DIY Tips for Replacing a Toilet Fill Valve

One of the most common ways we waste water unknowingly is through a malfunctioning toilet fill valve. You may be hearing your toilet making a hissing sound after the tank has filled with water. This could be an indication that there is a leak, and a replacement is due. 

Many older toilets still have a ballcock mechanism with a metal arm and ball float. Over time, this mechanism will wear out and become prone to opening and closing, causing water to leak into the tank. When replacing this device, it is highly recommended that you replace it with a more efficient pressure sensitive valve.

Removal and Replacement 

When replacing a toilet fill valve, shut off water service to the toilet by turning off the water supply valve near your toilet. Flush the toilet and allow the water to drain from the toilet. There will be some residual water left over in the fill tank. Use a large rag or towel to soak up the remaining water, or it will leak out onto the floor when you remove the toilet fill valve.

Remove the water supply hose from the bottom of the toilet tank and then loosen the nylon locknut on the underside of the tank where the toilet fill valve is attached. Remove the old toilet fill valve from the tank and dispose of it properly.

Working in reverse order, replace the old toilet fill valve with a new one. Follow the directions for adjusting the water level for your fill tank, and be sure to only hand-tighten the nylon locknut. Using a wrench may cause stripping of the threads or cracking the fill tank, which could cause a leak. Do not forget to insert the refill hose into the overflow tube.

Replacing a toilet fill valve is not a cumbersome process, but you may consider calling in a plumbing professional if you lack the necessary tools or confidence to do it yourself.

For more information on replacing a toilet fill valve, contact us at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We have been proudly serving the greater Orlando area since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about toilet fill valves and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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