How to Replace a Toilet Flapper
Running toilet? This is almost always the fix, and it's a $5-10 part you can swap in about 10 minutes.
Before you start: this is general information, not a diagnosis of your specific situation. Shut off water where instructed, take your time, and stop if anything looks different than described here. If you're not comfortable at any point, stop and call us — that's what we're here for.
- 1Turn off the water supply at the small valve behind/below the toilet, then flush to drain most of the tank.
- 2Remove the old flapper — it's the rubber flap at the bottom of the tank, usually held by two side pegs snapped onto the overflow tube, or a simple slide-off ring.
- 3Note the chain length from the flush handle arm to the old flapper before you disconnect it.
- 4Bring the old flapper to the hardware store (or check the toilet brand/model) to match it — flappers aren't universal.
- 5Snap or slide the new flapper into place, reconnect the chain with a little slack (not taut, not too loose).
- 6Turn the water back on, let the tank fill, and flush a few times to check the seal and chain length.
If the flapper looks fine but the toilet still runs, or the flush handle feels loose/broken, that's usually the fill valve or flush handle assembly instead — see the fill valve guide, or just call us.
Not Feeling It? We've Got You.
If this isn't a DIY day, call, text, or book online — same flat-rate honesty either way.