How to Replace a Toilet Flush Valve - Tank to Bowl Leak

If you have a leak between the tank to bowl on your toilet, you may need to replace the flush valve, or the gasket on the flush valve. I show how to replace the flush valve.

You will need a large adjustable pliers or a lock nut wrench to remove the nut from under the flush valve. The lock nut wrench is available at your local hardware store. You can also use it for slip nuts on other plumbing projects.

You will need to remove the 2 or 3 nuts that holds the toilet tank to the bowl. If you have an older toilet, this is a good time to replace these bolts and washers.

There are 2 types of flush valves. The most common is a 2" valve. A new larger style was started around 2002. It is 3- 1/4" wide, measured from the inside diameter of the flush valve. This larger flush valve gives a better flush with less clogging. Look at your old model to see what you should pick up at the hardware store.

The flush valve that I show is a 2" valve with a larger flapper. It does a better job of flushing if you have a small tank or low volume toilet.

[believeintendcreate]

Love all you professionals that help us do our own repairs on our homes. Thank you! My children growing up always called their mother Fix it Chick! I am now off to do this project! Please Toilet Gods Bless my work!

[shana]

Hey, YOU said 15-20m.😫 I say, more like 4 hours, including 3 trips to Lowe's for the right tool. That one didn't work for me, but I finally found one that did. I needed one that expanded at least 4 in. Your instructions were most helpful, once I got the right tool.😂 I feel very empowered. And now my mom doesn't have to call me every time she needs to flush.😁 Thank you!

[phartikus]

2024 and I did this a child but I forgot a thing or two. So glad you were here to guide me!

[rachaelb]

Thanks. I went to replace my fill valve just to discover this part was completely corroded as well. The rubber just disintegrated and the bolts were just a rusty clump of metal. Time to run down to the hardware store lol. Thanks for making it quick and easy for us DIYers.

[angharadswansea]

I’ve already replaced the flapper I guess now I’m going to have to look at the gasket. Thanks for an informative video.

[terrycurley]

Great video - Thanks! I was preparing to remove the toilet tank to change the flush valve. But a quick re-placement of the little fill hose eliminated the siphoning which was the real cause of my "leaking" toilet. So, you saved me a lot of bothersome work!

[blancobubber]

Thank you for this video. A lot of these flush valve kits come with a plastic tool that will fit the over the nut holding the flush valve to the bottom of the tank as well.

[JeffBarricade]

Thank You for posting this video. I just completed this and stopped my tank from leaking.

[jimp]

I'll tell you what worked for me on the tank nut was my oil filter wrench that I use when changing the oil on my cars. good luck .

[DEMARCO]

This video saved my life, I broke the flush tank at someone's 🏡 and changed it b4 they knew 🤫

[Thornebirds]

You’ve underestimated my ability to turn a 15 minute job into 2 hours

[jfitz]

Thank you for a very good & straight forward "how to" video. Much appreciated!

[Nyck]

Good job. Change the two bolts is really a good idea.

[CitizenPerkins]

Nice demo! I have to do this procedure on one of my toilets and it was good to be able to see someone else do it first.
Thank you.

[patriciaanne]

Your videos are very helpful, thank you. I'm a diy-er, this is my first "plumbing" job. At first I thought the leak was from the bolt washers going bad, then taking the tank off, noticed all rubber washers and valve covers where leaking. You video was easy to follow and organized. Took me a lot longer, because I got the wrong part.

additional question... while I have the toilet apart, should I go ahead and replace the wax ring at the base, or not worry for now.

[slker]

Great video, thank you for sharing. I was able to replace it without any problems. 👍

[zaksd]

Thank you for posting this. It's so helpful!!

[stateofkrunk]

obstacles i encountered: screws were old and corroded making it difficult to get them out. the old gasket didnt fit. besides that it was fairly easy. thanks for the vid, sir. on a scale from 1 - 10, only 3 expletives were heard by my neighbors. good luck and happy flushing.

[mikessquamish]

Excellent demo. One thing I suggest, never use the bowl as work bench, It is too easy to scratch or slip then you will need a new tank

[helltoupee]

I really don’t know if I’m stupid, inexperienced or just missing some obvious route that’s staring me in the face. I been trying to remove this damn mounting but for 3 days . I finally made it to the store yesterday and bought that wrench, got it home ....and it’s a 1/4 in too small . This nut has made me question my manhood over the last couple days ...I bought a hacksaw. And I’m cutting the SOB off . Just wanted to say thanks for the video . It’s very helpful, but I’m just gonna murder this mounting nut now.