Shared Knowledge

 

Toilet Bowl Flapper - My Favorite

 

1 June 2006

 

 

 

 

 

When your toilet begins to “run” all the time, most times, it because the toilet bowl flapper needs replacement.

 

Like every other product you can think of, there are several different styles or designs of flappers. After having replaced multiple flappers over the years, I have decided that only one type is the best for me.

 

This image below shows the type of flapper installed in many toilets on the “fill” tube. Not every toilet has the same fill tube design so your toilet might be different.

 

 

I do not recommend this type flapper. The problem with it is that the black plastic tabs, which fit over the stubs sticking out on the fill tube, are not round enough and thus when the flapper is activated, the black hard plastic of the flapper tabs do not move easily on the fill tube studs and the flapper sticks or hangs. Noticing this in the past, I have actually taken an Exacto knife to the tabs of the flapper and tried to remove some hard plastic to get the flapper to move easier on the fill tube stubs. But one has to use a trial and error method and even if you think you have the flapper tabs cut out enough, days later the flapper will hang.

 

Below is a second type toilet flapper and the one I recommend you use. The difference between the one shown above and this one, is that unlike the one above, which has black hard plastic tabs to fit over the fill tube stubs, this one is entirely made out of rubber and there is no real motion at toilet fill at the junction of the flapper and the fill tube studs, the entire flapper flexes.

 

 

Not a significantly important issue in the grand scheme of things, but a hassle is a hassle and who needs more? Buy the recommended flapper, install it, get the chain set up correct to the flush handle and you are in business and no cutting of black plastic tabs or flapper hanging.