How to Replace a Toilet Overflow Tube

Replacing the toilet overflow isn't hard when you know the right tools and materials to get the job done. Here are a few steps that can guide you through the process with ease.

Step 1 - Shut Off Water

Be sure to wear both goggles and safety glasses while The first thing that you will need to do is shut off the water supply to the toilet. The knob to turn it off is under the toilet in the back of it.

You can just turn it clockwise slowly and use the wrench or pliers if you need help starting the turn. Once you have shut off the supply, you can flush the toilet so that all of the water can empty out of the tank into the actual toilet bowl. use a rag to soak up any excess water.

Step 2 - Take Off the Bolt

On the bottom of the tank there is a bolt about two inches long that is designed for the flush valve. Use a wrench to loosen up the bolt and then your fingers to finish and take it off. Once the bolt is removed you can take the back off.

Step 3 - Replace the Parts

Next you can replace the overflow tube. You will want to remove the plastic outlet ring and the washer and replace them while you are replacing the old overflow tube with a new one. When you put the new overflow tube in, be sure to line it up like the old one and carefully secure it do you do not do any harm.

Step 4 - Reassemble

Once everything is secured you can reinstall the toilet. Be careful not to turn the water back on as it will cause leaks if everything is not properly hooked up yet. Begin with putting the hose back below the toilet and then secure it again with the bolts. You can use your fingers to begin with and tighten the bolts as far as they can go. Once you feel that they are in and secure, you can use the wrench to continue to tighten until they are fastened completely.

Turn the water supply back on by moving the knob in a counter clockwise direction slowly so that the water pressure does not become too high and burst out on you. Do not move on or do anything with the toilet until it has completely filled back up with water. This may take some time.

Once you are finished you can flush the toilet a few times to be sure that everything is working properly.