How to Clean a Toilet Flapper Valve for Better Flushing

A poorly flushing toilet can be infuriating. In many cases, a dirty toilet flapper valve is to blame. The flapper is a rubber valve located in your tank that opens and closes to allow water to flow when you press down on it when flushing your toilet. If it is dirty and full of debris, your toilet won't flush at all. The best part? Cleaning it is a cinch! In this article, I will walk you through, step-by-step, through cleaning a toilet flapper valve and getting your toilet working perfectly.

What Is a Toilet Flapper Valve?

The flapper is a rubber disc-shaped valve in the toilet tank, and it is hung with a little chain off of the flush lever. As you depress the lever, the flapper opens, and water comes out of the tank and into the toilet bowl. After draining, the flapper closes, refilling the tank for its next use.

If your flapper is dirty, encrusted with grunge, or in poor condition, it will not seal well. Weak flushes and a running toilet can occur. Clean it out and it will function a whole lot better!

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Signs Your Toilet Flapper Needs Cleaning

Not sure your flapper valve needs to be cleaned? Look for these symptoms:

• Flimsies – your toilet isn't completely flushing

• Running water – Water keeps flowing into the bowl after flushing.

• Slow refill – Refills at a reduced rate compared to a normal refill.

• Odd sounds – Gurgling noises in the tank

Whenever one experiences any of these symptoms, it’s then time to have a toilet flapper cleaned

What You’ll Need to Clean a Toilet Flapper Valve

Before starting, assemble these items:

• Rubber gloves

• A soft cloth or a sponge

• An aging toothbrush

• White vinegar or mild soap

• A warm bucket of water

• To towels (to maintain a dry floor)

Now that I have all of that, let's start

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Toilet Flapper Valve

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate your water shut-off valve at the base of your toilet. Turn it in a clockwise direction to shut off water flow into your tank.

Step 2: Flush the Toilet

Flush the toilet to drain out the tank and then hold down the handle for most of the water to drain out. There will only be a little water left, but that will suffice.

Step 3: Remove Toilet Tank Lid

Handle with care, as these can become a little cumbersome, and remove the toilet tank lid and place it in a secure position.

Step 4: Locating the Flapper Valve

Peek in at the tank. There is a flapper at its base, a rubber device hung with a chain off of the flush lever.

Step 5: Remove the Flapper

Disengge the overflows pipe off of the flush lever. Remove the flapper off of both small pegs on both sides with a sliding motion off of the overflows pipe

Step 6: Clean the Flapper

Replace the flapper with a new one and inspect it. In case of grunge, mold, and mineral build-up, it will have a thorough scrub.

Soak the flapper in warm water with a dash of vinegar, or mild soap, and use an old toothbrush to gently brush off grunge and debris, not damaging the rubber in any way.

Step 7: Check for Damage

Prior to reinstalling the flapper, check for cracks and warping. In case it’s warped, cleaning will not work, and a new one will have to be installed. Flappers are inexpensive and can be readily purchased at any hardware store.

Step 8: Reinstall and Wash

Rinse off the flapper in warm water and pat it with a towel. Rehook it onto the overflow pipe and rechain it to the flush lever. Have the chain neither too tight nor too loose—this will affect flushing.

Step 9: Turn On the Water

Turn counterclockwise shut-off valve to permit water flow to reoccur. Permits tank refill.

Step 10: Test the Flush

Flush the toilet a few times to verify that everything is in proper working function. If it flushes and stops when refilled, your flapper is in proper working and cleaning function.

A clean flapper means a well-functioning toilet, but don’t forget about the rest of your home! If you need professional cleaning services, check out Cleaning Services Round Rock. Our team can keep your home spotless and your bathroom sparkling!

How Often Should You Clean a Toilet Flapper?

To maintain your toilet in proper working order, your flapper valve must be cleaned out every 3 to 6 months. In regions with hard water, mineral build-up can occur at a rapid pace, and therefore, cleaning must become a routine activity.

Avoiding Future Buildups

To keep your toilet flapper in top working condition:

• Use a cup of vinegar monthly – Add a cup of white vinegar monthly to break down mineral buildups.

• Avoid harsh cleaners – Harsh chemicals can cause rubber parts to become injured.

• Check for leaks – In case your toilet keeps running, inspect your flapper for debris and wear.

How Often To Replace a Toilet Flapper

And, if your toilet keeps running and not flushing effectively even when cleaned, then a new flapper is in your future.

• If rubber is stiff, cracked, or worn out

• Water keeps flowing even when cleaned

• The toilet won't flush effectively even with a recently cleaned flapper

A flapper can be replaced with ease and for a mere few dollars.

Conclusion

Cleaning a toilet flapper valve is a simple but important maintenance work that aids in proper flushing and conserves water. With these simple processes, your toilet will work effectively.

For more residential cleaning options, visit Cleaning Services Round Rock. Clean happy!

Name: Sparkly Maid Austin Cleaning Services

Address: 200 Congress Ave. Suite 200, Austin, TX 78701

Phone: (512) 617-5979