Fix a Leaking Toilet Flapper Valve for Little or No Cost

[simalary44]

This has to make me pee

[ClassicManuals]

Are you using any chlorine or blue bowl additives? These additives destroy these rubber seals.

[llgla]

Recently I see trickles of water leaking into the toilet bowl. I have checked the flapper and found a bump on the rubber (the blue rubber ring in this video). If I press the valve down tightly, water stops leaking thus I believe that's the problem. Any idea what could have caused this bump?

[magicadp99]

Great video.  Thanks!

[mgv1mgv2]

This is a great video with great simple detailed explanation along with good pictures. Thanks a lot.

[nocturnalsamurai1000]

what if the scotch pad doesnt work and the seat is worn out? is it easy to replace the seat? or can i scrub it enough to smooth it out?

[Carahuasca]

My Kohler 84252 installed in 2008 is great; but for at least the past 6 months I'd get a whooshing sound of water about every 45 to 60 seconds! Great fun at night. Everything seemed ok inside. Even though I have well water, what a waste. I did a gentle scrub w/a Chore Boy underneath and below the flapper. Voila, total silence for the past hour! A detailed fix-it video -- the advice re: gentle care of the toilet bowl cover is so true -- thanks!

[jandsdarnell]

Thanks for the video! Our water bill has been almost as much as out electric bill....which has been ouch :/ 2 out of our 3 toilets have been running non stop. We had someone come in to fix it. He cleaned it, but it made it worse. I think the seal/stopper needs to be replaced and now I know how to do it! Thanks....hoping this works :)

[sjtier2000]

THANKS! This worked great. Fixed it.

[rozzzar]

i've got a very old toilet & looks different from your video, but i just got in there with a scourer & it worked! thanks heaps :)

[Devan5028]

My toilet runs every minute. I tried replacing the flapper on it but it did nothing + its worse! :-/

[guzguz21]

Thanks, the valve was like melting with green ink.

[graceangel8]

thank you so much! my toilet had been loud and hissing with the water constantly running for months. i am so glad i found your video. it was so straightforward and easy and best of all i saved myself a call to an expensive plumber!

[scramble5785]

Very helpful, thanks for taking the time to post this video.

[LindaPLowenthal]

Really helped me. My husband was ready to call a plumber. Even though cleaning it didn't fix the problem, at least I understood what was going on, and was able to go to Lowe's and get a $3 replacemment flapper valve, which totally stopped the leak when installed. That's a lot cheaper than a plumber would have been. Really good video. Thanks.

[litus212000]

Man, this really worked. Thanks! It didn't even seem that dirty but cleaning it and it instantly worked as it should.

[peIusitadered]

this comment has nothing to do with your video. but is it brilliant how the good ole government thinks? there way of thinking is: lower the water level to conserve water, but because the water level is lower, it requires for the toilet to be flushed twice, in order to avoid clogs. isn't that just absolutely brilliant thinking and a great way to save water?

thanx for you're video. i'm off to see if your suggestion will help my toilet leak.

[wildcherrymoon2]

Very informative and easy to understand. This will save me a call to the plumber and quiet an incessantly hissing toilet. Yahoo and bless you for sharing your knowledge.

[ATLGoogler]

Great video. Thanks so much!

[rearly418]

Thanks to your video, I have successfully replaced my first flapper valve :-)

[CherryAngelV8SS]

Thank You sooooo much for this video. I was going nuts with the constant leaking sound having no idea how a toilet operates. My toilet is really old with a red rubber conical stopper...still I followed your cleaning advice and omg it worked!! I am just so grateful because I could not afford to call a plumber.

[angelnurse5]

I had just changed my flapper and was wondering why it was leaking water. We were going to call a plumber to find out what the problem was (glad we didn't have to do that whew!!). I came across this video and followed the instructions. In less than 5 minutes the problem was fixed!! Now it's been about an hour since I've fixed it and it's still not leaking. Thank you for saving us from an expensive water bill.

[crash6871]

you got to get the blue one. dont get the red one

[dancemabel]

Thank you! I had water flushing out of my toilet constantly and an expensive water bill as a consequence. We had the flappers replaced, but that didn't work, so I'm going to follow the directions here and hope it will help.

[guitarboy123987]

This is nice if it works in your situation. However, I just had to replace the flapper in my case - cleaning it did not work - and it was only about $3 from the hardware store around the corner.

