How do I stop my toilet flapper from leaking?

Can I put Vaseline on a toilet flapper?

One easy, but temporary fix to make rubber toilet parts supple again is vaseline. The toilet must be drained and dried for this to work. Then, vaseline can be rubbed on the flapper and it's connecting washer until they become soft. The toilet should be filled and checked again.

Why does my toilet still leaks after replacing flapper?

If you've tried replacing the toilet flapper but the toilet still runs, the flush valve seat is probably rough or pitted. You can replace the entire flush toilet flapper valve, but it's a big job.

Can Vaseline stop leaks?

Using Vaseline to Stop a Leak

Wipe up any water left inside the tank with a sponge. Lift the flapper and prop it against the overflow tube. Apply a light coat of Vaseline around the rim of the flush valve opening. Lower the flapper and restore the water supply by opening the supply valve.

What does Vaseline rubber do?

Vaseline or other petroleum products should never be used on rubber or neoprene objects. It can deteriorate the rubber or neoprene very rapidly. The correct lube to use is a silicone based lubricant, which comes with or without Teflon. This is available in spa or pool stores.

Fixing A Leaky Flapper Valve ~ Rick's Tips

Is Vaseline good for plumbing?

Plumbers grease sadly gets dry and crusty in these faucets. It is also too “stiff” for long term easy movement. Vaseline and any oil base grease will break down the Nitrile Butadiene Rubber in 6 months to a year. Oils, like olive oil or WD40 or 3-in-1 oils are too thin and will not stay in place for long at all.

Why is my toilet still running after replacing flush valve?

If your toilet is still running constantly after replacing bad parts or making adjustments, the problem may not be water pressure. A clogged toilet could be the culprit. Use a nylon brush to clear away any clogs and increase your toilet's flush performance.

Why does flapper not seal?

Locate the small metal or plastic chain that attaches the flush handle lever to the flapper. Lift the chain to determine if it is free of tangles. Check if it is long enough to permit the flapper to seal properly on the flush valve seat, yet not so long that it catches under the flapper as it closes the valve.

Can toilet flapper be cleaned?

Clean the Flapper

Don a pair of rubber gloves. Gently lift the flapper and scrub it with an old toothbrush or scouring pad. Scrub the seat assembly as well. Turn the water back on and test your work.

Can you add weight to a toilet flapper?

Add weight to the flapper: find a half-inch nut, remove the chain from the lever, put the chain up through the nut and re-attach it to the lever. The chain will keep the nut from getting in the way of closure. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Good answer: keep 'em coming!

Why does my toilet keep trickling?

1: Water Trickling Into the Bowl (Phantom Flushes)

This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat. The solution is to drain the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat and then replace the flapper if it's worn or damaged.

How do you know if the flapper needs to be replaced?

A constantly running toilet is one sign of a worn-out flapper. To test your flapper's performance, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank water. Don't flush the toilet. If after 30 minutes you find colored water in the toilet bowl, replace the flapper yourself or call a plumber to do the job for you.

What can I use instead of silicone spray?

Can you use WD40 on plumbing?

Tip: Use WD-40_® Specialist_® Penetrant to loosen and penetrate rusted or stuck plumbing joints.

What is plumbers jelly?

Plumber's grease is a waterproof product made of silicon oil and grease. It looks and feels like Vaseline, but don't be fooled. Plumber's silicone grease is much more durable than Vaseline. It's thick, food-grade, waterproof, and will last a long time.

Does petroleum jelly eat rubber?

While Vaseline and other petroleum products may degrade real rubber (actually made from the rubber tree), current o-rings technology does not use natural rubber.

What does olive oil do to rubber?

If your rubber wellies get chalky after a few wears, rub them with olive oil to erase the white marks. Avoid getting oil on the soles, though; it may cause you to slip next time you put them on.

What's the best lubricant for rubber?

As mentioned above, and unlike lithium grease, silicone lubricant is the perfect lubricant for rubber surfaces, but it is also extremely versatile, so it can be used on most other materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and even painted materials.

Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

If a toilet randomly runs for a few seconds and empties without flushing, it's likely the result of a cracked toilet flapper, the chain being caught, the float needing to be lowered, or the refilling tube needing to be repositioned.

How long do toilet flappers last?

The average toilet flapper lasts about 4 to 5 years. It is important that you replace your toilet flapper when needed to prevent damaging leaks.