All About Toilet Flappers

What Is a Toilet Flapper?

A toilet flapper is a rubber piece inside a toilet tank that lifts when the toilet is flushed, letting water flow out of the tank into the bowl. The toilet flapper is attached to the handle by a chain.

There are five different types of toilet flappers:

• Seat disk flapper
• Tank ball flapper
• Non-adjustable flapper
• Rubber flapper with a floater
• Rubber flapper with control dial

How Does a Toilet Flapper Work?

When you pull the flush handle, the handle moves the chain, which opens the flapper to let water out of the tank, causing the toilet to flush. As the water flows out of the tank, the flapper settles back down to sit on the flush valve, and the reservoir then refills.

The Importance of a Properly Functioning Toilet Flapper

A properly functioning toilet flapper prevents leaks in your bathroom, saves water, and ensures the toilet flushes correctly. Furthermore, it helps you avoid costly water bills.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toilet Flapper?

A toilet flapper is not something many people think about until the water begins to run continuously in the toilet tank. Most toilet flappers are built to last about two years, provided they are maintained properly. So, a toilet flapper should be replaced every two years. But if you hear your tank continuously filling with water, it means your toilet flapper is worn and needs to be replaced. Another way to tell if your toilet flapper is bad is to inspect the flapper visually. Lift the lid off the tank and check for signs of wear and tear. Be sure to check if it's tangled or whether it's completely covering the drain valve opening.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Toilet Flapper

• Your toilet is running, and it hasn't been flushed
• The toilet flapper is starting to fall apart
• The eyelet hole where the chain hooks is torn
• Your toilet occasionally flushes on it's own

If you notice any of these signs, call dependable plumbers to inspect your toilet flapper and make repairs.