Replace a toilet flapper
A worn rubber flapper lets water leak from the tank into the bowl, so the toilet refills on its own. A new one costs a few dollars and needs no tools.
Tools you need
- New flapper that fits your toilet (take the old one to the store)
- Towel
- Rubber gloves
Steps
Turn the water valve behind the toilet clockwise until it stops.
Flush to empty the tank and hold the handle down to let most of the water out.
Unhook the chain from the handle arm and pull the flapper's ears off the pegs on each side of the overflow tube.
Photo: Amin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Take the old flapper to a hardware store to match it, or read the size on the package (most are 2 or 3 inches).
Hook the new flapper on the pegs, clip the chain to the arm with a little slack, about one link.
Open the water valve, let the tank fill and flush a few times to check it seals.
More plumbing jobs
Steps written by Sureno. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each one.