How to remove flush valve lock nut. All parts of the toilets are connected and are held together by screws and nuts. Plastic ones are present to hold the flush valve and water supply hose.
This nut, because it is made of plastic, becomes weak or is weak to hold on to, and It literally breaks.
This nut handles the vibrations by absorbing them. It does that while flushing. This helps in stopping leakage from the tank bottom and the water tube.
So any issue in the nut can cause leakage. I wanted to replace my damaged nut. So I did it by myself, but the tips from the plumbers I went to were really important.
The methods I used are presented here. Read more!
How to remove flush valve lock nut
Removing can be done for different purposes. It can be to reach the fill valve and remove it.
Primarily, it is done to replace the nut itself. The nut can become weak and unable to hold and suppress the vibrations.
You can use tools to replace it, or you can do it without the tools. Opening and draining the tank provides a base for your work.
You then need to take the nut out by turning it. When it has turned to a certain position, it will come out.
Loosen it a bit, and then use your hand.
Steps
If you have tools, then it will be easier and safer because the nut might crack if you are not careful.
Cutting off the aqua supply
Aqua shouldn’t fill the tank. To not allow it, you need to check for the valve that is supplying the water and is connected to the tank. Turn it off. If it is a valve, then turn it anti-clockwise.
The handle will be different, so move in the other direction.
Suppose you don’t see it. You can close the primary aqua supply. It is usually in the garage or basement. Flush the toilet. It will confirm the supply is off.
Safety from aqua and begging opening
Aqua may still be present and leak. To be safe and prevent spilling water. You can put a rag or towel at the bottom. It will absorb extra water.
Now, before you grab the lid, clean it. Then lift it. You will see it come off. Sometimes, it sticks when not touched for years. Cleaning will loosen it, and you can use more force to lift it.
Draining the tank empty
Flushing multiple times will ensure maximum drainage of the aqua. You may need to flush five times. Water doesn’t do harm, but it makes your hand slippery by wetting.
You may need to absorb the water by using a towel. Wiping with a rag will further dry it. Other tricks are a piece of good news as you can use them too.
Plunge/Vaccum/ usage
After flushing, create a strong suction with a plunger. Keep plunging, For ten minutes or more. Do it until the water has disappeared.
The remaining water can be sucked with a vacuum. You just need to turn it on in the water’s direction.
Removing the hose
The towel you put on will help you in case the water spills. From the underside, there is a mounting nut. Please remove it. Unscrew it with pliers and put it aside safely.
Removing the plastic coupling
Now, after the lid, you will see the overflow tube. It is the coupling. You can disconnect this coupling with ease. Now remove the drain stopper present at the bottom. The remaining aqua will slide and get out through it.
Unscrewing the nut
Well, after all the steps are done, you can now come to remove the nut. Hold the nut by using an adjustable wrench and plier. Turn it clockwise.
Keep turning until it is removed from the body. If it is in good condition, it will come off.
It will take effort and more time than before in poor condition. Refrain from applying excessive force. The nut is made of plastic, and it will be damaged by the use of pliers and wrenches with too much strength.
Tips
- Drain and dry the water as thoroughly as you can.
- Clean it before and after removing it.
- Keep the force you apply at a limit.
Conclusion
How to remove flush valve lock nut. Removing by tools is easier, and that’s the reason I used the above method. At the place of piler, you can also use your hand.
Other steps are the same. The advantage of using hands is no fear of damaging the plastic. It will take more time than using wrenches.
If you are replacing it or performing a further operation, read the guide.
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