Toilet Flapper
A faulty toilet flapper is one of the most common causes of a leaky toilet. A toilet flapper functions as the plug to the drain found at the base of the toilet’s water tank. Over time, rubber flappers can become worn which can impact their seal over the drain, allowing water to leak through into the bowl.
The best way to find out if you have a leaky toilet tank flapper is to perform a simple leak test using dye.
- Carefully remove the toilet tank lid.
- Place 10 to 20 drops of food colouring inside your toilet. Red or green food colouring works best.
- Replace the tank lid and wait 20 minutes. Do not flush during this time.
- After 20 minutes, check your toilet bowl. If the water remains clear, your toilet doesn't leak. However, if after 20 minutes the water in the toilet has changed colours, your toilet is leaking. Be sure to flush the toilet to remove the dye.
To help Sudbury residents save water and money, FREE Toilet Leak Testing Kits are offered at all CGS Library locations.
My toilet is leaking, now what?
Once you’ve purchased a new toilet tank flapper, you’re ready to install the new replacement piece.
- Turn off the water to your toilet.
- Remove the toilet tank lid and flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank
- Detach the old flapper and remove it from the tank
- Secure the new flapper in place and reattach the chain to the lever of the handle. You may need to adjust the length of the chain, depending on the depth of the tank.
- Once you’re finished with the installation of the new flapper, turn on the water again and flush the toilet. Examine the flapper to make sure that the seal over the drain is strong.
- Replace the lid of the tank.
Remember that replacement parts for toilet repairs will vary in size and shape based on the type of toilet you have so take a photo of the original piece or bring it with you when shopping for the replacement part to make sure that you’re buying the proper replacement size.