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Woodie's DIY will show you how to replace a ballcock and float valve in a toilet. This is a very simple job and something you'll have to do at least once in the lifetime of a toilet.

How to do it

Step 1

Step 1

Remove the lid from the top of the cistern of the toilet and set aside in a safe place.

Bring the broken unit with you to Woodie’s and match up the new one with the broken one.

Step 2

Step 2

Turn off the cold water supply usually found in the hot press. Flush the toilet to drain the cistern.

Step 3

Step 3

Use the pipe wrench to unscrew the float arm and float from the old float valve unit and remove.

Step 4

Step 4

Then use a sponge to soak up any extra water inside the cistern.

Step 5

Step 5

Locate the coupling nut under the cistern. It will be where the water inlet pipe enters the base of the cistern. Unscrew the nut and free the pipe. Place a towel and bucket on the ground to catch any extra spillages.

Step 6

Step 6

Use an adjustable wrench to grip the retaining nut (found above the coupling nut)

Step 7

Step 7

Then hold the base of the ballcock float valve inside the tank. Unscrew the nut under the tank and remove the old float valve.

Step 8

Step 8

Replace with the float valve. Tighten the nut on the outside taking care to keep the washers in place.

Step 9

Step 9

Then replace the coupling nut and water inlet pipe.

Step 10

Step 10

Finally, replace the float ball.

Step 11

Step 11

Turn the water back on and check for leaks at all points.

Step 12

Step 12

Check that the float ball doesn’t rub against the back of the tank.

Step 13

Step 13

Also check that the cistern fills to the water line – you may have to adjust the nut at the base of the float arm.

Step 14

Step 14

Test the toilet by flushing it. Wait until it fills and then put the lid back on the cistern.

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What you will need

  • New Ballcock and Float Valve for toilet
  • Pipe wrench
  • Adjustable spanner
  • Washers (if required)
  • Old Towel
  • Sponge
  • Bucket

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