[myrljeffcoat]

This was without a doubt one of the most valuable videos I have watched. For the last couple days my toilet had been leaking water. I decided to Google, “Kohler toilet repair.” And voila’, the great link to this video about leaking flapper valves popped up. Voila' after a couple of minutes of gentle scrubbing as instructed in the video, my problem was resolved. I want you to know I'm blonde.. . .So I consider this quite an accomplishment:-)

[ItsYourBoyo7]

Hey ClassicManuals, Just Moved In To A New House And The Main Line Coming Up From The Floor Wont Stop! I Turned The Valve Off But Its Still Coming From The Water line In The Tank. Its Plastic Tubing Not Metal( Dont Know If It Makes A Differences?) But The Flapper Looks Fine, Cleaned It Off And Still Leaking! The Floater Thing Seems To Be Good, Whats Going On??!! Thanks For The Upload:)

[19748888]

This is the first time I tried repairing my cistern and it worked!! I am so proud of myself. Of course I couldn't do it without your excellent and clear instruction - no more plumbing fears or spending $ for me. Thank you so much!!

[IMPAT2]

User friendly video...thanks so much!

[evilfuzzybunny]

This video helped me fix my toilet at no cost, thanks for making it.

[headshotinureyes]

What if i broke the part that pushes the little switch as water empties when you flush, making it refill with water? Then when the water fills up the switch goes up and stops the water from running. Is that replaceable and how so?

[mfrayer1]

My Kohler toilet was leaking by the flapper (same innards as in the video) so I replaced the flapper and it got worse. It was refilling at least every 5 minutes. After I saw the video I used the scotchbrite I had in the closet around the new flapper and down where the flapper rests against. It appears to be fixed now. Thanks for the great video and advice.

[MotoMadnessbmw]

I've fix toliets in the past by simply replaceing the flapper. However this time even with a new flapper it was slightly leaking at the flapper seal. Saw this video and used the scotchbrite suggestion to the seal (toilet side) and damn to my surprise it worked! I could not see an debri on the seal so I was not expecting any change. Thanks for the video!

[GMHiramAbiff]

Thank you very much for taking time to make this video. You have saved me some money from going to a plumber.

[ClassicManuals]

I agree, but the 1.6 actually was3.2 or 4.8 gallons because the toilet required several flushes. Also we were experiencing clogging with 1.6 which has completely cleared with the larger flush.

[gckoenig]

This is a great video! Thanks for making it. I only disagree with one part of it. That is, increasing any toilet from 1.6 gallons to more than that, per flush. First of all, it's illegal. (OK, the police aren't likely to come.) Second, it's a huge waste of water, over time. On the other hand, you should see how much water you're really using! Check my video "got 1.6 gpf?" to see how.

[TheOldkid888]

The only thing to add to this is the cost of a flapper is only a few dollars and what will happen with these flappers over time is that they will start to change shape and not seat properly. I know this for a fact as I have worked on thousands of them.Not just Kohler, but American Standard, Crane,Gerber etc....so i would suggest to replace the flapper for the sake of a few dollars. One thing to remember is to pick the correct flapper for your toilet as they are different..G.L. and have agood day

[TheTallMan35]

Ewwwww!

[phungle01]

@TheTallMan35 it not gross

[dijornopizza]

god bless you i am a female and this was exactly the problem

[Sszvein]

Worked like a charm! A clean rag worked, thanks a lot!

[maxellmusic]

It's called "ghost flushing."

[marco21falcon]

@maxellmusic Is that the same thing as ghost pooping?

[Lvaron21]

thank you so much..I fixed my leaky toilet!!

[369thegoose1]

What an awesome video..!!!!!! Thank you soooo much!!!!

[shopforpunky]

Great video...you just saved me from a $150 plumber bill. After watching some other videos on YouTube I was going to go out and buy a new flapper (not expensive, but still) and install it. With yours I was able to fix the problem on the spot...so satisfying and you probably saved many, many gallons of water too!

[TheMomosapien]

Thanks for sharing this great video. Thorough, yet easy to follow. My water bill should be coming back down to earth now :)

[waynechow61]

I had to stop watching the video early on so I could move the tank lid from sitting across the corner of the bathroom counter to someplace flat (I put it on some newspapers in the tub)... thanks for saving me from a bonehead mistake...

[TooPURE1972]

This is exactly what was happening with my toilet. I followed your steps and now my toilet is working 100% perfectly.

With a little bit of scrubbing with polishing pads on the flapper valve the toilet no longer "mysteriously" turns on and off.

Great tip about putting the lid flat on a surface as well.

Thank you for this video.

Cheers!

[joycayenne]

Thanks for this info.... It helped me understand what to do

[Blue04Z71]

If you get a Kohler toiler get a good plunger too they are the worst flushing 1.6 gpf toilets made. Being a plumber I can't tell you how many of these I rip out.

