Installing a Toilet Tank Fill Valve

How to Install a New Toilet Tank Fill Valve and Avoid the Expense of a Plumber

By Mark J. Donovan

If you find your toilet running constantly the problem is most likely related to one of three things. The toilet flapper is no longer forming a good seal at the bottom of the toilet tank, the float is not working properly causing the water to continuously run and empty into the overflow tube, or the toilet tank fill valve is failed. If the toilet tank fill valve has failed you can easily find a replacement one and replace it yourself. Alternatively you can call in a plumber to install a new toilet tank fill valve, however expect to spend $100 or more.

To install a new toilet tank fill valve first turn off the supply line valve to the toilet and flush it a couple of times to drain out the residual water in the tank. The supply line valve is typically located underneath the toilet on either the floor or back wall.

Next remove the toilet tank lid, and use a bucket and either a large rag or sponge to sop up any remaining water in the toilet tank.

After sopping up any remaining water in the toilet tank disconnect the water supply line tube end that connects to the base of the toilet tank. You should be able to disconnect it with your fingers, however you may need an adjustable pair of pliers to initially loosen it.

Note, keep you bucket or rag handy to catch any residual water in the toilet tank.

Next disconnect the overflow tube from the toilet tank fill valve. Then, while holding the toilet tank fill valve firmly in one hand, loosen the large plastic nut that holds it in place with the other hand.

The large plastic nut can be found on the underside of the toilet tank, where you disconnected the supply line hose. Again, you should be able to loosen it with just your hands.

Once you have removed this nut you should be able to pull the old toilet tank fill valve out of the toilet tank.

Korky 528 Korky Quiet Fill Toilet Fill Valve

Now install your new toilet tank fill valve into the toilet tank, basically working in reverse. Secure the new toilet tank fill valve with the gaskets and nut that came with it to the bottom of the toilet tank. One gasket should sit directly underneath the toilet tank fill valve and the other directly underneath the nut.

Initially finger-tighten the nut onto the base of the new toilet tank fill valve and then gently snug it down with an adjustable pair of pliers. Make sure, however that you do not over-tighten it.

Then connect the overflow tube the top of the toilet tank fill valve.

Next, connect the supply line hose back to the base of the toilet tank, again initially finger-tightening it and then snugging it up with the adjustable pliers.

Finally, turn the supply line valve back on and let the toilet tank fill. Check for any leaks around the toilet tank fill valve area. If all was done properly your toilet should be leak free and functioning properly again.

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