Commode Flapper Replacement

 

Cost of replacement –  $2

Savings –  $20 - $80/year, depending on the size of the leak[1]

Installation time –  2 minutes

Materials/Tools Needed –  Replacement flapper

Maintenance  –  None

         In studies, worn out commode flappers are the largest cause of leaks in the home.  Water losses can exceed a hundred gallons a day.  Checking for leaks is simple and takes only a few drops of food coloring, see below.

 

Instructions if a leak is found

  1. Turn off the shut-off valve coming out of the wall. 
  2. Flush the toilet to drain the tank.
  3. Remove the old flapper by unhooking the rubber clips and attach new flapper.
  4. Turn water back on and test again for leaks.

 

Tips

         If you do not know how to turn off the water at the meter outside your house, it is a simple process and something everyone should learn.  If the shut-off valve to your commode is broken, you will need to turn off the water at the meter to work on the commode.

         Over time, the rubber commode flapper will crack and deteriorate from use.  Drop-in chlorine tank tablets can cause the flapper to wear out prematurely because the concentrated cleaner degrades the flapper to the point of not sealing correctly.  Using a cleaner that attaches to the side of the bowl where it will not harm the flapper is a better option if one must be used.

 

Checking for Commode Leaks

  1. Remove the tank lid.
  2. Put a dozen drops of food coloring in the tank.  Replace lid.
  3. After about 10 minutes, look in the bowl.  If you see color, you have a leak.

[1]  www.waterrf.org/PublicReportLibrary/RFR90781_1999_241A.pdf