[SuperMichaelblake]

YOU GUYS SHOULD DEFINATELY CHECK OUT SPEEDYVALVE

[damiso24]

the picture compilation and video worked good together and was real informative. The only thing I would have added was to show an example of what a leaky Flapper causes. Should have shown water running into the bowl before you fixed it and how it looks after. Other than that 4 of 5. Thank You

[Boyntonstu]

Why the little float?

(Prevents chain from going beneath flapper?)

Where did u get it or make it from?

[AA14CBF]

I fixed mine after watching your video. Thanks a lot.

[jbl4u001]

thank you for your video. It was nice to be able to fix my problem myself . (with your help )

[RochelleInPhilly]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[gzsetian1]

Well done! Thanks for saving me money.

[SuperMichaelblake]

check out speedyvalve by floodmaster it could help out alot in this project

[daligoddess2006]

Thank you. I am going to try this as soon as I get some food coloring.

[apm78229]

Thanks for saving me a 5th trip to the hardware store! (And maybe a whole new toilet) :)

[onebadbirdy]

since we had are toilet for many yrs i notice we had to replace are flapper and my flush valve to but ever since my mom bought us a new flush vauve i no we had no issues with both but i no i wouldent had mind replaceing tthe bad gaskets then buying a new flush vauve in it but would had saved us time and money then having to put it in but i no moms will be moms lol

[progers71swim]

Very useful - thanks

[scottyv17]

Thanks, great video...although the pads didnt work for me and I used a SOS brillo pad and that did the job...

[1MillionThings]

Hi, my 7-year old son loves plumbing. He recently repaired our toilet after watching your video. He keeps using a term you used, "Coloqui Moccus" (spelling??) Can you please post the correct spelling of this term? He wants to look it up in the dictionary. Thank you!

[Dant2757]

@1MillionThings -- I do not think you will find this term in a dictionary. I believe the term was originally coined by Al Mahin, the father of my one time best friend Greg Mahin in Pueblo, CO. Greg used the term often to describe many disgusting substances. I picked it up in 1967 and have used it ever since. Didn't even realize it was in the video. Your spelling is as good as I could do. Feel free to use the term freely. Al also used the term "BLOOP" ???? I still use it today!

[1MillionThings]

@Dant2757 - Thank you SO much for your reply. This is an even better explanation of the term. My son will love it! It will likely become a tradition in our family as well. :)

[XgobiX]

you say toilet funny.

[hadouken34]

Thank you for this video. I had to change the flapper but that was only a dollar fifty. Cleaning the flap and flap seat just wasn't enough. Hey, I didn't have to call a plumber and pay $40 for something that simple. Thanks again!

[vivianaldridge2]

I really appreciate all the work you put into this video. It was excellent. Your verbal explanation and the visuals gave so much more information than just reading a help manual. Thanks, angel man! You have no doubt helped many people and saved them a ton of money!

[hpaiz69]

Great video and description, this will help alot. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

[edconbanz]

thanks, i'll try it maybe that's the problem of my tank which cause my water bill so high. edconbanz

[mzkvideo]

Thank you so much. This was my exact toilet so this video was perfect!! Hopefully, this is all that was wrong.

[how0will0this0end]

Thank you

[jungle625]

thanks going to clean fapper and flapper seat thanks again

[metalitia4]

very good and very through video. Nice job! a quick question - can you have problems with the o-ring between the flapper and the tank? I've tried a new flapper and the the wool, and there's a trickle of water still (sounds like a tiny stream). Maybe I just was a bit to gentle on my scrubbing. thanks, and again great video

[fossilsol69]

This works, also you can use a wash cloth and white vinegar to clean the surfaces. It will also work on a leaking washer-less faucet by clean the seating surfaces. Most times there is no need to replace toilet flapper or any new parts on a washer- less faucet. Just clean it!

[antarcticamoon]

Helpful video, thanks

[davequiquegg]

thank you so much! great video and very clear...fixed my leaky toilet!

[laratta]

Thank you sir

[ginaven1]

Going to try that now

[alderete74]

I took the flapper off, cleaned it and had not additional problem

[xxbutters]

thanks

[DAGSTERZ26]

I can see how cleaning the flapper could stop a leak. I didn't use "food coloring" because I already knew it was leaking. I tried cleaning the flapper, and I was surprised that the leaking was a lot less. But I still could hear a drip. I replaced the flapper with a Korky Flapper and the drip is gone. Thanks for this video.

