If you need to know how to choose the right toilet flapper you’ve come to the right place.
A toilet flapper is an essential part of your toilet. It resides in the tank and provides a secure seal that prevents water from leaking from the tank to the bowl.
All toilet flappers work the same way, but they come in a few different sizes and it’s important to know the difference. The size flapper you need depends on the valve, not the tank!
Occasionally (5-10 years) you’ll need to replace your flapper. It’s made of rubber so it will break down over time.
In this article, I’ll share a few common reasons you need a new toilet flapper and I’ll share how to choose the right flapper. It’s a simple and straightforward process and I’m here to help you out.
Reasons You Need A Toilet Flapper Replacement
Flappers last a long time and most people won’t need to get a few toilet flapper. But there’s always an exception and a few common reasons you’ll need one.
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Your flapper is old
The rubber on an old flapper tends to start flaking after a number of years. This happens naturally because the rubber had sat in water for years (all things break down over time).
If you notice the rubber on your flapper is starting to flake off, it might be time for a new one. Don’t worry, they are cheap and the new one will last just as long
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The size of your flapper is wrong (or it just leaks)
Some people get the wrong size flapper, however, this is unusual since most flappers will work on standard toilets.
Maybe it’s not compatible with your valve or you might be trying to use your old toilet’s flapper with a new toilet.
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Your toilet is running and you suspect the flapper
It’s true, a flapper is often the cause of a running toilet. If you know the toilet water is running the first place you should look is the flapper (read my article on how to fix a running toilet).
Check to make sure the flapper is positioned correctly on the valve and it’s just as important to make sure the chain on the flapper isn’t getting stuck under the flapper (this is an easy fix and a common cause of running toilets).
Toilet Flapper Types
Over the years, toilet flappers have changed. Toilet tanks once used 5 gallons per flush, then it was reduced to 3.5 gallons per flush.
In recent years toilet technology has further reduced the amount of water used, and now, most new toilets are using 1.6 or 1.28 (average) gallons per flush (check out the flapper selection on Amazon).
Our priority has been on reducing water consumption and increasing efficiency, and this has affected the inside of our tank (especially the valves and flappers).
Older tanks have a more narrow valve size (2 inches) and newer tanks have a wider valve size (3 inches). Why is this?
The answer is simple.
A larger valve allows more water to make it’s way into the bowl at once, resulting in a shorter, yet more powerful flush – this works great when you’re using less water.
Measuring Flush Valve Size
Some websites will tell you to eyeball the valve and flapper size. Other websites ask you to compare the valve to a tennis ball or apple. In my opinion, this just adds to people’s confusion.
The best way to know what size flapper you need is to measure its diameter. You can do this in 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Turn off the water line to your toilet
Step 2: Remove the lid from your tank.
Step 3: Flush the toilet and hold down the flush.
Step 4: Get your measuring tape and measure the width of the flapper without removing it or the valve.
Step 5: Once you have your measurement, don’t forget to turn on the water valve so your tank can refill.
This is an easy process that only takes a few minutes. By measuring, you won’t have to guess the size and you’ll be confident when buying a new flapper.
It’s important to note that many flappers are advertised as “universal”. This isn’t true. You want a proper fit and the only way you can do that is by knowing the right size.
In most cases, a newer toilet with a 1.6 or 1.28 gallons per flush will use a 3” flapper. An older toilet with a 3.5 or 5-gallon flush might require a 2” flapper (I like Fuildmaster’s selection of toilet flappers).
As a general rule, if you’re buying a new toilet it most-likely uses a 3” flapper.
Conclusion
Choosing the right toilet flapper isn’t something you’ll have to do frequently. In fact, most people never change the flapper on their toilet.
Occasionally a flapper will wear out or start to leak. Over time, rubber can begin to flake and it won’t do its job. If you hear your toilet running, there’s a good chance the flapper has something to do with it!
The good news is that you can replace your flapper without having to chance your valves.
Most new toilets use a 3” flapper and older toilets (3.5 gallons per flush or more) use a 2” flapper. Don’t guess the size, instead, take a few minutes to empty the tank and use your tape measure across the diameter of the flapper. It will likely be 2 or 3 inches wide and you’ll be sure when you buy your new flapper.
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