- 1). Locate and shut off the water supply valve for the toilet. The supply valve usually is mounted on the wall behind the toilet. In some locations, it may be on the floor instead. Grasp the handle on the end of the valve and rotate it all the way to the right to cut off the water supply.
- 2). Remove any objects stored on top of the toilet and set them aside. Remove the lid.
- 3). Flush the toilet by pressing the handle. Continue keeping pressure on the handle to allow the water inside the tank to exit.
- 4). Examine the chain that runs from the flapper to the handle rod. These chains sometimes can get caught up on themselves or other parts in the toilet. Straighten out the chain, if needed. Replace a badly kinked chain with a new one.
- 5). Lift up the rubber flapper at the bottom of the chain. Apply a light coating of silicone grease or petroleum jelly to the underside rim of the flapper.
- 6). Replace a warped or broken flapper by removing the old one. Flappers usually are connected to the toilet either by hinges in the toilet flush assembly or to the overflow tube. Unhook the flapper from the flush chain before pulling it out of the toilet.
- 7). Clean a flapper of mineral deposits by unhooking it from the flush chain and pulling it out of the toilet. Pour vinegar over the deposits and use a nylon brush to clean up any buildup. If the flapper is severely covered by deposits, it may be easier to replace it.
- 8). Turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill. Flush and check that the flapper is operating properly. Replace the lid.
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