How To Replace A Toilet Fill Valve

Sept. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Villa Park Hardware gives their tips to replace a fill valve in a toilet. They have also released a video to show the steps. If you have a faulty fill valve in your toilet, replacing the part is something that the average homeowner can tackle themselves, says the Villa Park Hardware.

There are several types of replacement fill valves. A ballcock style that has a ball float on the end of a rod. A Fluidmaster style that has the float connected to the vertical body of the valve. This style can adjust from 9” to 14” and forces the valve closed with more force. Also there is a pressure valve that uses the weight of the water to shut off the valve.

The Fluidmaster Fill Valve will fit most toilets.

First, shut off the valve below the toilet that feeds water to the tank.

Next flush the toilet to drain the tank.  You should hold down the handle to drain as much water as possible. You can also sponge out any water left or just put a small bucket or tray under the tank to catch any water remaining in the tank when you remove the old fill valve.

Using an adjustable wrench loosen the nut connecting the supply line to the shut off valve to the toilet.

Next loosen the nut using adjustable pliers connecting the top of the supply line to the bottom of the old fill valve.

Remove the old supply line.

Next remove the nut connecting the old fill valve to the tank.  This will be on the outside of the tank under the tank.

After removing the nut, pull out the old fill valve.

Taking the new fill valve put the rubber washer on the bottom of the valve (beveled side down).

Drop the new fill valve into the hole in the tank, facing the float toward the middle of the tank.

From under the tank, connect the nut to hold the valve in place.

Now connect the refill tube to the overflow pipe in the middle of the tank.  This pipe keeps the tank from overflowing if the valve didn't turn off.  It also puts water into the bowl after flushing.  

Use the fitting provided to attach the tube to the overflow pipe so it doesn't siphon out water.

Connect the supply line from the shut off valve to the new fill valve.

If you are using a new supply line you will need to know the size.  Most shut off valves are 3/8" compression.  But some are 1/2" compression. The fill valve is 7/8".  If you need help, bring in the old supply line to your local hardware store. There is also a Fit All supply line.  It has interchangeable bushings for 1/2' IPS, 1/2" compression or 3/8" compression.

Once everything is connected, turn on the water to the toilet and check for leaks.

You can adjust the height of the float with an adjustable rod using a screw driver or turning the knob by hand.

You can visit the Villa Park Hardware at 46 S. Villa Ave. Villa Park, IL 60181 or online at http://www.villaparkhardware.com.

You can watch the video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d7uZYFu_ZA