Replace Tank Washers or Shank Washer

• 1). Turn off the water to the toilet by closing the valve located at the base of the toilet tank. Remove the toilet tank lid.
  
  
• 2). Flush the toilet and hold down on the handle to allow the tank to drain completely. Remove the remaining water by absorbing the water with a sponge and wringing the sponge into the sink or a bucket.
  
  
• 3). Replace a shank washer by unscrewing the nut located on the water supply line. Lift the shank out of the toilet tank. Replace the washer. Place the shank back in position and replace the nut. If you're replacing only the shank washer, skip to Step 7.
  
  
• 4). Hold a screwdriver on the screws located at the bottom of the tank on each side of the flush valve and turn the nuts located underneath and outside the tank. Gently lift the tank off the base.
  
  
• 5). Replace the washer located at any of the locations where there was a leak. Replace all three washers if there are signs of wear, such as cracking, on the washers. Place the tank.
  
  
• 6). Push the bolts through a washer and then into the holes to hold the tank to the toilet. Replace the nuts and tighten the screws. Do not overtighten, or the porcelain will crack.
  
  
• 7). Turn the water back on and check for leaks. Tighten the bolts slightly if there is any water leaking around the shank washer, tank bolts or beneath the fill valve.
  
  

Replace Fill Valve Washer

• 1). Remove the toilet tank lid. Take the top off the fill valve. It will twist off, or there will be two screws holding it onto the base of the fill valve.
  
  
• 2). Remove the washer from the fill valve. Remove any buildup of minerals located in the valve. Place the new washer into the fill valve.
  
  
• 3). Reattach the top of the fill valve to the base of the fill valve. Replace the toilet tank lid.