A toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home’s plumbing system. Over time, toilets can develop issues like leaks, clogs, and failing parts. Resetting your toilet involves replacing various toilet tank parts to restore function and water efficiency. Resetting a toilet yourself can save on plumber service costs. Follow these steps to learn how to fully reset the workings of your toilet.
What You’ll Need To Reset a Toilet
Resetting a toilet tank involves replacing several internal tank parts. Before starting, gather the following equipment:
- New toilet flapper. This seal stops water from continuously entering the toilet bowl.
- Fill valve. Also called the ballcock, this lets water flow into the tank after flushing.
- Flush valve seal. This is a rubber seal at the tank floor opening.
- Tank-to-bowl gasket. This is a ring between the tank and bowl.
- Toilet tank bolts. These hold the tank to the bowl.
- Wax ring. This seal between toilet and drain pipe must be replaced.
- Adjustable wrench and channel lock pliers. For loosening nuts and bolts.
- Sponge and bucket. For soaking up water from tank.
- Old towels. For absorbing water and protecting bathroom floor.
- Replacement parts kit. For convenience, purchase a kit with all necessary toilet tank parts.
Shutting Off the Toilet’s Water Supply
Before taking apart the toilet tank, locate the water shutoff valve behind or near the toilet. This valve controls water flow to the toilet. Shutting it off prevents water from spilling out during the resetting process.
There are two types of toilet water shutoff valves:
Ball Valve: Turning the handle clockwise closes this valve. The handle will be perpendicular to the pipe when fully closed.
Gate Valve: Turning the wheel clockwise closes this type of valve. Turn it until it won’t go further.
If the shutoff valve is stiff, spray penetrating oil on the valve stem and let it soak for 15 minutes before turning the handle. Make sure the shutoff valve is fully closed. Turn on the toilet tank water supply briefly to test. If water still flows into the tank, the valve needs further tightening.
Draining the Toilet Tank
With the water supply shut off, you can drain the water from the tank. Place an empty bucket nearby to catch water. Unclip the flexible supply tube from the fill valve. Direct it into the bucket while pressing the toilet flushing lever to drain water from the tank.
Soak up any remaining water in the tank bottom with a sponge. Remove as much water as possible, but expect a small amount to remain. Have towels ready to catch drips and sop up water.
Removing the Tank from the Toilet
The tank must be removed to access internal parts. Start by disconnecting the water supply line from the toilet fill valve. Pinch the supply hose clamp and slide it backward. Pull the supply tube off the fill valve nipple.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the large nut holding the tank to the toilet bowl. This is under the tank-bowl gasket collar. Twist it counterclockwise.
The tank bolts connecting tank and bowl must also be removed. Hold each bolt head steady with pliers. Loosen the nuts clockwise at the base of each bolt.
With nuts and bolts removed, lift the tank upwards to separate it from the bowl. Place the tank upside down to access the inner parts. Protect the floor from water drips.
Replacing Toilet Flapper
The flapper is a round seal made of rubber that covers the flush valve drain at the bottom of the tank. Over time it can warp, crack, or fail to seal completely. This leads to leaks and enables water to enter the bowl prematurely.
Locate the flapper seal hooked to the flush valve. Pinch open the retaining clip and disconnect the old flapper. Press the new replacement flapper into the clip to install it. Adjust the flapper chain length as needed to ensure the flapper can drop fully when the lever is pressed.
Installing New Fill Valve
The fill valve, also called ballcock, controls flow from the water supply line into the tank. If the valve is leaking or broken, it must be replaced.
Unthread the locknut holding the old fill valve to the tank. Lift up the valve to remove it. Clean any mineral deposits from the tank opening. Apply plumber’s putty around the new fill valve base and insert it into the tank. Tighten the locknut securely.
Attach the water supply line to the new valve. Tighten it by hand, then give it an extra quarter turn with pliers. Adjust the float cup height as needed. The water level should be 1 inch below the tank top. Flush the toilet to test operation.
Replacing Flush Valve Seal
The tank flush valve releases water into the toilet bowl when you press the lever. With time, its rubber seal can become warped or worn. Test this by pouring a little water into the overflow tube. If it leaks through the valve, the seal needs replacement.
Pry off the old seal with a screwdriver and clean the valve surface thoroughly. Apply plumber’s putty around the new flush valve seal. Press it firmly into place over the flush valve opening. Allow the putty to cure overnight before reattaching the tank.
Installing New Tank Bolts
The bolts joining tank and bowl can corrode over time. Remove the old tank bolts and discard them. Clean scale and grime from bolt holes in tank and bowl.
Place a new rubber washer and metal washer onto each new bolt. Insert bolts through tank holes from inside the tank. Have a helper hold the bowl steady as you insert tank bolts through bowl holes from above.
Thread a washer and nut onto each bolt protruding from the bowl. Tighten nuts clockwise with pliers while keeping each bolt head steady. Do not overtighten.
Replacing Tank Gaskets
Ensure proper sealing between tank and bowl with new gaskets. The foam tank gasket forms the main seal between tank bottom and bowl top. Replace it if deteriorated or compressed.
Peel off the old tank gasket and clean the tank surface thoroughly. Apply a 1⁄4-inch bead of adhesive around the tank opening. Press the new gasket into the adhesive to adhere it.
Replace the smaller rubber gasket around the tank-to-bowl bolt holes if damaged. Make sure the new gaskets sit flat with no bunching or overlap.
Reattaching Tank to Toilet
With all new parts installed, lower the tank back onto the bowl. Align the bolt holes and press down firmly to adhere the tank gasket. Hand tighten the tank nuts while keeping each bolt steady with pliers. Give an extra quarter turn with pliers once snug.
Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve. Make sure the connection is tight. Turn on the toilet shutoff valve and allow the tank to fill. Press the flush lever and check for leaks around fittings and gaskets. Tighten if any drips occur.
Replacing Toilet Wax Ring Seal
A defective wax ring can cause leaks between the toilet bottom and floor drain pipe. With the tank removed, inspect the wax ring seal around the drain horn. If brittle, cracked, or no longer forming a complete seal, the wax ring should be replaced.
Purchase a new wax ring seal specifically designed for toilets. Sprinkle plumber’s putty around the drain horn to help hold the seal in place temporarily. Invert the toilet bowl and place it near the drain pipe.
Press the new wax ring evenly around the drain horn protruding from the floor flange. Lower the bowl onto the horn, aligning them carefully. Twist the bowl slightly to evenly distribute wax seal.
Securing Toilet Back to Floor
Set the toilet bowl firmly over the floor flange. Check for level in two directions with a small torpedo level. If not level, place plastic or metal shims under the toilet base as needed.
Install anchor bolts into slotted holes on toilet base. Have a helper hold each bolt upright while threading on washers and nuts hand tight. Tighten bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern with pliers. Avoid overtightening.
Turn on water supply and test for leaks. Plug the toilet drain and fill the bowl to check for leaks between bowl and wax ring. Install new toilet seat, caulk base gaps, and replace supply line cover.
Troubleshooting Common Toilet Problems
Resetting the tank can resolve many toilet issues, but some problems have other causes:
Clogged Toilet: Use a closable plunger to forcibly plunge water through the drain. Flush to clear debris. Avoid drain cleaners.
Running Toilet: If water trickles into the bowl, the flapper seal needs replacement. A float that’s too high causes continuous flow.
Weak Flush: Low water level, clogged holes in the rim, or obstructed drain pipe reduce flush power. Remove obstructions.
Loose Toilet: Rocking indicates worn anchor bolts or loose mounting nuts. Reinstall toilet securely with new hardware.
Noisy Fill Valve: Adjust flow setting on fill valve. Check for kinks in supply line. Replace faulty fill valve if needed.
Leaky Bowl: Check condition of tank-to-bowl gasket and bolts. Replace wax ring seal if leaking between bowl and floor.
Maintaining Your Reset Toilet
A toilet reset improves performance and eliminates leaks. Proper maintenance keeps your toilet working optimally after repairs:
- Remove stains and sanitize the bowl regularly with non-abrasive cleaners.
- Use a toilet brush weekly to scrub inner bowl surfaces.
- Check fill valve, flapper, and seals periodically. Replace parts immediately if worn.
- Remove tank and inspect fittings yearly. Replace corroded elements before leaks occur.
- Avoid clog-causing products like wipes. Use a plunger at first signs of blockage.
- Listen for hissing or dripping sounds indicating a leak. Repair it promptly to prevent water waste.
With periodic maintenance and inspection, your reset toilet should continue flushing efficiently for years before needing repairs again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resetting a Toilet
- How do I know when my toilet needs resetting? There are several signs that indicate toilet parts are failing and need replacement: flapper seal leaking, fill valve dripping, weak or irregular flush, rocks or wobbles, running water, etc. Resetting can restore proper function.
- Does resetting a toilet involve removing it? In most cases you can perform a toilet reset without fully removing the entire toilet. You need to detach the tank from the bowl to access the interior parts. The bowl usually remains anchored to the floor.
- What special tools do I need to reset a toilet? An adjustable wrench, channel lock pliers, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, sponges, and old towels are generally sufficient for a DIY toilet reset. Always shut off the water supply first.
- How long does it take to reset a toilet? If you have the replacement parts ready, resetting a standard two-piece toilet takes 1-2 hours. Allow additional time for drying putty and caulk. The process involves draining, disassembly, replacing parts, reassembling, and testing.
- Can I break my toilet if I try resetting it myself? Resetting a toilet tank is generally straightforward. As long as you turn off the water supply, work carefully, and handle parts gently, there is little risk of damage. Seek help if dealing with a one-piece or specialty toilet.
- Where can I buy replacement parts for resetting a toilet? Hardware stores and home improvement centers sell universal toilet repair parts that fit most toilets. Bring old parts to find exact matches. Purchase a kit with all typical replacement parts to have what you need.
- How do I stop my toilet from running all the time? A continuously running toilet is likely due to a faulty flapper seal allowing water through. Replacing the flapper is an easy fix to stop this water waste and noise nuisance. Adjust the float if set too high.
- Why does my toilet still leak after resetting it? Ensure all gaskets are seated properly with no bunching or cracks. Tighten bolts gradually to avoid cracking tank or bowl. Check that water supply valve is fully closed before resetting. Repeat steps to fix persistent leaks.
- Should I replace my toilet shutoff valve when resetting toilet? If your toilet shutoff valve is very old, it’s smart to replace it during the reset process. Newer quarter-turn angle stop valves are less likely to leak. Make sure valve size matches supply line.
- Can I reset a toilet myself if I live in an apartment? In most apartments, toilets are the property owner’s responsibility. But if permitted, you can replace parts like the flapper. Get written approval before alterations like removing the tank or bowl. Follow all building rules.
Conclusion
Resetting a poorly functioning toilet brings it back to peak performance. Follow the steps above to replace a faulty flapper, fill valve, tank bolts, wax ring, and other critical parts. Have the proper equipment and replacement seals ready for a smooth toilet reset. With routine care, your revitalized toilet will function like new for years of reliable service.
How to Reset a Toilet
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