The mechanism that regulates the flow of fresh water into your toilet’s tank is called a fill valve. This component is occasionally referred to as a ballcock, so named for a style that was previously the norm.
Every time the toilet flushes, the fill valve opens and closes. The valve just has to be replaced as it ages and wears out. This is the perfect time to swap out an outdated fill valve with a float ball for a more reliable, modern fill valve with an integrated float cup.
This post will demonstrate how to replace just the fill valve, a simple task that can be completed with the toilet tank still in place.
1.The toilet fill valve must be removed
Use channel-type pliers to unplug the water supply tubing fastened to the fill valve tailpiece before removing the fill valve itself.
The mounting nut holding the fill valve’s bottom flange to the tank’s bottom surface must be loosened and removed. To stop the fill valve from turning as you remove the mounting nut, you must reach down into the tank from the top and grasp the bottom of the valve with another pair of pliers.
2.Get the new fill valve ready
Attach the rubber washer part of the package to the fill valve tailpiece’s bottom flange. This washer will act as an inner seal to stop leakage around the fill valve’s base.
If necessary, modify the fill valve’s height. The process varies depending on the valve, but for the majority, it just involves shortening or lengthening the stem piece to make the fill valve’s total length fit within your toilet tank. The fill valve’s top should ideally be just a hair taller than the top of the overflow tube to obstruct the tank lid from closing.
3.Install the new fill valve
Install the fill valve in the toilet tank with the tailpiece inserted through the tank’s bottom opening. Place the valve, so the water outflow nipple faces the tank’s overflow tube.
With one hand holding the fill valve from the toilet’s base up, attach the mounting nut to the tailpiece with the other hand. Be careful not to twist the fill valve’s body inside the tank. The mounting nut should be hand-tight after being tightened. To gradually tighten the mounting nut, even more, use channel-style pliers.
The fill valve’s water supply tube must be reconnected. Again, tighten by hand, then a bit further using pliers.
4.Connect the Fill Valve and adjust it
One end of the rubber fill tubing should be clipped to the nipple on top of the fill valve. The other end of the tubing should be fitted with a plastic or metal adapter and cut to the top of the overflow tube.
Turn on the water supply valve, and watch as the toilet tank refills with water. Following the valve manufacturer’s directions, you can adjust the water level to the right height for your toilet.
Make sure there are no leaks by checking the shutdown valve and fittings on the bottom of the tailpiece. If there is any seepage, you might need to tighten them a little more.
