Is it possible to change a washer in your toilet without calling a plumber?

Question

A washer is my toilet is needing replacing, next to the ball, would I be able to change it myself (bearing in mind I'm a 25 year old female without a clue) or do I need to call a plumber? I would rather not as I know its a 5 minute job that a plumber would charge a fortune for.

Also I have to turn the water off from the street, any idea how I would do that?

I live in the UK by the way.

ALL PLUMBERS PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

Although I live in Canada, I can't believe you would need to turn off the water from the street.  Here at least, most toilets have a water shut-off just where the supply line comes out of the wall at the back of the toilet.  Failing that, there is likely a shut off for your entire suite.  Look in the basement if you have one.  Other likely places are in the back of closets or cupboards, often behind a little removable panel of some kind.

Shutting off the water at the street would likely involve a call to the utility supplier and two service calls:  one to shut off and one to turn on -- probably more than the cost of a plumber.

And yes, you can do the job yourself.  Buy a toilet tank parts package from your local plumbing supply store and ask them what tools you'll need.  Buy them and a medium sized tool box to keep them in.  Every modern woman needs a tool kit in the closet -- if only so that gentlemen callers can fix things while they're waiting for you to finish your hair.

Answer 2

I don't think anatomy has anything to do with it.

No one is born "knowing". We have all been taught what we know.

Many women are plumbers.I myself build and remodel and have for 28 years for a living .

You should at least try it or find someone who has more faith in you than yourself to teach you.

No Fear ,for there is nothing to fear .

Answer 3

I live in the UK... I can assure you you do not need to turn it off in the street!

Follow the cold water inlet pipe back from the cistern (it is the only metal pipe going into the cistern).. you will find a "thing" (a valve, actually) about 2"/5cm long, secured on the pipe with a nut at each end.  In the middle is a s***w with a wide slot. Normally, the slot is aligned with the pipe.  Use a big screwdriver to turn the s***w through 90 degrees so that it points across the pipe.  You might have to try to turn it both ways before it moves.

That stops the flow of water to the cistern.

Having removed the cover from the cistern, you can unscrew the cap where the float arm goes into the mechanism.  If you live in a hard water area, it might have got a bit 'crusty' and so is a bit of a fiddle.

Remove it and you will be able to extract the washer inside. Some designs are different from the front of the washer to the back.  Make sure you notice and jot down which side faces outwards.  Then, nip down to B&Q and say "I want a new one of these, please". Then, go home, and put the  new one in, and replace the cap.  Don't over tighten it or you might crack the plastic.

Then.... CAREFULLY move the s***w back.. VERY SLOWLY so that if you didn't get it right in the cistern, you won't have a major disaster!

Good luck!

-EDIT-

I don't believe the Dyno-Rod man!  You MUST (legally) have an over-all stop-tap for all the cold water coming in your home.  The Dyno-Rod man obviously could not find it. It will be under the kitchen sink or perhaps under the stairs, if you have a cupboard there. It is worth finding it now so you can turn the water off if you have an emergency in the future.

You may need to drain the cold water tank after having turned the water off.  Flush the toilet and see if water starts to come back in again. If so, turn the bath and basin taps on until they run dry.. oh!... and make sure your heating is turned off whilst you are doing all this.

You can then go into the cistern as above.

If your REALLY do not have a stop-tap (or stop c**k as it is otherwise known) then you must should get a plumber in to fit one, anyway.  Otherwise, you are a hostage to fortune.

Answer 4

Not sure of what washer that might need replacing.  Does it not shut off or do you hear it filling randomly?

Answer 5

There is an inexpensive kit for sale. Includes all the inner parts of the toilet.  You may as well do it all at once.  The directions are on the package and are simple if you can read.  One female to another go for it.