How To Replace Your Toilet Fill Valve

Do you ever hear a sound like rushing water, but aren’t sure where it’s coming from? The sound could very well be coming from a running toilet, due to a fill valve that’s seen much better days.

You know how the toilet valve quickly refills after a flush? That’s the fill valve doing its job. But when the fill valve gets stopped up, this is a sign that you should replace your toilet fill valve. To replace your toilet fill valve, follow these simple steps:

This is what you’ll need:

Tools: Bucket, crescent wrenches and rags.
Materials: Toilet fill valve

Step 1: Turn off the water and drain the toilet. You’ll notice residual water left below the drain valve in the toilet that will leak out when the old fill valve is loosened. Prepare for this by placing a low pan underneath the opening so whatever water drains out will go into this pan. Also, place a towel on the floor to catch any excess water that might overflow.

Step 2: The fill valve must be loosened from the other side of the tank (down below) in order to remove it. Before you do that, disconnect the fill hose, which detaches easily.

Step 3: Now, using adjustable pliers, loosen the nut that’s holding the fill valve to the tank. The water will begin to flow out. Once the tank is completely empty, clean out any debris, and empty out the pan before putting in the new fill valve.        

Step 4: Now you’re ready to install the replacement part. Put the threaded end down through the hole and hold it tightly against the bottom of the tank. Then thread the nut onto the bottom of that. Use the adjustable pliers to tighten the nut. Note: Whenever you’re tightening anything against a ceramic part, you don’t want to tighten it too much, or you could crack the ceramic.

Step 5: Next, secure the water supply to the new fill valve and adjust the height, if necessary. Then, put the water feed tube back into place, in the downspout, and turn the water on.  When flushed, the water should stop at the right level, with no running and no leakage from the bottom of the tank.

Finally, because breakdowns are inevitable, consider an American Home Shield^® Home Warranty Plan. It helps cover many of the items Homeowners Insurance leaves out — like major components of home systems and appliances that simply break down due to normal wear and tear — saving you money. 

How to Replace Fill Valve in Toilet Video