Do you have a running toilet and suspect you need a new toilet flapper? A toilet flapper is a component in your toilet that allows water to flow from the tank into your toilet bowl.
When the flapper doesn’t work, you may need a new one to get your toilet functioning as normal again. However, how do you know what flapper to purchase?
An Amazon Choice product, this 3” toilet flapper is made from ABS plastic and rubber with an attractive chrome finish. The flapper is specifically designed for Delta Corrente, Riosa, and Prelude flush toilets, although it will work with most toilets that have a 3” valve. Tested by Delta for quality assurance.
A toilet flapper is a part in your toilet tank that facilitates the process of water entering your toilet bowl when you flush. Unless you’re using a tankless toilet, it’s standard.
When you flush your toilet, the handle you use to flush the toilet opens the flush valve, allowing water to enter your toilet bowl from the toilet tank. Once water reenters the toilet tank from the fill valve, the flapper secures the flush valve again to prevent water from continuously running.
If your toilet constantly runs, it will significantly increase your water bill on top of causing frustration and excessive noise when you try to use the toilet.
The flapper is attached to a chain that is attached to the toilet handle. When you flush using the flush lever, the chain lifts the flapper, allowing water to enter your toilet from the open fill valve and remove the contents.
The flapper gradually goes back into place after a couple of seconds, causing the flapper to secure the valve until the next flush.
For clarification, the toilet fill valve opens to bring water into the tank from the water supply line. The flush valve opens to allow water from the tank into the toilet bowl. If the flapper closes too quickly, it can prevent your toilet tank from filling up all the way.
See the video below for a visual example of how this works:
We list out the best toilet flappers and rank them by type further down this article. If you want to find the specific Korky universal toilet tank flapper in this video, visit their store.
How Long Do Toilet Flappers Last?
Toilet flappers tend to last an average of 3 – 5 years before they become deteriorated thanks to natural wear and tear, hard water, and chemical toilet cleaners. Those made of chlorine-resistant rubber will last much longer.
One of the main signs of a damaged flapper is a continually running toilet. You may also see physical damage to the flapper caused by sediment buildup in your toilet tank as a result of hard water.
In severe cases, a damaged flapper can result in 200 gallons of water waste in a single day. That’s a huge increase in both water consumption and your water bill.
How do I Know the Flapper is the Problem?
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the cause of a toilet leak. You can sometimes tell a flapper is damaged with a visual inspection. You may notice it doesn’t give a tight seal all the way around.
If you suspect this is the case, press it down firmly and listen. If this stopped water from leaking out then you know that it’s not providing a true fit.
Alternatively, you can put food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes to see if the dye got into the toilet bowl. If the actual valve contains damage, you will need to replace the entire valve along with the flapper.
What Are the Different Types of Toilet Flappers?
Rubber Toilet Flapper
Rubber toilet flappers are the most common type of toilet flapper on the market. Rubber toilet flappers contain a rubber or silicone seal that covers the overflow pipe. Some are made of plastic with a rubber seal, while others are made completely of rubber or silicon.
Tank Ball Toilet Flapper
Found in some older toilets, a tank ball flapper will use a ball to cover the valve. These systems are outdated. If your tank ball flapper needs replacement, look for a rubber flapper compatible with the toilet in question.
Seat Disk Toilet Flapper
A seat disc flapper uses a disc to cover the overflow pipe instead of a rubber seal. They tend to be larger than rubber toilet flappers, making them harder to replace. These are the oldest types of flappers and are also outdated.
What To Look For When Purchasing A Toilet Flapper
Brand
If you want the best flushing toilet possible, you can look for a flapper specifically made for your brand of toilet. While many universal flappers may work with your toilet, it can provide a sense of reassurance to order a flapper designed for your specific toilet. This is not always required, tho.
As long as you choose the correct size (and most toilet flappers are universal), you will be fine.
Valve Size
The toilet flapper replacement must match the size of the valve to get a secure seal.
Most toilets have a 3” valve that requires a 3” flapper (about the size of a grapefruit). However, some toilets have a 2” valve (about the size of an orange). Check your toilet specs with the manufacturer (Kohler, Swiss Madison, etc.) before making a purchase, especially if buying a universal flapper instead of a flapper from the manufacturer.
Water Flow
Toilets use a specific amount of water per use, known as gallons per flush (GPF). The flapper you buy should accommodate your toilet’s flow rate.
Flappers should close according to the toilet’s flow rate. If a flapper closes too quickly or too slowly, you may run into problems.
Many flappers have a wide range when it comes to the flow rate. The problem most often occurs when homeowners accidentally use a standard flapper for a low-flow toilet designed to save water.
Most toilets that use 1.28 or 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) have a 3” valve, while toilets that use less than 1.28 GPF generally have a 2” valve.
Review Of The Best Toilet Flappers
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
An Amazon Choice product, this 3” toilet flapper is made from ABS plastic and rubber with an attractive chrome finish. The flapper is specifically designed for Delta Corrente, Riosa, and Prelude flush toilets, although it will work with most toilets that have a 3” valve. Tested by Delta for quality assurance.
This 3” AquaSource flapper replacement and chain is tested and certified for US and Canadian plumbing codes. Lowe’s provides a one-year manufacturer warranty on the product. It has flexible posts to adjust to different toilets, but it works best for toilets that have a 1.28 flush rating.
This high-end flush valve kit not only includes the 3” flapper and chain but also the flush valve, ensuring a proper flush if you suspect the flush valve also contains significant damage.
The flapper and the flush valve are made by Kohler out of high-quality materials to ensure longevity.
The Amazon Choice product works with toilets that utilize a similar 3” canister flush valve.
Perfect for your standard flush Gerber toilet of 1.6 GPF or higher, this clear 3” flapper comes with a stainless steel chain and a slightly raised top as opposed to a slanted and raised top. It’s made from clear, durable material that you can trust to last.
For toilets with a 2” flush valve, this set of universal rubber flappers works on toilets that operate at high efficiency of 1.28 GPF. It is made from rubber that resists hard water and comes with a stainless steel chain that won’t break. The flapper is also easy to install.
Pros
Set of 2 in a package
Fits most 2” models
Stainless steel chain
Cons
Not made for low flow toilets
Reports of a bad seal in some instances
Chain gets twisted
How to Replace a Toilet Flapper
Before you get started, you need to identify the size of your toilet valve and the flush rate. You will use this information to find the right flapper for you, as these are the two most important factors in your purchase.
To replace your toilet flapper, start by shutting off water to your toilet and flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank. You may want to pick up excess water with a rag before you get started.
Simply remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the valve. Replace the flapper with the new flapper by hooking it in the same spot on the valve.
See the video below for detailed instructions on how to replace your toilet flapper:
Toilet Flapper FAQ’s
What is a toilet flapper?
A toilet flapper is a rubber or silicon component that seals the flush valve in the toilet tank. It comes with a chain and sometimes also comes with a drain. Standard flappers have a diameter of 3”.
Are toilet flappers universal?
No. Not all toilet flappers are not universal. Don’t assume any flapper will fit in your toilet tank and work as expected. Your toilet is designed for a certain flapper shape and chain length.
Whenever possible, search for a flapper specifically designed for your toilet brand and model. There are universal options, but you first need to check your toilet valve size to find the correct universal flapper for your toilet.
How do I know if a faulty flapper caused the toilet leak?
To be certain that the culprit is the flapper, put a couple of drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. After about 15 minutes, check to see if the dye got into the toilet bowl. If it did, you have a faulty flapper.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
