How to Replace a Toilet Tank Fill Valve
I don't know whether my builder used really cheap fill valves or if they just go bad quickly, but this is the second time I've replaced one and the house is only three years old. How do you know if the fill valve is not working properly? Well, when you flush the toilet, the water sound like it is filling the tank for a very long time. If you remove the top of the tank, however, you will see that the tank is fill and the water is pouring into the overflow pipe. The bulb that is supposed to float to the top and shut off the water isn't doing its job. Luckily, a replacement part costs less than ten dollars and the procedure is pretty simple.
First, shut off the water supply to the toilet tank. Then, flush the toilet and let as much of the water drain from the tank as possible. Use a sponge to remove the remaining water.
Next, unscrew the two nuts underneath the toilet tank. These nuts secure the water supply to the fill valve and the fill valve to the tank. Remove the old fill valve (and anything that connects to it, such as the small water supply tube).
Then, insert the new fill valve and secure using the new washers and bolts that came with it. As always, follow the specific instructions that came with the product. My instructions told me not to use any plumber's putty and to hand tighten the nuts.
Sometimes home repair gets in the way of home improvement. Good luck!
Jon
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I did it. I’ve replaced the fill valve in my toilet tank successfully. Well, it has taken me 2.5 hours to complete the job when it is supposed to take 30 minutes. But a day earlier, I didn’t even know what the problem was, let alone knowing what the fill valve was, and how to replace it. I’ve saved $120 which is what it would have cost to call a plumber, and I’ve earned a sense of accomplishment that only a lot of money can buy. If you don’t know me, this is the typical me - identify the problem in short order, and do something I’ve never done before to solve it. It works.