How to replace the toilet fill valve

Find out whether your leak is in the flapper or fill valve. To do this turn off your water supply valve, then put one teaspoon of food coloring or a dye tab into your toilet tank. Wait about 15 minutes. If you have color in the toilet bowl, you have a flapper leak. If color did not appear in the bowl you have a fill valve leak. Sometimes both valves leak.

Toilet diagram
Step-by-step
  • Turn off water supply valve and flush toilet to empty tank. Sponge out excess water, then remove refill tube from flush valve assembly.
  • Unscrew fill valve connector nut and fill valve lock nut. Lift entire fill valve and float assembly from tank.
  • Clean tank bottom where fill valve washer seats to be sure of a good seal.
  • Insert new fill valve and tighten lock nut. Make sure float assembly faces the right direction.
  • Attach water supply line with connector nut. Screw float assembly into place and reattach refill tube.
  • Turn water supply valve on. Fill tank and check for leaks. Tighten fill valve lock nut if necessary.
Tools you'll need
  • 10" adjustable wrench

For a more complete toilet repair guide, see your local plumbing store or home improvement center.

Questions?

Contact EWEB's Water Management Services Department at (541) 685-7000 or e-mail EWEB Water Management Services for more information.