Leaking Toilet Tank

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Justin Malin

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I have a toilet that's leaking from the tank causing it to refill regularly. I need to replace the flapper, but when I was looking at it, it looks like the flapper and that tube that the flapper sits on is all one unit, I can't get the flapper off. I tried to find out what brand the equipment was inside the toilet, but I can't see brand or model info, The toilet itself is a gerber. Does anyone have any knowledge on this? I know it's a pretty crummy description. I'm hoping I can replace the flapper somehow without having to take the tank off, and replace all the guts.
 
Without a picture, we are blind to help you. Can you get your finger under the flapper to check if sediment or slime is stopping you from getting a good seal?
 
Here are some pictures for you. Sorry about that.
 

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That flapper just pulls off, and you replace it. It is looking warped, and beat up. Do you know if someone was using a chlorine jar in the tank? That distorts the flapper, and hardens it. Which makes it hard to get a good seal.

Go buy a new one, and you’ll be able to see what you needed to do, to install it. I’d recommend that you get some abrasive pad and run it around the seat in a circular motion, to clean off any deposits that may be on it, and smooth it out a bit.
 
That flapper just pulls off, and you replace it. It is looking warped, and beat up. Do you know if someone was using a chlorine jar in the tank? That distorts the flapper, and hardens it. Which makes it hard to get a good seal.

Go buy a new one, and you’ll be able to see what you needed to do, to install it. I’d recommend that you get some abrasive pad and run it around the seat in a circular motion, to clean off any deposits that may be on it, and smooth it out a bit.
The flapper doesn't just pop off. It's all connected. I was hoping there's a trick.
 
No it doesn't, there are little "tabs" that hold the flapper on, but they're all one molded piece of plastic.
 
The flapper has two "ears" on it that are connected to the two "L" shaped nubs at the bottom of that overflow pipe. Slide the ears off of those nubs to remove the flapper. Reverse that to install the new one.
 
Looks like your flapper is all soft rubber type.
Yes, the little flexy arms can just be twisted out and up at each attachment point where they hinge on the overflow tube.
Your flapper arms attachments are a little flexy rubber square with a round hole.
Many other types have hard plastic arms, with a slot that has to be gently snapped over the little attachment points at the base of the overflow tube.
Your flapper has lost its mojo, it is distorted and sagging into the flush valve.
Bring it to the hardware store and get one just like it.
However, many other types of flappers might work for you, through trial and error.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I got it fixed! I'm pretty sure I would have taken the tank off if not for you guys. Much appreciated!
 

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