Installing A Toilet Fill Valve

You usually don't notice anything leaking outside the toilet when a ball cock goes bad because the excess water escapes through the flush valve. What you do notice however, is that the toilet continues to run, if only slightly.

Fill valves usually come in a couple of different styles. There is the "ball cock" which has an arm with a float ball on the end of it and the other style (which I prefer) the "fluidmaster" which has a rail and a float that rides straight up on the rail. Either way, when the fill valve goes bad and fails to shut off, it can be a nuisance. Fortunately, it is fairly simple to replace a toilet fill valve. You will need a new fluidmaster and a fresh supply line which is optional but recommended. You will also need a pair of channel locks and an adjustable end wrench.

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

After you have your new valve, supply line and tools, the first thing you need to do is put the rubber gasket that came with the new fill valve on the bottom of it. This makes the seal between the valve and the toilet tank. Then shut the water off to the toilet and push the flush handle down and hold it until tank finishes draining. Take the supply line off the old fill valve and shut off. Use your channel locks to remove the nut that holds the valve to the tank. After you remove the nut, put your hand over the hole in the tank as you pull the old fill valve up and out of the tank to keep any water left in the tank from leaking onto the floor.

Take the new fluidmaster and slide it down through the hole in the tank, pushing your hand from the bottom of the tank and making the new seal at the same time. Put the nut on the bottom of the valve and reconnect the supply line. Don't forget to run the little tube from the top of your new valve to the larger white tube that runs from the center of your tank down to the bowl.

This is a simple job for the average handyman, but if you get into a tight spot, you can always ask the guys at your favorite home improvement store. So if you are getting tired of hearing your toilet running constantly, grab some tools, get the parts and have fun, I'll bet you can do it.

Installing A Toilet Fill Valve

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER