside the tank. Next to the fill valve and float mechanism is a long hollow overflow pipe, if water is pouring down the overflow pipe this means that the float switch has not switched the value off. The tank is endlessly filling and spilling into the overflow pipe and out into the toilet bowl.
Most modern toilets have the float ride up a center core. (The entire toilet part is called a fill valve.) In order to replace the fill valve first drain the tank. At the base of the center core you should see a large bolt or nut. Once loosened you will be able to remove the entire fill valve and float system. Simply replace this with a new one and tighten the nut back into place.
Older toilets use a slightly different toilet mechanism that consists of a float ball connected via an arm to the fill valve. These do not last as long and tend to create a whistling noise as they age. But if you have this type of toilet, rest assured that this is one of the easiest toilet tank parts to replace. Simply remove the arm and float ball and replace it with a new mechanism.
3) The Toilet Flush Handle
The toilet flush handle is what you press when flushing the toilet. It is attached to rod and chain that lifts up the flapper value releasing water into the bowl. After several years of use you may find that the rod and chain starts to rust or, if made of plastic, simply breaks.
Again with it comes to toilet repairs this is a part of the toilet that can easily be removed and replaced. You should find a nut securing the handle to the tank. Loosen this and slide the handle out through the hole in the tank wall. Once you have purchases a new toilet flush handle simply reverse these steps and tighten the nut once more.
Toilet repair parts by brand
You will find many universal toilet parts on the market that will fit most models. But if you are interested in specific models we have set us some searches below to allow you to browse toilet repair parts by brand.
- Kohler toilet parts
- Toto toilet parts
- Eljet toilet parts
- Mansfield toilet parts
- Briggs toilet parts
- Crane toilet parts
- Gerber toilet parts
One last thing
While not strictly speaking a toilet part, there is one more piece of equipment you need on hand to keep your toilet running smoothly at all times. It’s not fun or glamorous but if you’ve got a clogged toilet you’ll be able to clear up the problem quickly and with minimum hassle. Yes, we are talking about a toilet plunger. There are some very powerful specialized toilet plungers on the market that provide a great deal of pressure per push and are efficient at dislodging even the most stubborn clogs. Read more on how to unclog a toilet. While we’re on the subject of toilet clogs, and if you are in the market for a new toilet, have a look at our curated list of toilets for sale, all chosen for their top rated flush performance.
