How to Replace
a Refill Valve
Continued ... (pg. 2)
For purposes of illustrating how to install a new refill valve, the following instructions are specifically for a Fluidmaster 400A refill valve. This valve is reasonably priced, widely available, fits all but a few toilets, meets plumbing codes, comes with good installation instructions and is used worldwide by over 50 manufacturers of toilets as original equipment. These instructions can be applied to other types of valves, but always read the instructions that come with valves. There are sometimes very important but not so obvious adjustments that have to be made. This is true with the Fluidmaster 400A.
Once properly installed the Fluidmaster 400A is a very reliable refill valve, but that does not mean it will last forever. All of the suggestions for testing your toilet regularly for leaks still apply. In keeping with using the Fluidmaster as my installation example, I am also providing the TROUBLESHOOTING CHART for the 400A valve.
Begin by turning off the water supply to the toilet either under the toilet or at the main house water shutoff. Next, protect or remove carpeting or rugs that can be damaged by water. No matter how careful you are, it's almost impossible to avoid getting the floor wet. Next flush the toilet to drain the tank. You'll have to sponge up the remaining water in the bottom of the tank. Disconnect the supply line under the tank and unscrew the nut holding the refill upright in the tank and remove the valve (see previous page).
You must prepare the refill valve first before you install it. (1) It has to be adjusted to fit various size tanks. Measure the height of the overflow pipe and unscrew the base of the valve until the CRITICAL LEVEL RING ( marked C.L.) on the top of the valve is 1-inch above the overflow pipe. (2) Then the shank washer has to be separated from the cone washer and pushed onto the threaded end of the valve with the flat side against the valve.
Position the new refill valve in the tank so that the float cup does not touch the walls of the tank. Push down firmly on the shank of the valve (not the top) with one hand as you hand tighten the nut under the tank with your other hand. Then with a wrench tighten 1/2 turn beyond hand tight. CAUTION: tighten too much and you crack the tank; not tight enough and it leaks.
Reattach the supply line. As you can see from the illustration there are several sizes and styles of supply lines. I suggest you buy a new flexible supply line. They come with nuts and washers already attached to both ends and are much easier to install than trying to get a water tight fitting with a supply line that has already been used.
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