Checking The Flapper Valve

• 1). Remove the toilet tank cover.
  
  
• 2). Check the chain between the linkage arm and the flapper valve. The chain must have slack when the flapper valve is closed. If the chain is tight, adjust it at the linkage arm.
  
  
• 3). Disconnect the chain from the wire loop on the linkage arm. Adjust the chain by reconnecting it to the loop at a link that provides a slight amount of slack when the flapper valve is closed. Use needle-nose pliers to open the wire loop, if necessary.
  
  
• 4). Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water to check the sealing ability of the flapper valve. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl, you must replace the flapper valve.
  
  
• 5). Turn off the water supply to the toilet tank. Flush the toilet to empty the tank of water. Wipe the bottom of the tank dry with a sponge to remove any loose particles.
  
  
• 6). Disconnect the flapper valve chain from the linkage arm loop. Remove the flapper valve by bending its rubber arms off from the two hinge pins on either side of the overflow pipe.
  
  
• 7). Clean the rim of the flapper valve seat with steel wool.
  
  
• 8). Install a new flapper valve by securing its rubber arms to the two hinge pins. Lift the valve up slightly and release it to ensure the valve moves up and down freely without sticking. Connect the chain to the linkage arm as outlined in Step 3.
  
  
• 9). Turn the water supply on and fill the tank. Add food coloring and check for leakage.
  
  

Checking The Overflow Tube

• 1). Check the water level at the top of the overflow pipe. If the tank water is spilling into the tube, the fill-valve float may need adjustment.
  
  
• 2). Flush the toilet and observe the float as it falls and rises. If the float is contacting the wall of the tank causing it to stick, or does not turn the fill-valve off at the correct water level, the float arm requires adjustment.
  
  
• 3). Support the brass float arm with your left hand to prevent strain on the fill-valve. Bend the float end of the arm down slightly with your right hand. Use a pair of combination pliers for added leverage, if needed.
  
  
• 4). Flush the toilet and observe the adjusted water level. One-half to 3/4 inch below the top of the overflow tube is ideal. Repeat Step 3 until the water level is at a satisfactory level.
  
  
• 5). Bend the float away from the wall of the tank if it was becoming stuck due to contact. Flush the tank and observe. Make further adjustments as needed.
  
  

Checking The Linkage

• 1). Flush the toilet and observe the linkage. If it is sticky and releases slowly, loosen the handle retaining nut on the inside wall of the tank with an adjustable wrench. The threading of the nut is left-handed, so you will have to turn it clockwise to loosen.
  
  
• 2). Check the linkage with the nut slightly loosened. If the linkage is free, you're done. If the linkage is still sticky, you must replace it.
  
  
• 3). Disconnect the flapper valve chain from the linkage arm. Remove the handle retaining nut turning clockwise with an adjustable wrench. Pull the linkage out from the front of the toilet tank.
  
  
• 4). Install the new linkage into the tank. Slide the retaining nut over the linkage arm and tighten it counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. Attach the chain from the flapper valve to the linkage arm with a slight amount of slack.
  
  
• 5). Flush the toilet and observe.
  
  
• 6). Replace the toilet tank cover.