🚽 How to Fix a Running Toilet & Replace All Internal Toilet Tank Parts

Learn how to fix a running toilet.
In this DIY video is Step by step instructions on how to fix a running toilet and replace all internal parts of a toilet tank.
First we replaced the toilet flapper but noticed it didn't fix the running toilet, it didn't stop the water from running inside the toilet bowl, which means the gasket inside the toilet tank was failing and needed to be replaced. In order to do that, the toilet tank needs to be removed from the toilet bowl. It's a good idea to go ahead and replace the toilet fill valve while having to remove the toilet tank anyways, that way everything is new inside.
This toilet in particular is made by American Standard, many toilet brands use the same type of parts. Be sure to check your brand of toilet to get the correct internal tank replacement kit. Kohler toilets usually have different internal parts and flushing mechanisms. The toilet flapper size can be different as well with different models. If the flapper is bigger then it would also require a larger toilet fill tube. This is why it's important to get the correct toilet tank replacement parts for your make and model of toilet.
*Read and follow the instructions of the Toilet Tank Replacement Parts kit you are using for your toilet. Also, be sure to get a toilet parts kit that is designed for your specific toilet.
Tools and Supplies Needed:
Toilet Tank Replacement Kit: amzn.to/2wmZD8Q
Flathead Screwdriver: amzn.to/2MN1XAc
Larger Channel Lock pliers: amzn.to/2Mrk7br
Adjustable wrench or small pliers: amzn.to/2OUGgf0
Scissors or knife to cut toilet fill tubing
My go to Leatherman tool: amzn.to/2MNln85
I never leave home without it!
The handle that came with the Fluidmaster Universal Parts kit did not work for this particular toilet, so I left the handle that was in place already.
Total time spent replacing the entire toilet tank parts was about a half hour.
Disclosure: Links in this video description are Amazon 'Affiliate Links'. This means if you click a link and purchase, we will receive a small commission which doesn't cost you more money. Thanks for the support!

[@lesliecharles681]

This video was extremely helpful. I’ve never done anything like this before. For $21.00, I repaired my own tank. I saved a boatload of money and feel pretty good about my skills! You are awesome!

[@DIYCrasher]

That's great to hear Leslie, I'm glad it helped you! Good job on doing it yourself!

[@susanlynn770]

I’m 65 years old lady and I’m about to fix ours tomorrow. Hey we can do it💪

[@bradleypoehler9609]

Just fyi.......a good leak test for the flapper is to put food coloring in the tank. Leave it for 30 minutes or so. When you come back if there is any tinge in the bowl you have a leak. If not your flapper seal is good

[@CAFREE88]

Thank you so much! I found which toilet was leaking instantly. I have to take out the whole assembly for the flapper because it's the gasket assembly that the flapper sits on. Bought a house and previous owners did no maintenance on the little annoying things.

[@rj91345]

Thank you

[@colewarren6913]

Soap works very well too and will not stain your tank or bowl

[@renereyna9874]

👍🏽

[@idekmarijke2380]

Thank you very much for this really clear, detailed video! This helped me so much! In fact, I just finished the project, and it all works great! No leaks, no problems! And, I am a 73 year old woman! Very HAPPY too! Ha!

[@DIYCrasher]

That's fantastic to hear! Thanks for commenting and glad it helped you!

[@michelleshipley]

Thank you for making this video! I'm a single mom with 2 kids and just bought my first house and it needs the toilets replaced. I just bought the kit, have all the tools and now I'm ready to do it! Appreciate your time!

[@DIYCrasher]

Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment and congratulations on buying your first home! That has to be exciting. Good luck with the toilet repair, you can do it!

[@nathanbringman9256]

Great video, straight to the point! I’ve done plenty of faucets and pipe plumbing, but never had to do a toilet. As a man, I obviously attempted it without reading anything 😂 I ended up putting the fill valve rubber washer with the flange in the wrong spot, and your video showed me that.

[@azeraeth]

Thanks so much for this video. I'm glad i watched before trying because this saved me quite a lot of swearing and yelling at the walls :D

[@MathProfessorKyleMartin]

Best comment!

[@breganp]

I never do any plumbing right the first time. 😒 Thank you for your video. 👍

[@yackelinerazo3503]

I don’t know nothing about that but my water of the toilet kept running a lot so I check inside where it covers the hole of the water and it looks like it’s broken.

[@byronhadley9662]

I watched this before going to my local home improvement store and then used this video while doing the replacement! Thank you for giving great instructions

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks for your comment, glad to hear it helped you!

