The upstairs bathroom was small, functional, but crumbling. I re-tiled the floor, hired a man to replace the vanity, sink and taps, had my dad replace the not-to-code electrical outlet with a GFI electrical outlet so no one would get electrocuted, and finally, replaced the toilet. The tank lid had cracked in two pieces; we'd glued it back together as it couldn't be replaced.
When the toilet started leaking around the wax seal, I called a plumber to install a new toilet. He taught me more about toilets than I'd ever thought about as he worked. He explained the mysteries of the inner workings of the toilet tank and said if these parts ever needed to be replaced, I should take the original to the hardware store, get the right replacements and follow the instructions on the package for an easy fix without call-the-plumber costs.
Since then, I've done simple repairs on toilets myself. Last night, while BBQ Guy went out to a hockey team meeting (Beer With the Boys) I discovered why water was constantly trickling in the toilet tank and replaced the cracked toilet tank lever and the worn-out flapper.
- If you're a toilet tank newbie, take a photo of the inside of the tank as it is, before you start removing parts (so you'll know how to replace them.
- Carefully take the lid off the toilet tank. It's a little heavier than you'd expect, so don't drop it.
- Unscrew the lever from the inside the tank by hand, so you don't crack the tank if you happen to turn the nut the wrong way. (You should also screw the new lever in by hand as well.)
- Remove the old lever and the stick-like part that connects to the flapper chain/strap. In some toilets, the "sticks" to which you attach the float ball chain/strap are positioned parallel to the tank, in others, they are positioned at an angle. Take the old part(s) with you when you shop for a new one to help identify what kind of part you should buy as a replacement.
- Write down the make of toilet as sometimes you can find the manufacturer's exact replacement part at the store.
- Once you find the replacement part (or a "universal" part that will work with your toilet) stand there and read the instructions on the package carefully. If there's something you don't understand, a store employee may be able to explain it to you. I've found that the people who work at Home Depot and Rona are very willing to take the time to clarify instructions.
- If the lever wears out, the plastic flapper is usually worn out too--or ready to be replaced soon. You can tell by putting your hand in the toilet tank. Lift the flapper gently. Does the edge look rippled or worn? If it's rippled out of shape, water may be getting through to the toilet bowl constantly (you may be able to hear it the trickle.) Removing and replacing a flapper may save you money on your water bill; they're not expensive and replacing one isn't rocket science--read the instructions carefully on the flapper package -- and follow them. Take a photo or take note of how the old flapper is connected before you remove it to take to the store. Before you remove the flapper, you'll want to turn off the water to the toilet.
- Once you remove toilet tank parts, water may be running constantly to the toilet bowl. So that you don't waste water, turn the shut-off valve to the toilet to stop the water flow before you remove the part(s). Unfortunately, a lot of shut-off valves have cheap plastic handles which can break if you give them a hard turn. So be careful....
- If the handle to the shut-off valve doesn't turn easily, don't force it. Try leaving a vinegar-soaked rag around the stuck valve overnight, or try applying a lubricant like WD40 or Liquid Wrench (read the instructions on the product.)
- If the shut-off valve to the toilet still won't turn, you may have to turn off the water at your home's main shut-off valve, but this means you won't have water anywhere in the house until you finish your repairs.
- Replacing a worn out, broken or seized shut-off valve is a little more tricky than replacing a toilet tank lever or a flapper-- depending on how handy you are, this might be the time to call the plumber.
- My plumber recommended we extend the life of plastic toilet tank parts by never using toilet cleaning products that are dropped in the toilet tank. He said that no matter what the manufacturers claim, tank drop-in products are not safe for all toilet tank parts and may shorten the life of the part through corrosion. He advises using cleaning products that are applied inside the toilet bowl.
- If your toilet seat rocks or wiggles when you sit down--gently tighten the screws that fasten it to the toilet, under the flaps near the toilet lid hinge.
- If the toilet seat is cracked or discolored, change it. This is the easiest fix of all (seats/lids screw on and off--again, follow the instructions.)
