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A leaking toilet can waste up to 700 litres of water a day—that’s enough to fill a small backyard pool every week. The surprising culprit?
Often, it’s the humble toilet flapper—a rubber seal inside your cistern that lifts when you flush. Over time, it can wear out or misalign, causing water to silently leak into the bowl without anyone noticing.
In this quick, practical guide, we’ll walk you through what a toilet flapper does, how to spot the signs of a leak, and most importantly, how to fix it yourself. No plumbing experience needed.
Catching these small problems early not only saves water but also helps you avoid bigger and more expensive repairs down the track. So if your toilet’s making odd sounds or running longer than usual, don’t ignore it.
Fixing a flapper is simpler than you might think, and your water bill will thank you.
The toilet flapper is a small but essential part of your toilet’s flushing system. Made from rubber or silicone, this flexible seal sits over the flush valve opening at the bottom of the tank.
When you flush, the flapper lifts, allowing water to rush into the bowl. Once the tank empties, it drops back into place to seal the valve and let the tank refill.
Over time, the flapper can wear out, warp, or develop mineral build-up that prevents a proper seal. Sometimes, it might be installed incorrectly or misaligned, causing it to leak.
Even a small gap can lead to continuous water flow into the bowl—something that’s not just wasteful but also costly.
You might notice this through a running water sound, higher water bills, or visible trickling in the bowl. Left unchecked, these leaks can go on for months. Luckily, replacing a faulty flapper is a simple fix you can often do yourself.
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
These are usually already at home or available from any hardware store.
Find the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise until the water stops flowing.
Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water inside.
Lift the tank lid and check for signs of wear, cracks, or stiffness in the flapper. Also, look at the chain to see if it’s tangled, too tight, or too loose.
Depending on your toilet, the flapper may attach via side hinge arms or a ring around the overflow tube. Gently unclip or slide it off.
Attach the new flapper, making sure it’s the right size and style. It should sit snugly over the flush valve without gaps.
The chain should have just enough slack to allow the flapper to fully close, but not so much that it gets caught underneath. Test by lifting the handle and watching the flapper’s movement.
Slowly reopen the shut-off valve. Let the tank refill and give it a flush. Check for proper sealing and listen for any signs of running water.
Testing tip: Add a few drops of food colouring to the tank, wait 15 minutes, and check the bowl. If the colour appears, the leak persists.
When to call a plumber: If replacing the flapper doesn’t stop the leak, the issue might be with the flush valve seat, fill valve, or other internal parts.
Not all flappers are created equal. Toilets vary in design, and using a generic or incompatible flapper can result in leaks or inefficient flushing. Always check the specifications of your toilet model, or better yet, bring the old flapper to the hardware store for comparison.
The chain connecting the flush lever to the flapper must be properly adjusted. If it’s too tight, the flapper may not close all the way; if it’s too loose, it might not lift fully during a flush. Either scenario leads to poor flushing and potential water waste.
Installing the flapper improperly, such as over-tightening the attachment or misaligning it, can prevent it from sitting flush against the valve. A flapper that doesn’t seal flat can allow water to seep into the bowl constantly.
Even if you replace the flapper, a worn or dirty valve seat can stop it from sealing. Look for mineral build-up, corrosion, or cracks. A quick clean with vinegar or a gentle scrub can help restore a good seal.
Once installed, test your work. Flush the toilet several times and inspect for leaks. If problems persist, other components—like the fill valve or float—may also need attention.
If your toilet’s still leaking despite replacing the flapper, it’s time to bring in a professional. Small leaks can lead to water damage, increased bills, or mould growth if left too long. Sometimes the issue lies deeper—like a cracked valve, damaged fill valve, or plumbing line fault.
Don’t wait for a minor problem to become a major headache. A licensed plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the issue, saving you time and stress.
Fixing a toilet leak is one of the simplest ways to save water and reduce your bills—and it’s good for the environment too. Tackling it early means you avoid bigger, costlier repairs down the line.
If you’re on the Gold Coast and need a hand, Gold Coast Plumbing Company is your trusted local expert for fast, reliable toilet repairs. Our team offers same-day service and professional results you can count on.
Don’t put up with the drip—get in touch today and let us help you flush those plumbing problems away.
