Step 2 · Remove Old Flapper and Fill Valve

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

With the tank empty, you can now remove the old parts. First, unhook the old flapper. Gently unclip its two 'ears' from the pegs on the sides of the flush valve overflow pipe. Then, unclip the chain from the flush lever arm inside the tank. The flapper can now be lifted out. Next, address the fill valve. Place your bucket under the toilet tank to catch any trapped water. Use an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers to loosen the coupling nut connecting the water supply line to the bottom of the fill valve shank. Unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Finally, unscrew the large plastic locknut that holds the fill valve to the tank. Once the locknut is removed, you can lift the old fill valve straight up and out of the tank.