DIY & Building, Bathroom & Plumbing

How to Replace a Ballcock & Float Valve

This helpful guide will provide you with all the steps on how to replace a ballcock and float valve, as well as showing you the tools and materials to get the job done in no time!

Tools for the Job

You can continue reading on for our expert tips and advice, or watch the video guide below!

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1

Turn off your water, then flush the toilet to drain the cistern.

A man flushing the toilet to drain the cistern.

Step 2

Remove the lid, and unscrew the float arm from the old valve unit. You can remove this from the cistern.

A person unscrewing the float arm from the old float valve unit.

Step 3

Use a cloth to soak up any extra water in the cistern, while also using a bucket to capture any spillage that may occur.

A bucket being placed on the ground to catch any extra spillage.

Step 4

Locate the coupling unit under the cistern and unscrew. At the same time, unscrew the retaining nut found above the coupling nut.

Step 5

Remove the old float valve and position in the new float valve.

Placing the new float valve correctly in a toilet cistern

Step 6

Measure the distance to the side of the cistern and cut the piece to length.

Measuring the distance to the side of the cistern

Step 7

Attach the ball float to the float valve and position the float arm in place.

Step 8

Tighten the retaining nut and replace the coupling nut and water inlet pipe.

Step 9

You can now turn the water back on, and check that the ball float doesn't rub off the tank.

Step 10

Adjust the nut at the base of the float arm. Fill the water to the water line.

Step 11

The final step in the process is to put the lid back on and test by flushing.

By following these steps, you should now be able to replace a ballcock and float valve easily in your home.

Missing any bathroom and plumbing supplies? We've got you covered!

These methods serve as a guide only. We encourage you to take full caution when undertaking any project within the home.