Are you dealing with a sluggish flushing toilet? A noisy running toilet? Dropping water levels in the bowl after each flush? If one or more of these sound familiar, it could be time to replace the hard plastic flapper in your toilet.
But don’t worry — replacing a hard plastic toilet flapper isn’t overly complicated and can normally be done quickly and easily. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through all the necessary steps on how to remove a hard plastic toilet flapper , so that you can install a new one!
List Of The Tools You’ll Need
- A Flathead Screwdriver: To help you remove the screws that secure the flapper.
- A Plunger: To help remove any blockages or debris in the toilet tank.
- Cloth Rags: To protect your hands and work area from water, as well as to completely dry off all components after removing them.
- Pipe Wrench: To loosen and remove the nuts that hold the flapper in place.
- New Toilet Flapper: To replace the old one you’re removing.
- A Bucket: to collect the water that may have drained into the tank when you open it.
Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Remove a Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
Before beginning any work, make sure to turn off the water supply line that feeds your toilet tank. This will prevent any unwanted flooding in case of a mistake or accidental release of pressure from the tank.
Step 2: Open the Toilet Tank
Using a standard screwdriver, unscrew the screws that secure the toilet tank lid and set aside. You will then be able to see inside the tank.
Step 3: Locate the Flapper
Inspect the tank and locate where the flapper is connected. Only remove this part if you are absolutely sure it’s made from hard plastic. This flapper should look like a round rubber disc that moves up and down when flushed.
Step 4: Disconnect Water Lines From Flapper
If there are any water lines connected to your plastic flapper, gently disconnect these by lifting them off their fittings with pliers or use an adjustable wrench for larger fittings. Make sure not to damage the fittings or lines in the process.
Step 5: Remove Flapper From Tank
Locate and remove any screws that are holding the flapper in place and gently lift it out from the tank. Depending on your toilet, you may need a combination of tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, and adjustable wrenches to do this successfully.
Step 6: Replace Flapper With New Part
After removing the old hard plastic flapper, measure its diameter and purchase a new one at your local home improvement store that is compatible with your toilet model. Reinstall it by following steps 1-5 in reverse order. You can now turn on the water supply line again and test the flapper to make sure it is working properly.
Step 7: Secure Tank Lid
Finally, put the tank lid back in place and secure it with the screws. You’re now done and should have a working toilet flapper that will last for years to come!
Step 8: Clean Up After Yourself
Don’t forget to clean up the work area after you’re done. This includes disposing of any materials used, wiping down the tank and lid, and replacing all the tools back where they belong. Now that your hard plastic flapper has been successfully removed, enjoy! Your toilet should be functioning properly again with no leaks or malfunctions.
Step 9: Enjoy the Results!
It’s always satisfying to be able to fix something on your own. Sit back and take a break, you deserve it! You can now enjoy the results of your hard work and reap the benefits of having a functional toilet again.
Step 10: Clean Up After:
Make sure to clean up the area after you’re done and dispose of any materials used. Then put all the tools back in their designated places.
And that’s it — following these simple steps should give you a working toilet flapper again! Good luck, and remember to be careful when working with water lines as they can be very dangerous if handled incorrectly.
With this helpful guide on how to remove a hard plastic toilet flapper, with these easy-to-follow steps, you can confidently remove and replace a flapper without any hassle. Good luck with your next DIY project!
Should You Hire Professionals?
It is possible to remove a hard plastic toilet flapper on your own, but it can be an intimidating task. The procedure involves shutting off the water supply and draining the tank before you can even get started. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform this task safely and effectively, you may want to consider hiring a professional plumber.
They will be able to quickly and carefully assess the situation and make sure that everything is removed properly. This way, you won’t have to worry about making any mistakes or causing any damage in the process. In addition, they may also be able to provide advice regarding how often you should replace your flapper in order to keep it functioning properly.
Whatever route you choose, understanding how to remove a hard plastic toilet flapper is an important step in keeping your plumbing system working efficiently. When all else fails, it may be best to contact a professional plumber for help with removing and replacing your hard plastic flapper.
They will have the knowledge and experience necessary to get the job done correctly, quickly, and safely. By doing so, you can rest assured that your flapper has been removed properly and that your plumbing system is functioning as it should be.
How Much It Will Cost?
If You Do It By Yourself:
The cost of removing a hard plastic toilet flapper will vary depending on the tools and materials needed for the job. However, if you choose to do it yourself, it shouldn’t cost more than around $30 -50 dollars in total.
If You Hire A Professional:
Hiring a professional plumber will likely cost much more than doing it yourself. The average cost of hiring a plumber can range from $75 –$150 per hour. In addition, they may also charge an additional fee for materials they need to purchase as well as any other labor costs associated with the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Tools Do I Need to Remove a Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper?
A: To remove a hard plastic toilet flapper, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver, plunger, cloth rags, pipe wrench, new toilet flapper and a bucket to collect any water that drains into the tank.
Q: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Toilet Flapper?
A: Generally speaking, it’s best to replace your toilet flapper every two years or so. However, if you notice any signs of wear and tear or leaking, it would be wise to replace the flapper as soon as possible.
Q: Is It Difficult to Remove a Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper?
A: It can be easy or difficult depending on how old your toilet’s plumbing system is. If the connections are corroded or stuck together, it may require more effort than usual to loosen them. However, if the connection is relatively new and in good condition, it should be relatively straightforward to loosen and remove the flapper.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Replace a Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper?
A: Depending on the condition of your toilet’s plumbing system, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. Be sure to have all necessary tools and replacement parts before beginning the task so as not to delay the process.
Q: Are There Any Risks Associated With Removing a Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper?
A: If done incorrectly, there is a risk of water damage or creating further complications. To avoid this, make sure that you know what you are doing and follow all safety precautions when working with plumbing systems. Additionally, it is always wise to double check your work after completing the repair in order to ensure everything has been done properly.
Conclusion
Removing a hard plastic toilet flapper is not a difficult task and can be accomplished with relative ease. If done correctly, the process should be thoroughly rewarding as it not only gives you complete control over important maintenance but also allows you to gain more confidence in working with plumbing, while enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done.
Plus, since replacing a hard plastic toilet flapper is cheaper than calling out a professional plumber, no matter how experienced you are at plumbing, this task is sure to help cut down on your home maintenance costs. It’s also nice to know it can be done with common tools that are probably already in your house.
Of course, if this project still seems too complicated for you, then don’t hesitate to call out a local expert or friend who has some experience with plumbing. Either way, now that you know how to remove a hard plastic toilet flapper, you’re in great shape for tackling whatever minor repairs come up next!
