How To Replace A Toilet Float?

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

How to Replace a Toilet Float

Your toilet float is a simple but important part of your toilet. It helps to regulate the amount of water that flows into the bowl, and it can also help to prevent leaks. If your toilet float is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems, including overflowing toilets and high water bills.

Replacing a toilet float is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. In this article, we will walk you through the process of replacing a toilet float, step-by-step. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right float for your toilet.

So, if your toilet float is not working properly, read on to learn how to replace it!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Remove the old float by unscrewing the nut that holds it in place.
3 Insert the new float into the toilet tank and screw the nut back in place.
4 Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test the float.

A toilet float is a small, buoyant device that helps to regulate the amount of water that flows into the toilet bowl. When the float rises, it closes the fill valve, which stops the flow of water. When the float drops, it opens the fill valve, allowing more water to flow into the bowl.

Over time, the toilet float can become damaged or worn out, which can lead to problems with the toilet. If your toilet is running constantly, or if the water level in the bowl is too high or too low, you may need to replace the toilet float.

This guide will show you how to replace a toilet float. It’s a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

  • Replacement toilet float
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Tape measure
  • Bucket
  • Paper towels
  • Gloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located behind the toilet, near the floor.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
3. Remove the old toilet float. There are two different types of toilet floats: ball floats and cup floats.

  • Ball floats are held in place by a chain or a rod. To remove a ball float, simply grasp the chain or rod and pull it up until the float comes loose.
  • Cup floats are held in place by a screw. To remove a cup float, use a screwdriver to loosen the screw and then lift the float out of the tank.

4. Clean the inside of the toilet tank. Use a bucket and paper towels to remove any dirt or debris from the tank.
5. Install the new toilet float. Make sure that the float is the same size and type as the old float.

  • Ball floats are installed by inserting the chain or rod into the hole in the top of the tank. The float should be positioned so that it is about 1/2 inch below the overflow tube.
  • Cup floats are installed by screwing the float into the hole in the top of the tank. The float should be positioned so that it is about 1/2 inch below the overflow tube.

6. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
7. Flush the toilet to test the new float. The water should fill the tank and then stop when the float reaches the correct level.

Replacing a toilet float is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your toilet is working properly and that you are not wasting water.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a toilet float:

  • If you are not comfortable working with tools, you may want to hire a plumber to replace the toilet float for you.
  • Make sure that you purchase a replacement toilet float that is the same size and type as the old float.
  • If you are having trouble installing the new float, you can consult the owner’s manual for your toilet or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

How To Replace A Toilet Float?

A toilet float is a small, buoyant device that helps to control the amount of water that flows into the toilet tank. When the float rises, it closes the fill valve, which stops the flow of water. When the float drops, it opens the fill valve, allowing more water to flow into the tank.

Over time, the toilet float can become damaged or worn out, and it will need to be replaced. Replacing a toilet float is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

Here are the steps on how to replace a toilet float:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The water supply to the toilet is usually located behind the toilet, on the wall. There will be a shut-off valve that you can turn to stop the flow of water.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. This will make it easier to access the toilet float.
3. Remove the old float. The toilet float is usually attached to the fill valve with a screw or clip. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the screw or clip, and then lift the float out of the tank.
4. Install the new float. The new float should be the same size and shape as the old float. Insert the float into the fill valve, and then secure it with the screw or clip.
5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. The water should start to flow into the tank, and the float should rise to the proper level.
6. Flush the toilet to test the new float. The toilet should fill and flush properly.

If you have any difficulty replacing the toilet float, you can always call a plumber for help.

Tools and Materials

To replace a toilet float, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A screwdriver or pliers
  • A new toilet float
  • Penetrating oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The water supply to the toilet is usually located behind the toilet, on the wall. There will be a shut-off valve that you can turn to stop the flow of water.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. This will make it easier to access the toilet float.
3. Remove the old float. The toilet float is usually attached to the fill valve with a screw or clip. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the screw or clip, and then lift the float out of the tank.
4. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the fill valve. This will help to loosen the valve and make it easier to remove.
5. Turn the fill valve counterclockwise to remove it from the tank. Be careful not to drop the valve into the tank.
6. Install the new float. The new float should be the same size and shape as the old float. Insert the float into the fill valve, and then secure it with the screw or clip.
7. Turn the fill valve clockwise to tighten it to the tank. Be careful not to overtighten the valve.
8. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. The water should start to flow into the tank, and the float should rise to the proper level.
9. Flush the toilet to test the new float. The toilet should fill and flush properly.

Replacing a toilet float is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily extend the life of your toilet and ensure that it is working properly.

How do I know if my toilet float needs to be replaced?

There are a few signs that your toilet float may need to be replaced. These include:

  • The toilet is constantly running, even when the tank is full.
  • The toilet bowl is not filling up all the way.
  • The toilet is making a gurgling or splashing noise when it flushes.
  • The toilet float is not staying in place.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to replace the float as soon as possible.

How do I remove the old toilet float?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Locate the float arm, which is a small metal rod that connects the float to the fill valve.
4. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that secures the float arm to the fill valve.
5. Carefully lift the float arm up and off of the fill valve.
6. Remove the old float from the float arm.

How do I install the new toilet float?

1. Make sure the new float is the same size and type as the old float.
2. Slide the new float onto the float arm.
3. Align the hole in the float with the hole in the fill valve.
4. Secure the float arm to the fill valve with the nut that you removed in Step 5.
5. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
6. Flush the toilet to check that the float is working properly.

What are some common problems with toilet floats?

There are a few common problems that can occur with toilet floats. These include:

  • The float is not staying in place. This can cause the toilet to run constantly, even when the tank is full.
  • The float is not allowing enough water into the tank. This can cause the toilet bowl to not fill up all the way.
  • The float is not allowing enough water to drain out of the tank. This can cause the toilet to overflow.

If you experience any of these problems, it’s a good idea to replace the float as soon as possible.

How can I prevent future problems with my toilet float?

There are a few things you can do to prevent future problems with your toilet float. These include:

  • Keep the float clean and free of debris.
  • Replace the float every 5-10 years.
  • Use a high-quality toilet float.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals on the toilet float.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet float working properly for years to come.

In this article, we have discussed how to replace a toilet float. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as some common problems that you may encounter. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace your toilet float with confidence.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The toilet float is a small, but important, part of your toilet. It controls the amount of water that flows into the tank, and helps to keep your toilet from running.
  • If your toilet float is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems, including leaks, overflows, and inefficient flushing.
  • Replacing a toilet float is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid making any mistakes.
  • If you are not comfortable doing this type of work, you can always hire a professional plumber to help you.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.