[@nicolebatzel7886]

Thanks for the video but would recommend showing a bit more detail that many may not know, I.e. how to adjust the height of the internal parts. THanks

[@geraldsullivan5575]

I'm glad to see the red funnel shaped tank gasket goes on the outside of the bottom of the tank between the toilet bowl. I'm glad I found your video instructions which is better than the written instructions and photos. Thanks.

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad it helped you! Thanks!

[@belvagene2179]

I am a widow, living in an apartment, needing to do my own repairs. Thanks much for this direction video.

[@DIYCrasher]

Hello Belva, I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad to hear the video helped you in some way, hope your repairs go smoothly.

[@shatteredhavoc]

I'm an idiot when it comes to most home repairs, but this was so easy even I could do it

[@megandonahue9220]

My mom was told by her plumber that she needed a whole new toilet. I found this video and saved her hundreds. I cant believe how unethical these peoole can be.

[@Sncedayone]

So your mom is unethical?

[@marlarobertson-tarpo3971]

That sponge gasket of Korky's all in one is weird, but after the first tightening, it leaked so I learned how to press down with a screw driver and finger-tip twist the nut underneath, then it worked. What I didn't realize is that the fill pipe is short, designed to fill the tank halfway.. We'll see how that works, and if I don't like it I'll put the fluid master back in. What a learning experience.

[@lonnieeaster581]

Your video saved me $400. Thank you!!!!

[@DIYCrasher]

That's awesome to hear! Glad it helped.

[@osaze61]

My friend, you were so on point. This job was suppose to be a wam-bam, but the screw removal and washer replacement jumped into center stage.

[@zoedoodle9824]

I just love knowing that I can find a great video to help me with whatever DIY project I'm doing. Thank you and all the KZbin community of folks for taking the time to do your videos! It made the install so much easier and faster than the days when I had to decipher the instructions and tiny pictures included with something like this. You are awesome!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks Linda for your comment, it's much appreciated!

[@regerlaura3135]

very helpful, good clear explanations and clear pictures - thanks!

[@alsports2000]

ONCE I SAW YOUR VIDEO IT'S NOT HARD TO FIX, ITS JUST THAT I HAVE TO UNDO EVERYTHING I'VE ALREADY DID. IT TOOK ME SEVERAL DAYS TO SAW THAT SCREW. I WAS SO PROUD OF MYSELF BUT NOW I HAVE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. IT'S A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR ME BUT YOU ARE THE MASTER. TYVM

[@hannahaguilar435]

Excellent video. Was able to practically fix it on my own, well after taking it on and off four times because kept leaking, (not your fault, mine,) my back was hurting and my thumbs hurting so my husband came to help me tighten bolts. Very proud of myself. Couldn't have done it without your help because the instructions were really bad that came with the parts.

[@thomasharris5151]

I just changed my neighbor’s internal toilet parts from this video…. 🤫Shhhh I’m a contractor but I hadn’t changed one in 5 years (I have my employees do it), but I actually watched your video to freshen up prior to going to her home! Thanks for teaching an ole dog a new trick! 👌🏾💎🐰⚔️😎

[@DIYCrasher]

That's awesome! I'm glad to hear it helped you and thanks for that compliment.

[@pxn748]

I love the paper towel trick!

[@deemaciel1109]

Thank you!!! my family has been down to a single toilet for weeks! there aren't any plumbers in my area even answering the phone :( anyway I feel much better after watching you replace these parts and i finally feel likeI'm ready to tackle this MUCH NEEDED project all by myself! THANKS AGAIN!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks for your comment. You can do this. Just take your time and follow the steps both in the video and the instructions provided with the tank kit. Be sure to get the correct tank kit for your specific toilet. You will probably save yourself a plumber bill between $100-$200, depending where you're at by doing it yourself. Good Luck!

[@danapassero2232]

Thank you!!!!! I have to go to my parents house today and replace the tank stuff, extremely helpful and detailed. I'🤪m re watching this video when I get there!!!

[@DIYCrasher]

Hope your project goes smoothly for you. Take your time and you can do it!

[@jeffreypetree7163]

I've gotta do this on two of my toilets today so this video lets me know what I need to do TY sir.

[@petermarie1468]

Thank you for this video. I think I'm brave enough to finally do this by myself! Edit: I did it! Followed exactly, it went off without a hitch! Thanks again.

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad to hear it helped you and you were able to do it! Good Job!

[@texasgunslinger5751]

This is the only video I found exactly what I needed. A small detail that everyone else left out. Thank You

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped.

[@newyorkpeggi]

My sister's toilet has been broken for over a year! Tomorrow I'm tackling this job with the help of this video. We can do this!

