Although they can last for many years, toilet flappers eventually bend or warp, which causes the toilet to malfunction. Therefore, to replace your toilet flapper, you must first determine its size to use an exact replacement.
Toilet flappers come in sizes ranging from 2 to 4 inches, include diverse designs, and are manufactured of various materials. Use measuring tape to determine the size of your toilet flapper if it’s not obvious to do so.
Knowing the toilet flapper size helps determine how easy it is to replace them when they malfunction. This, as shall be found in the sections below, is quite easy. It’s a valuable skill to resolve toilet tank problems, such as the fill valve and the flapper.
What size of toilet flapper do I need?
If you’re looking for a new toilet flapper since your old one isn’t in the finest shape, you should take into account the following factors:
1. Type of flapper
This one should be quite clear. For instance, if you want to replace a rubber flapper, you will need a rubber flapper. You cannot replace or change the type of flapper on your toilet without making modifications.
2. The toilet flapper’s size
There used to be a standard size for toilet flappers. But for toilet flappers to function effectively nowadays, specific dimensions must be followed.
Today’s toilet flappers typically come in sizes between 2 and 4 inches, depending on other factors.
There are two different kinds of flapper frames, as follows:
a) Flappers with flexible frames (all-rubber frames)
Since the rubber used to make the adjustable frame flappers allows them to alter shape to match the required flush valve drain; they can be attached to most flush valve drains.
They can flush seated flush valves and valves without mounting posts because they are constructed of rubber.
b) Flappers with a solid frame (hard plastic frame)
If the flush valve drain is not the same as the one being replaced, the solid frame flapper will not fit. Compared to a flexible frame flapper, it is intended to offer a tighter seal for a longer time.
Tank ball flappers are frequently seen in solid frame flappers, which greatly increases their dependability.
3. Materials’ quality
If you want your toilet unit to last, you must look for a high-quality one. The flapper’s body must resist rust, mold, and water damage.
The flapper must be replaced if the cord breaks, so it must be excellent to prevent breaking easily.
4. The flapper closing time
The flapper closing time aids in estimating how much water your toilet can save. This determines how long it’ll stay open after a flush.
These four aspects are also important regarding the total toilet installation cost.
Toilet flapper sizes
Today’s toilet flappers typically come in sizes between 2 and 4 inches, depending on other factors. These features consist of the following:
1. The manufacturing date
Older toilets employ flappers 2 inches in size, whereas more existing toilets use 3 or 4 inches.
2. The amount of a gallon per flush (GPF)
The amount of water that enters and leaves the toilet tank each time you flush it is measured in gallons per flush. For this one, you can choose between full-flow and low-flow toilets, with full-flow having more water than low-flow.
3″ toilet flapper valves are frequently used with toilets with 1.6 and 1.28 GPF. Smaller flappers are found in those with lower flows.
American standard toilet flapper size
Flappers are available in two sizes: two and three inches. The two-inch flapper is used in the majority of toilets. However, three-inch flappers have gained popularity recently and can be found in more contemporary toilets made after 2005.
The size of the flush valve opening compared to a baseball and softball will help you determine whether you have a two or 3-inch toilet flapper. For example, you need a 2-inch toilet flapper if it is the size of an orange and a 3-inch toilet flapper if it is the size of a small ball or a grapefruit.
Taking your old flapper to the closest home improvement store with you will allow you to determine your flapper size quickly.
Are all toilet flappers the same?
While many flappers are designed to be universal and fit many toilet models, many are made explicitly for certain toilet brands or models.
Flappers can come in different sizes and shapes and have different types of sealing and chain attachments. The most common toilet flappers are rubber, chain, and ball flapper.
Unfortunately, some toilets have unique designs incompatible with universal flappers, especially older models. Therefore, checking your toilet’s specific model and brand is essential when looking for a replacement flapper.
Are toilet flappers universal?
Toilet flappers are a standard replacement part in many toilets. Several universal flappers are available on the market designed to fit a wide range of toilet models.
These universal flappers often have adjustable arm lengths and other adjustable features that allow them to be customized to fit the specific toilet they are being used in.
However, it’s important to note that not all toilets are the same, and some may have unique flapper designs or sizes incompatible with universal flappers.
How to measure a toilet flush valve size
You will need to measure the flush valve opening or remove the toilet flapper from the tank to determine the correct size.
These are the steps to take:
1. Cut off the toilet’s water supply
A toilet flapper cannot be removed without first cutting off the water supply to the toilet. The flush valve will allow water to flow continuously from the tank into the bowl.
On the wall behind the toilet, there is an oval-shaped knob that you can see. That is the stop valve for the toilet.
Make a complete clockwise rotation.Push/pull shut-off valves require you to pull the knob outward to stop the water flow.
To drain the tank of as much water as possible, flush the toilet while maintaining a downward grip on the flushing handle.
2. Take out the toilet flapper
Remove the toilet tank cover by lifting it, then store it safely so it won’t fall off and shatter. Next, disconnect the flushing handle arm from the flapper lift chain.
Finally, place the lift chain into the tank after being separated.
Two pegs on the flush valve are attached to two ears on the toilet flapper. First, lift the flapper ear off the pegs by unhooking it. Then, put it on a seat.
As we previously explained, there are two ways to determine a toilet flapper’s size. Either the flapper itself or the flush valve opening can be measured.
3. Measure the flush valve opening size
The inside diameter of the flush valve aperture should be measured using a measuring tape or a ruler.
For example, you have a 2-inch flush valve if the measurement is between 1.8 and 2.3 inches. As such, get a 2-inch toilet flapper.
You have a 3-inch flush valve and need a 3-inch toilet flapper if the measurement is plus or minus 3 inches. A flush valve wider than 3 inches indicates that a 4-inch toilet flapper is required.
4. Measure the toilet flapper
It might be a little tough to measure the size of a toilet flapper, so you must be extremely careful to avoid purchasing the incorrect size.
The cone’s length or the flapper’s breadth from end to end can be gauged. I find it easier and more accurate to gauge the flapper’s size from end to end.
The reading is straightforward to interpret if you judge the cone’s breadth alone. For example, if your reading is 2 inches, buy a 2-inch flapper, and if it’s 3 inches, purchase a 3-inch flapper.
Installing the new flapper is simple after purchasing it. It only has to be placed over the flush valve hole, the ears connected to the pegs, and the lift chain attached to the flush handle arm.
The lift chain needs to have a good amount of slack. If it’s too loose, the flapper will not be fully raised when flushing, resulting in a poorly flushing toilet.
On the other hand, if it is too tight, it may unseat the flapper from the flush valve, causing leaks and low flush power.
The ideal amount of slack for the lift chain is 1/2 inch.
Conclusion
You won’t need to select the ideal toilet flapper very frequently. Most people never replace their toilet’s flapper.
Sometimes a flapper will deteriorate or begin to leak. Rubber may start to flake with time and cease to function correctly. There’s a good possibility the flapper is at fault if you hear your toilet running.
The good news is that replacing your flapper won’t put your valves at risk.