https://fixmyown.house/time-required/under-30-min/Step-by-step home repair tutorials for regular people — what you need, how long it takes, and exactly how to do it yourself.https://fixmyown.house/tutorials/replace-a-toilet-flapper/https://fixmyown.house/tutorials/replace-a-toilet-flapper/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000<p>A toilet that runs constantly almost always has a worn flapper — the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Replacing it is the single easiest plumbing fix there is.</p> <h2 id="step-1-turn-off-the-water-supply">Step 1: Turn off the water supply</h2> <p>Find the oval valve on the wall behind the toilet and turn it clockwise until it stops.</p> <h2 id="step-2-drain-the-tank">Step 2: Drain the tank</h2> <p>Flush and hold the handle down. Sponge out whatever water remains so you can work dry.</p> <h2 id="step-3-remove-the-old-flapper">Step 3: Remove the old flapper</h2> <p>Unhook the chain from the flush lever arm, then slide the flapper&rsquo;s ears off the pegs on the overflow tube.</p> <h2 id="step-4-install-the-new-flapper">Step 4: Install the new flapper</h2> <p>Seat the new flapper over the valve opening, hook the ears onto the pegs, and clip the chain to the lever arm with about half an inch of slack.</p> <h2 id="step-5-test">Step 5: Test</h2> <p>Turn the water back on, let the tank fill, and flush twice. The flapper should seal cleanly with no trickling sound after the tank refills.</p>