[@brendadavis7432]

I've replaced the inside of tanks before and just wanted a refresher. When this guy took OFF the TANK!! I thought I was in BIG trouble. Turns out I fixed it WITHOUT taking off the tank. Whew, was I glad. No leaks and the commode works fine. Anyone, you really don't have to take the tank off to replace the flush kit.

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad to hear you didn't need to take the tank off. Unfortunately, I had to since the tank gasket had to be replaced.

[@williamcrovo6452]

As a severely mechanically challenged individual, I need to take out the manual book to turn on and off light switches, I am very impressed with your video. It made for an easy installation. Thank you!

[@DIYCrasher]

Awesome job! Glad to hear the video helped you!

[@tchin2020]

Update…worked like as instructed….thx

[@revmikegeniv7019]

Thanks for the video. Very nice cutting out the unimportant steps making a video too long. I changed the tubing from the hard to the flexible from the fill valve to the tank.

[@marlin4431]

I thank God for the video thank you brother

[@hasmukhdoshi1002]

Thanks. Cleared detailed video.

[@tchin2020]

I know it’s an easy diy, but your video enhances my courage to change what you did…thanks

[@waynehazle]

Going to try this week thank you

[@mumumuesli4448]

Thanks for this very clear video, and for jumping right in, no nonsense! Bravo!

[@victorulloa8002]

Thank you, sir. Got it done without stress. You're the man!

[@mark-angelofamularcano237]

Thank you, sir! Will be applying this soon!

[@angelagoode7224]

Thank you, Angie

[@drplando14]

Saving money is exciting so yeah,I enjoyed the clip

[@mike2rc]

Great job and well explained!

[@tomvocke7301]

Very helpful. Thank you...

[@staceypowells3120]

I'm the handywoman of the house and this was just what I needed to replace our toilet innerds.

[@savannahsanchez4675]

Thank you so much. You made this so easy.

[@vds4598]

Thank you! This is one of the best DIY videos I've seen. Super useful!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks! Glad it helped you!

[@87phillipj]

Amazing video. Accurate. To the point. Concise. Well done!!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks Phillip for your comment, I appreciate it.

[@joeybushmen]

This was so much better than trying to read the directions that came with it. Thanks!!

[@makzee19]

Good video! Thank you!

[@corgibird8338]

Thank you for helping me through my toilet tank nightmare. It started flushing itself. Opened the top and everything was covered in thick black mold! Lysoled and bleached inside. Took pics of the flush valve inside it with phone so I could match them at the big box store. Your video was awesome in helping me do the rest.

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks Corgi Bird for commenting and letting me know it was of great help to you. I try to post these kind of videos to help people not be afraid to do these kind of projects on their own. Thanks for watching!

[@theresajohnson5872]

I have watched this three times. I think I can do this with my grandsons help.

[@martinhodge394]

Thank you!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Thanks. This was very helpful

[@bonnieprater5124]

I had to replace the innards of a Kohler. My particular Kohler had three bolts attaching the gasket which fits the bowl to the tank. I was able to use a generic full replacement kit with the addition of a new Kohler type gasket. I also used a socket wrench to get into the awkward places where the three attachment bolts nuts were.

[@christinalouise9449]

great video, thank you!

[@lilithfaire4928]

Thank you! My sister & I replaced the tank. It went well(her stubbornness wasn’t fun) but after it all your help was good.

[@donnamarshall3784]

Excellent video thank you

[@korvus_corax]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much for the thorough video and the good explanation as you go!

[@christina2466w]

Awesome... I love doing my own repairs ❤️

[@seanconnery5683]

perfect, thanks!

[@Mags150]

Great instructions. I have to replace one myself. Keep you posted

[@matthewwong7639]

This video was super helpful. I watched this before replacing all internal toilent tank parts on my toilet. It was especially useful when stating the tools needed. Saved me a trip to the store knowing i needed a large channel lock pliers in addtion to buying the replacement parts. Thank you for the tutorial

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks Matthew for your comment. Glad to hear it helped you!

[@QUEENOFREAL]

great presentation!! I learned a lot, thank you

[@trump959]

Great video and camera work! It's really going to help later today when I replace my toilet parts. Thanks!

[@user-jz4ci9dv6m]

Thank you for making this video helping alot

[@TheSpoom]

Note that if you have a Gerber toilet, you will need a different tank-to-bowl gasket than is included in this all-in-one kit (i.e. don't use the red one you see here). Search for Gerber tank to bowl gasket and you'll find it. Without this gasket, your tank will leak when you put everything back together, even though you've tightened everything correctly. Don't make my mistake!

[@loveleepannell8338]

Thanks!

[@lowlevelDIYer]

Great video. Pairing your video with the instructions helped make it a fairly easy process for a novice like me. Appreciate it!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks for your comment, glad to hear it helped you!

