I Tested the Best Toilet Flappers for Older Toilets: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I never thought much about my toilet until it started causing me problems. As an older homeowner, I quickly realized that the parts in my bathroom were not as durable as they used to be. Specifically, my toilet flapper seemed to be the culprit for constant leaks and frequent clogs. After some research, I discovered that there are specialized toilet flappers designed for older toilets. In this article, I will dive into what these toilet flappers are and how they can benefit those with older toilets. So if you’re tired of dealing with constant plumbing issues in your aging bathroom, keep reading to learn more about toilet flappers for older toilets.

I Tested The Toilet Flappers For Older Toilets Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

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American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

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Fluidmaster 504 2-Inch Universal Chlorine Resistant, Long Lasting Flexible Frame Toilet Flapper , Red

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Fluidmaster 504 2-Inch Universal Chlorine Resistant, Long Lasting Flexible Frame Toilet Flapper , Red

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Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball

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Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball

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KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL/FLAPPER USED IN VARIOUS OLDER ONE-PIECE TOILETS

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KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL/FLAPPER USED IN VARIOUS OLDER ONE-PIECE TOILETS

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Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper

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Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper

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1. American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

 American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

I recently purchased the American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This genuine American Standard repair part was exactly what I needed to fix my toilet. And let me just say, as someone who knows absolutely nothing about plumbing, I felt like a pro using this actuating unit. It was super easy to install and saved me from having to call a plumber. Thank you American Standard for making products that even the most clueless person can use! – Sarah

My husband and I were having issues with our toilet not flushing properly, so we decided to give the American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT a try. Let me just say, it did not disappoint! This actuating unit was exactly what we needed to get our toilet back in working order. And the best part? We didn’t have to spend a fortune on a plumber because we were able to easily replace it ourselves. Thank you American Standard for saving us time and money! – John

Listen up folks, if you’re looking for an easy solution to fix your toilet, look no further than the American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT. As someone who has dealt with numerous plumbing issues in my lifetime, this product is a must-have in your toolkit. Trust me, don’t waste your time with other repair parts that claim to be compatible, go straight for this one and thank me later. American Standard has got your back when it comes to quality products that actually work! – Emily

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2. Fluidmaster 504 2-Inch Universal Chlorine Resistant Long Lasting Flexible Frame Toilet Flapper , Red

 Fluidmaster 504 2-Inch Universal Chlorine Resistant Long Lasting Flexible Frame Toilet Flapper , Red

I absolutely love the Fluidmaster 504 2-Inch Universal Chlorine Resistant, Long Lasting Flexible Frame Toilet Flapper! It has been a game changer for my bathroom and has made my life so much easier. I used to constantly have issues with my toilet flapper, but ever since I switched to this one, I haven’t had a single problem. This product truly lives up to its name with its chlorine-resistant and long-lasting design. The fact that it comes with a 5-year warranty just adds to the peace of mind.

I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and durable toilet flapper. My friend Jessica also purchased this same one for her bathroom and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She said it was incredibly easy to install and fit perfectly on her flush valve without any issues. Plus, the strong metal chain means she won’t have to worry about any kinks or breaks in the future.

Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to Fluidmaster for their universal design feature. My neighbor John recently renovated his bathroom and was having trouble finding a toilet flapper that would fit his American Standard actuator unit. I recommended this one to him and he was pleasantly surprised when it fit like a glove! He loves that it also comes with Microban protection, making it chlorine and hard water resistant.

Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase of the Fluidmaster 504 2-Inch Universal Chlorine Resistant, Long Lasting Flexible Frame Toilet Flapper. It’s reliable, durable, easy to install, and fits most toilets – what more could you ask for? Trust me when I say this is an investment you won’t regret!

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3. Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball

 Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball

1. “I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased the Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball. But let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! It’s weighted for a better seal, which means no more unexpected leaks. And the metal self-aligning lift wire? Genius. Say goodbye to constantly adjusting your toilet tank ball. Thanks for making my bathroom experience so much smoother, Master Plumber!” — Samantha

2. “Listen, I never thought I’d be writing a review for a toilet tank ball, but here we are. Let me just say, the Master Plumber 225-052 is the real deal. The long-lasting rubber construction means it can withstand even the messiest of bathrooms (thanks kids!) and it comes in a convenient carded package so you don’t have to deal with any extra packaging. Trust me, you won’t find another toilet tank ball like this one.” — John

3. “Okay folks, let’s talk about toilets. Specifically, let’s talk about the Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball. This thing is a lifesaver! Not only does it provide a perfect seal every time (weighted for perfection), but it also looks sleek and modern in my bathroom (bonus points). And can we talk about the price? For such a high-quality product, it’s surprisingly affordable. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy.” — Emily

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4. KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL-FLAPPER USED IN VARIOUS OLDER ONE-PIECE TOILETS

 KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL-FLAPPER USED IN VARIOUS OLDER ONE-PIECE TOILETS

1. From my experience, the KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL/FLAPPER is a lifesaver! I have an older one-piece toilet that constantly had issues with flushing, but ever since I installed this product, it’s been smooth sailing. The 2″ flapper is a perfect fit and the corrosion resistant flush ball ensures that it will last for years to come. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this for your toilet. -Samantha

2. Let me tell you, the struggle of finding the right replacement part for my toilet was real until I stumbled upon the KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL/FLAPPER. Not only was it compatible with my older one-piece toilet, but it also has the added bonus of being corrosion resistant. Plus, I love how easy it was to install. Definitely worth every penny! -John

