How To Remove A Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper-An Easy Way

Sometimes it so happens that a toilet keeps running even after you have flushed it. This creates an annoying sound and sometimes may feel paranormal at night. The culprit for such a nuisance is a damaged toilet flapper.

So, whenever you notice your toilet is running out of water automatically, it’s probably time you replace the toilet flapper. And the first step to replace the toilet flapper is to remove it. But how do you remove the toilet flapper?

To find out the answer, read through the following section.

What Is A Toilet Flapper?

Although the word flapper may evoke in mind a fashionable and stylish woman from the early 1900s, a toilet flapper is a different thing. For an average standard toilet, a flapper means a rubbery mechanism. It is mainly located inside the toilet tank.

It prevents the water from running out by creating a tight seal with the flush tube. When someone triggers the flush, the attached chain pulls the flapper upwards. In this way, the water is released. If the chain or the flapper is damaged, the water will start draining out fast.

How to Remove A Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper?

Now that you know what a toilet flapper is and how it works let’s move on to the procedure to remove a damaged flapper. But before you proceed, you must ensure to have the following thing near you for the removal process.

• Rubber gloves;
• bucket and small cup;
• Pliers or scissors;
• A towel and sponge.

And if you want to replace the flapper, then you will also need a new set.

Step 1

Likewise, for any plumbing jobs, you need to shut down the water supply source before you start removing the toilet flapper. In most cases, the water supply faucet is located either on the wall or to the left side of the toilet.

Turn it off by rotating it counterclockwise direction.

Step 2

After you have turned off the water supply successfully, open the tank lid so that you can access the toilet flapper. Make sure you place the tank lid safely so that it doesn’t get damaged.

Also, before you proceed to the flapper, wear rubber or latex gloves so that you remain safe.

Step 3

Now you will have to remove the remaining water from the toilet tank. You can either flush the toilet to drain out the water or use a small bucket to collect the water. You can use it to water plants and flowers.

Step 4

Now comes the central part of removing the toilet flapper. At first, you will have to remove the chain from the lever arm of the tank. After that, depending on what types of hard-plastic flapper your toilet has, you need to perform the following steps.

• Open-loop: If the hard-plastic flapper comes with an open loop, then at first, you will need to remove one arm. As you do so, make sure that the post is kept down. Once you remove aside from the post, perform the same to remove the other end as well.
• Closed-loop: Some toilet flappers may come with a closed loop. In such cases, firstly, you will need to move the whole set to one side. If you have removed the arm towards the left, then remove the left side from the peg. Or, if you have placed the set towards the right end, remove the right side. That’s as easy as you may get. 

Congrats, you have successfully removed the old flapper. Now, if you wish, you can replace it with a new one. Just make sure that you clean inside the tank before returning the new one.

How to Replace Toilet Flapper American Standard?

American Standard is a famous manufacturer in the bathroom and toilet industry. They have an array of toilet flappers. However, if you want to replace them or remove them, you can do it by following the steps mentioned above.

There’s nothing special you will have to do. Isn’t it simple?

Conclusion

A toilet flapper reduces water consumption and, thus, lowers utility bills to a great extent. Many people would opt a professional help, which isn’t necessary.

If you follow our DIY guidelines, you should be able to remove and replace the toilet flapper with ease. Nonetheless, if you need any help, you can reach us anytime. We are here to serve you in the best possible way.