[@ediddy2497]

Thank you so much on the video. Helped me out a lot.

[@csuama]

Very helpful Thank you

[@allanaitch204]

Thanks

[@marykayshumaker8497]

It is nicely detailed thank you

[@christianandplushies]

Thank you very much for all the info I didn't understand at first but I know now

[@jameswong7767]

Love to see more demo on different makes eg. KOHLER or Glacier Bay

[@marybowman2783]

Awesome step by step instruction! Was able to put new kit in on my own. Thanks!!!

[@DIYCrasher]

That's great to hear! Glad it helped. Thanks for commenting!

[@liliana.6053]

Thanks, this video's really helpful

[@cathywoodell7368]

Great teaching video.

[@cindymason4335]

This is the go to guy for me!

[@SQUATCHY614]

Thanks.

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

Great tutorial, clear and to the point.

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janetarmitage2189]

Your very good at explaining the process. Thank you!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks Janet!

[@jesusortiz6842]

Great video. Very clear. No questions. Thanks a lot

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks!

[@alishageanine8821]

Such a big help! Thank you ! 😊

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad it helped you! Thanks for commenting!

[@farrierette5216]

Thank you! You made this much easier for me than I thought!

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad it helped! Thanks!

[@jhoanacampillo]

Thank you so much for this video! You’re more appreciated than you think.

[@DIYCrasher]

Thank you for the very kind comment Jhoana. I'm glad that the video helped you.

[@me_kimbark]

Thanks for this video! Successfully completed 1/3 toilet tank replacement pieces :)

[@DIYCrasher]

Awesome Emmie! Hope it went smooth for you.

[@arthurcarreon5698]

appreciate the help bud thank you

[@alsports2000]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO. VERT VERT HELPFUL. I HAD TO SAW ONE OF THE SCREWS AND IN THE PROCESS I DAMAGED THE RUBBER UNDER THE TANK SO I HAD TO UNDO EVERYTHING I HAD ALREADY REPLACED. THANKS AGAIN

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad it helped you. Sounds like my sort of luck you had. I hate when more problems come up during a project.

[@jeanieslack7226]

YEA!!! Now I don't have to hire someone .. I can do it myself!! Thank you for the clear instructions

[@zanaraz989]

I must try this by myself.

[@rolondoscott3997]

Good demo . it's really straight forward a kid could do it

[@rebeccagaines5308]

Thanks so very much! Video was easy to follow and very informative. As a woman, I am able to change out the hardware in the toilet. Great job!

[@CohGsd-lx9gb]

Brother ..very informative. Keep up the great work !

[@stevied9082]

Great video. Step by step & very detailed. Thank you much brother.

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad to hear that it helped you. Thanks!

[@ruthscheuch5376]

Good instructions

[@quabledistocficklepo3597]

I should have come here first. My only criticism is that you skimped on illustrations for the toilet tank gas gasket installation. I say that because the proper installation of that part was the only problem/question I had before coming here. None of the diagrams or videos I saw made it clear that it was supposed to be OUTSIDE the tank. (Guess where I installed it). Anyway, although I don't believe you said which side of that gasket was supposed to be against the tank, I'm assuming that it's the flat part. That's the way I'll apply it. I haven't yet finished the job, but I now have enough confidence to replace the tank and tighten the bolts...again. IT WORKS!!! No more leaking, outside or INSIDE the tank . I might add that the advice I got from Fluidmaster's "Help" lines, on the phone or via the Internet, was worthless, totally without value. Oh, one exception: they told me what Min. and Max .on the flapper referred to. Good for them. They got that right.

[@DIYCrasher]

Glad to hear it worked for you. Yes it's the flat side of the gasket goes on the outside of the tank. It should have the cutout on the gasket the fits over the locking nut to the tank. Then the angled section of the tank gasket goes to the hole of the toilet base. Yes that exact part of putting on the gasket video file was lost, which is why I tried to make it clear in the video to be sure to put on the gasket before placing the tank back on the toilet base. Hope the vid helped you otherwise.

[@pinklon80]

Thank you

[@pamelafrancis7753]

Awesome step by step video. Thank you

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks Pamela!

[@theresapaniszczyn559]

Thank you. Very helpful for a woman doing it herself. I did it.

[@redrobotmonkey]

This video helped me! Thanks.

[@patticarter7404]

This was a great video. I followed the instructions and replaced all the parts inside the toilet tank. I had to use my old handle, however because the one it came with didn't fit. I'd much rather watch a video than try to read the instructions. Thanks for the video!

[@DIYCrasher]

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad it was helpful for you.

[@csirop]

Those handles are designed to be bendable if your bowl has an angled flusher like mine.