Repair when Flushing
How "Adjustable" toilet flappers work
This article will address both how adjustable flappers work and instructions for adjusting an adjustable flapper.
How Adjustable Flappers Work
- Traditional flappers use air to hold the flappers open, adjustable flappers don’t allow the flapper to trap or hold air inside their cone/bulb.
- Adjustable flappers are designed to flush toilets that use a flush volume of 1.28 and 1.6 gallon per flush (GPF)
- Adjustable flappers should not be used on toilets made before 1994.
- Adjustable flappers may use a float to delay the flapper from closing right away.
- Adjustable flappers may use a dial in place of a float. The dial sets a secondary hole in the flapper cone to release air and force the flapper to close.
If you are unsure, which size of flapper you need for your toilet, please click here: Determine size of flapper
Instructions for Adjusting an Adjustable Flapper
Fluidmaster flappers can be adjusted in three different ways:
- Turning the flapper cone from a minimum to maximum setting, so you are moving the secondary hole away from the top of the tank which traps the air in the flapper cone for a longer period of time.
- Moving a float (a float is placed on the flapper chain) up the chain, so you are setting the flapper to close faster. By lowering the float on the chain you are causing the flapper to stay open longer.
- Pulling slightly on the cone and turning the cone from a minimum to maximum setting, so you are closing the cone window and causing the flapper to stay open longer.
If you need a 2″ adjustable flapper, we recommend the 502 toilet flapper
If you need a 3″ adjustable flapper, we recommend the 5403 toilet flapper
Our newest flapper is the 523A Super Flapper. When you don’t know what size flapper you need this fits both 2” & 3” toilets. Click here to learn more: Super Flapper
To download our free guide to fix common toilet problems please click here: Fluidmaster Toilet Repair Guide