[swdke]

I seem to have a leaky toilet as the food coloring is appearing in the bowl. However, I never hear the water run to refill tank. I did change the flapper, but the food coloring is still appearing in the bowl. Any advice?

[Leiflton]

i tried this...hopefully it solves the problem. thanks.

[lovelymapy]

Excellent! Thank you!!!

[sproutkitty]

cool.Thats a KOHLER wellworth

[bakedpotato1678]

It sure is!!

[sproutkitty]

@bakedpotato1678 yeah

[ojibawaygirl]

good helpful video,,,thank you

[russasaurous]

Well I'll be - this fixed it. I'd bought two different flappers for the wretched thing as well. Thanks!

[electronixTech]

I have the exact same model and age of toilet you have and solved my problem by adjusting the friction fit clip on the vertical wire attached to the fluidmaster valve. I raised the clip a little bit and it stopped the leaking. I will probably try your method just to keep everything running smoothly. Thanks.

[dmk0751]

It is longer than needed but I replaced the flapper twice with no luck. The tip about how to clean the opening solved the problem for me. Thanks.

[yooner16]

Thank you so much, this totally fixed the problem my wife kept complaining about.

[SexiKittie]

my mom and i got into a big argument about toilet leaks. and my toilet water doesnt "flush" as strong as its suppose to. what can i do to make it flush stronger? and DOES IT MATTER IF YOU PUT TOILET PAPER DOWN The hole??? EVEN IF ITS AN OLD TOILET!? yes i have a kohler toilet. but my mom gets anal about putting toilet paper down the hole. is it true? that its bad to put it down the hole when used?

[whmoller]

Great video.

How did you outflush the entire tank in this 1.6 gal toilet as you mentioned you did?

[ClassicManuals]

By changing the position or eliminating the Styrofoam float

[mkobrak]

@ClassicManuals Changing the position of what exactly? How? Is there a video for that?

[kastnmagic]

Great vid!! I'm going to try this!!

[oipissmeoff]

Thanks! It fixed my problem!

[rkellyforums]

Thanks! But This video is too long at over 9 mins.

[DebraLovesKyle]

thanks for the lesson, it solved my problem at just the right price.

[coolmirror]

Thanks for the response. I will try doing this.

[coolmirror]

A very informative video.

I followed it and changed my flapper, but the toilet is still leaking with a new flapper. What could be wrong? What to do next??

[Dant2757]

The flapper seat is bad or has debris all over it. Make sure you clean it with an abrasive pad or steel wool before you replace the flapper.  You may need a new seat if it still leaks.

[elon47]

Thanks for your help!

[Pkr]

My problem was that after a flush the flapper valve never "set" to close the water off. I changed flappers, etc, etc. What I found later was that the incoming water shunted down the central refill tank was creating bubbles coming back up under the flapper valve and causing the flapper valve to "float" and not seat/set down closing off the water.

The solution was to reduce the water coming into the tank after flushing by slightly closing the water valve... fixed!

[vanwahlgren]

Thanks for video. The flappers sometimes need replacing with one from the manufacturer. Expecially with the newer toilets and larger flush valves. There are flappers made for water with more chlorine in it as the chlorine deteriorates the rubber. Make sure you adjust the chain with the right amount of slack.

[Dant2757]

Thank You Great Comments. Also --- Never use those chlorine disks in your toilet holding tank, they will warp the flapper. There are chlorine systems available that do not pollute the holding tank. If you have used a chlorine disk in your tank, chances are that you need to replace the flapper.

[ford2M]

Thanks for the video. We have a Kohler, and I replaced the flapper. You can still hear it leaking. Must be the seal or is it called seat? Will search for a video on that.

[Gnochman]

What does one do if they don't have a snap-on flapper valve?

[bbesco2021]

u probably have something called a mansfield toilet. i have that, i need to replace the red seal or a seal around the hole.

[Ben7seven7]

The "snap on" is the flapper itself. You can use Korky universal Flappers which will fit into the same toilet, as well as other brands, but they don't snap on, but they very easily attach by moving the rubber loops over each poll as oppsed to snapping it down with the Kohlet Flapper. And the Kohler flapper can be used on Crane and other toilets. And he's right about clogging when it's set to a 1.6 gallon flush, It's better to set it to flush longer by adjusting the float.

[DeadCatX2]

Excellent video, thanks!

[nortonralph]

what a nice man!

[timkim72]

Thank you for the info.

[eclass82]

Awesome!

[Shootnbogey]

I can't believe this.......

I searched YouTube as a joke to fix my toilet, I never imagined something like this would be on here. Guess what...I fixed my toilet!! Thank you very much.........