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Remove Old Fill Valve — Remove the Old Fill Valve

Beginner

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How to Replace a Leaky Toilet Fill Valve: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 3 of 6

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In this video

Remove the old fill valve from the tank. Locate the large plastic locknut on the underside of the tank that holds the fill valve in place. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nut by turning it counter-clockwise, then finish unscrewing it by hand. Once the nut is removed, you can lift the entire fill valve assembly out from inside the tank. More water will drain from the tank hole, so keep your bucket in place.

Goal: Remove fill valve

Used in this video

  • Pliers (Pliers Type: Slip-joint pliers) — Loosening the fill valve locknut
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FAQs

How long does this project typically take, and is it truly suitable for a beginner?

Replacing a toilet fill valve usually takes 30-60 minutes for most DIYers. It's considered a beginner-level project because it primarily involves basic wrench use, simple removal and installation steps, and clear manufacturer instructions for the new valve.

What should I do if the new fill valve still leaks after installation?

If you notice a leak, first check all connections, ensuring they are hand-tight, then give them an additional quarter turn with the adjustable wrench. Make sure the rubber washer is correctly seated in the fill valve's tailpiece and at the supply line connection. Avoid over-tightening plastic components, which can cause cracking.

Do I need any special tools besides an adjustable wrench, or can I use a different type of wrench?

An adjustable wrench is highly recommended for its versatility, allowing you to loosen and tighten various sized nuts. While some large pliers might work, they can slip and potentially strip plastic nuts. A small bucket or towel is also essential to catch any residual water when disconnecting the supply line.

What are the most important safety precautions to take during this toilet repair project?

Always start by completely turning off the water supply valve behind the toilet to prevent flooding. Flush the toilet to empty as much water from the tank as possible, and then use a sponge to remove any remaining water. This ensures a dry and safe workspace.

Transcript
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So underneath the tank, on the left-hand side typically, you're going to want to remove that and it's usually a plastic nut that's holding that on. A lot of times it's on there a little tight so you might want to use a pair of pliers, loosen it up, and then you'll be able to just take that off by hand. Now remember there's going to be a little bit of water in the tank. So as soon as you start taking this piece off, you're going to have more water flowing out of the tank right here and that will be the last little bit of water in the tank. So once you get that removed, the nut removed, this should just be able to pull right out. You're going to have a rubber seal in there. You can see you pull that right out. Now you have that removed, you have the rest of the water be drained down here so make sure you have a bucket underneath to catch that water.

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