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    GoofyGyrl's Avatar
    GoofyGyrl Posts: 15, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Aug 14, 2012, 10:49 AM
    How long should a toilet flapper last?
    I have already replaced my toilet flapper due to it leaking within the last year or so and now it is leaking again. Did I buy a cheap flapper, is my water too hard, or is this a normal replacement period?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Aug 14, 2012, 10:59 AM
    What went wrong with the flapper. Did it fall apart? N Did it develop wavy edges? What makes you think it's the flapper? Could it be a bad seat on the flush valve? Since you've furnished almost no information at all you leave me wondering what really went bad, Can you post back with more details? Thanks, Tom
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Aug 14, 2012, 01:35 PM
    Don't get the cheap black rubber flappers, they won't last, particularly if you put bleach or blue tablets in the tank. Get the red or yellow ones that are a polymeric compositiuon. Also be sure to check the flapper seat. Make sure it is smooth and not chipped. If it is chipped or rough, you can buy a repair kit that installs a new seat over the old one and includes a new flapper. I even use them to repair the old style American Standard "can" type.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #4

    Aug 14, 2012, 04:30 PM
    It is "luck of the draw". Always buy "freshly made" floppers. Smell it. If it smells like "new" than that's the one you want. Also, make sure it has no warps in it. Hope that helps. Milo
    GoofyGyrl's Avatar
    GoofyGyrl Posts: 15, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #5

    Aug 16, 2012, 11:22 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ma0641 View Post
    Don't get the cheap black rubber flappers, they won't last, particularly if you put bleach or blue tablets in the tank. Get the red or yellow ones that are a polymeric compositiuon. Also be sure to check the flapper seat. Make sure it is smooth and not chipped. If it is chipped or rough, you can buy a repair kit that installs a new seat over the old one and includes a new flapper. I even use them to repair the old style American Standard "can" type.
    Thanks, I did buy a black one and also used tablets in tank recently. I went and bought a red one yesterday. I appreciate everyone's help. GoofyGyrl :-}
    GoofyGyrl's Avatar
    GoofyGyrl Posts: 15, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #6

    Aug 16, 2012, 11:25 AM
    Not exactly sure how to answer these suggestions... new to this site.

    I did purchase a black flapper previously and was told the tablets also affect the flapper. Yesterday I purchased a red one and will apparently have to stop using tablets. Thank you everyone for answer my help question. Much appreciated... GoofyGyrl :-}
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #7

    Aug 16, 2012, 12:07 PM
    We thank you for the update and hope your new flapper outlasts you. Good luck, Tom

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