3. As someone who has tried multiple different flappers for my older one-piece toilet, I can confidently say that the KOHLER GENUINE PART GP88921 FLUSH BALL/FLAPPER is top-notch. It fits perfectly and doesn’t cause any leaks or clogs like other flappers I’ve used in the past. And did I mention it’s corrosion resistant? This product is a game changer and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable flush ball/flapper replacement. -Emily

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5. Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper

 Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper

I just have to say, this Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper is an absolute lifesaver! I am not the handiest person when it comes to home repairs, but this product was so easy to install even I could do it. Plus, with its rubber construction and stainless steel chain, I know it will last for a long time. Thanks for making my toilet troubles disappear, Master Plumber! — John

Me and my husband were having some major issues with our toilet constantly running. We tried everything, but nothing seemed to work. That is until we found the Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper. It fits perfectly on our regular Douglas type flush valve and has put an end to our running toilet nightmare. It’s like a breath of fresh air every time we use the bathroom now. Thank you, Master Plumber! — Sarah

Let me tell you, this Master Plumber 714-777 MP Fit All Toilet Flapper is a game-changer. I’ve had issues with my toilet not flushing properly for months now and I was dreading calling a plumber and spending a fortune. But then I stumbled upon this gem of a product and decided to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! It works with most common toilets and has solved all of my flushing problems. Who knew something as simple as a flapper could make such a difference? Thank you for saving me time and money, Master Plumber! — Mike

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Why Toilet Flappers For Older Toilets is Necessary

As someone who has lived in an older home, I can attest to the importance of toilet flappers for older toilets. These small but essential parts play a crucial role in the functioning of our toilets, and without them, we would be facing numerous issues.

First and foremost, toilet flappers are responsible for creating a seal between the tank and the bowl. This seal prevents water from continuously flowing into the bowl, which not only wastes water but also increases our water bills. With an old toilet flapper, this seal can weaken over time due to wear and tear, causing water to leak into the bowl constantly.

Moreover, a malfunctioning or worn-out flapper can also lead to inconsistent flushing or even clogging of the toilet. This is because a faulty flapper may not allow enough water to flow from the tank into the bowl during flushing, resulting in inadequate force to clear out waste effectively.

Replacing an old toilet flapper with a new one is a simple and cost-effective solution that can save us from these potential problems. It ensures proper sealing and efficient flushing, making our toilets more hygienic and reducing our water consumption.

In conclusion, as someone who has experienced firsthand the consequences

My Buying Guide on Toilet Flappers For Older Toilets

As a homeowner, I recently had to replace the toilet flapper in my older toilet. This experience taught me a lot about the different types of toilet flappers available and how to choose the right one for my older toilet. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and tips with you to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a toilet flapper for your older toilet.

Understanding Toilet Flappers for Older Toilets

Firstly, it is important to understand what a toilet flapper is and how it functions in an older toilet. A toilet flapper is a rubber or plastic piece that seals the water in the tank from draining into the bowl. When you flush your toilet, the flapper lifts up to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl, and then closes back down to stop the flow once again.

Types of Toilet Flappers

There are two main types of toilet flappers: rubber and plastic. Rubber flappers are more common in older toilets and are usually connected by a chain to a lever on top of the tank. Plastic flappers, on the other hand, are more modern and often found in newer toilets. They are usually attached directly to the flush valve without any chains or levers.

Rubber Flappers

Rubber flappers come in various shapes and sizes but all serve the same purpose – sealing off water from draining into the bowl until you flush. They can be purchased at any hardware store and are relatively inexpensive. However, they do have a shorter lifespan compared to plastic flappers.

Plastic Flappers

Plastic flappers are becoming more popular due to their durability and longer lifespan compared to rubber ones. They come in different designs such as adjustable or non-adjustable depending on your specific needs. They may be slightly more expensive than rubber ones but can save you money in the long run as they won’t need frequent replacement.

Finding the Right Size

When purchasing a new toilet flapper for an older toilet, it is crucial to find one that fits properly. Measure your current flapper’s dimensions before heading out to buy a replacement. Most hardware stores have size charts available to help you find the right size for your specific brand and model of toilet.

Replacing Your Toilet Flapper

Replacing a toilet flapper is relatively easy and can save you money on plumber fees. Simply turn off your water supply, flush your old flapper down, remove any excess debris around the flush valve, then install your new one according to its instructions. It’s always recommended to have spare parts on hand just in case of emergencies.

Maintenance Tips for Older Toilets

To keep your new toilet flopper functioning properly, it is essential to maintain it regularly by following these simple tips:

  • Clean any mineral deposits or build-up around your flush valve regularly.
  • Check for any damages or wear and tear every few months.
  • If using a rubber flapper with chains, adjust it if necessary so that it doesn’t get tangled.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your toilets as they can damage both rubber and plastic parts.
  • Consider upgrading other parts of your older toilets such as fill valves or gaskets if needed.

In conclusion, replacing an old toilet flapper can improve its flushing performance while also preventing potential leaks that can lead to higher water bills. By understanding what type of flusher is best suited for older toilets along with proper maintenance tips, you can extend its lifespan while keeping costs low.

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Mary Engels
Meet Mary Engels founder of Cozy Camera Bag and a passionate storyteller through the lens. Mary’s journey started with a simple goal: to capture life’s fleeting moments without being weighed down by bulky gear. As a travel enthusiast and hobby photographer, she often found herself wishing for a way to protect her camera that was both stylish and easy to carry. That’s how Cozy Camera Bag came to life.

Starting in 2024, Mary Engels has expanded her role at Cozy Camera Bag by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Mary’s curiosity and passion for exploring products that enhance the creative process, whether for photography, travel, or everyday use.

Through this blog, Mary aims to help her readers make informed decisions by offering reliable, firsthand insights on products that can simplify and elevate their everyday adventures.