Flush Kit Installation Skills

Any typical DIY homeowner or handyman who can install a regular single-flush “flapper valve” kit can install a dual-flush kit and save 100’s of dollars on the installation cost plus 100’s more dollars over a year on water usage, so please read on . . .

Even if you have never opened the tank lid on your toilet, but have basic plumbing skills and commons tools, replacing the flush components is just not that hard. A little messy, yes, but not hard and the information on this website can walk you through it. There is also a wealth of information online from many generous DIY types who have taken the time to write instructions and record videos – just google “dual flush kit installation” and you can find many various topics of interest on the subject.

Note that doing this particular project yourself is EXTREMELY COST EFFECTIVE, even with whatever frustration or delays that may arise as with any first time project. When you consider that an average plumber charges $250 MINIMUM PER CALL and yet even the best dual flush kit is under $40, the initial cost savings is significant and is a prudent DIY investment in time, well over many other similar projects that take longer and save less money.

Then consider that a dual-flush kit can HONESTLY save an average family of 4 over 10,000 gallons of water per year, so the water cost savings is also quite significant even if the local water rate is low, which many are not these days. Few people realize that toilets use more water than ANY other home appliance – including the clothes washer, dish washer, shower and all faucets combined.

So the skills required are minimum plumbing knowledge, basic DIY or handyman aptitude plus the time and patience to work through any problems or complexities that arise. Note that we have EXPERT PLUMBERS on staff to answer your questions FOR FREE and we do provide PROMPT online support in the order received (online only – no phone support).

If you are not sure how to determine your toilet type and kit options, read our Toilet Types & Flush Kit Selection Guide . . .

Once you understand the basics above, we have the answers to most installation questions in our Instructional Videos and FAQ . . .

Then if you still have any further problems or questions, we have EXPERT PROFESSIONAL PLUMBERS on staff to address and advise on any specific issues, so go to our Support Page for FAST FREE FRIENDLY support. Please provide your order or kit part number when requesting tech support so we can know how to best assist . . .

TOOLS REQUIRED

Before getting into the required tool list for a typical dual flush kit installation project, note that MOST of the tools required are for REMOVING the existing kit and NOT installing the new kit. This is because some of the components from the current installation are most likely “stuck on” with old seals and corroded hardware, so they may require some extra tools and work to remove. Depending on the existing flush components conditions, not all of the following tools are required, but we recommend you gather everything that might be needed at once to prevent making multiple trips to the garage or hardware store . . .

Old Flush Kit Removal Tools

Towels and Shop Rags – essential for catching the inevitable leaked water and for before and after clean up

Plastic Scoop Containers and Sponge – used to empty any remaining water from the tank after flushing out as much as possible

General Purpose Bathroom Cleaner – necessary for cleaning off the mange and sediments around and in between mating surfaces

Vinegar or CLR – used to remove excessive scale and lime deposits (either available at most hardware, grocery or discount stores)

Large Slotted (-) or Philips (+) Screwdrivers – for removal of the inside tank bolts (most are Slotted, some are Philips)

TimeSaver Multi Plastic Wrench, Medium Slip Jaw (Chanellock) or Regular Pliers – for holding the tank bolt nuts and/or removing the filler valve nut as required

TimeSaver Multi Plastic Wrench, Large Slip Jaw (Chanellock) or Plumber’s Wrench – to remove the larger flush valve nut as required, TWO PIECE TOILET ONLY

Hack Saw Blade – may be required to cut corroded bolts in between the tank and bowl and/or cut off the flush or filler valve nuts if too frozen to remove

New Flush Kit Installation Tools

Large Slotted Screwdriver – for installation of the inside tank bolts

TimeSaver Plastic Multi Wrench, Medium Slip Jaw (Chanellock) or Regular Pliers – for tightening the tank bolt nuts and/or additional tightening of the filler valve nut as required – note that the filler valve nut should only be hand tightened initially and that may be enough unless leaking occurs

TimeSaver Plastic Multi Wrench, Large Slip Jaw (Chanellock) or Plumber’s Wrench – for additional tightening the larger flush valve nut as required – note that the flush valve nut should only be hand tightened initially and that may be enough unless leaking occurs

Silicone Plumber’s Grease – used to help stop troublesome leaks with the various seals and also prolong their life, especially in harsh water conditions