How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Tank Fill Valve
- 1). Shut off the water supply for the toilet tank, at the supply valve located on the wall behind the toilet. The supply valve has a supply hose leading from the bottom of the tank to it. Rotate the knob on the end of the valve to shut off the water supply.
- 2). Lift the lid off the toilet tank. Flush the toilet to empty out the water. Hold down the valve as you flush to allow all the water to flow out. Wipe up any excess on the inside of the tank with a sponge and towels.
- 3). Remove the ball float and lever from the float valve. In most setups, the float valve lever will be attached to the top of the fill valve by a thumb screw. Unscrewing this will allow you to pull the ball float and lever out of the tank. On fill valves with an integrated float, this step is not necessary.
- 4). Unscrew the water supply hose from the bottom of the fill valve by turning it counterclockwise. Use the pliers to loosen the retaining nut above the coupling. The fill valve can be removed.
- 5). Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the washer on the bottom of the fill valve. Insert this into the socket at the bottom of the tank and continue holding the fill valve in place with one hand. With your other hand, reach underneath the toilet and screw the new retaining nut onto the threads at the bottom. Tighten with the wrench.
- 6). Connect the float valve lever to the top of the fill valve. Secure with the thumb screws. This step is not necessary on fills with integrated floats.
- 7). Wrap the threads on the fill valve inlet on the underside of the tank with plumber's tape. Reattach the supply hose coupling. Tighten with the pliers.
- 8). Turn the water supply on by rotating the knob counterclockwise. The tank will fill and raise the float ball into position to shut off the water. Adjust the float valve level as needed. Flush the tank and observe for proper operation.
