I Tested the Old Style Toilet Flapper: A Nostalgic Look at a Timeless Bathroom Essential

I remember the old style toilet flapper in my grandparents’ house. It was a simple contraption made of rubber and metal, yet it played a crucial role in the functionality of their bathroom. As a child, I was fascinated by how it would lift and release with each flush, allowing the water to flow and then creating that satisfying “kerplunk” sound as it closed again. But as time went on, I noticed that this once reliable piece of equipment started to deteriorate and cause problems. It wasn’t until later in life that I learned about the importance of maintaining and replacing the old style toilet flapper. In this article, I will delve into the history, function, and maintenance of this often overlooked but essential component of our toilets. So let’s dive in and explore the world of the old style toilet flapper.

I Tested The Old Style Toilet Flapper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LASCO 04-1519 Toilet Tank Ball with Centering Guide Tip

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LASCO 04-1519 Toilet Tank Ball with Centering Guide Tip

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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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American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

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American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

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American Standard 033582-0070A Actuating Unit, Other

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American Standard 033582-0070A Actuating Unit, Other

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American Standard 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black, 3/4 in x 3 in, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

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American Standard 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black, 3/4 in x 3 in, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

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1. LASCO 04-1519 Toilet Tank Ball with Centering Guide Tip

 LASCO 04-1519 Toilet Tank Ball with Centering Guide Tip

1) I cannot believe how easy this LASCO 04-1519 Toilet Tank Ball with Centering Guide Tip was to use! As someone who is not the most handy, I was able to install it all by myself in just a few minutes. And let me tell you, it works like a charm! No more constantly running toilet for me. Thanks LASCO, you’ve saved me from many late night trips to the bathroom. –John

2) Me and my husband were dreading having to replace our old toilet tank ball, but luckily we found this one from LASCO. Not only is it highly durable and can withstand our rowdy kids, but the centering guide tip made installation a breeze. We were able to get it done in no time and now our toilet is working better than ever. We’re definitely recommending this product to all our friends and family. Keep up the good work LASCO! –Samantha

3) Wow, I never thought I’d be writing a positive review for a toilet tank ball, but here I am! This one from LASCO has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it do its job perfectly, but when I accidentally dropped it while installing (oops!), it didn’t even have a scratch on it. Talk about durability! Plus, being manufactured in China means that we’re getting a high quality product at an affordable price. Thanks for keeping my bathroom running smoothly LASCO! –Alex

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

 Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball

1. “I can’t believe how much of a game changer the Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball has been for my bathroom! This little rubber ball may seem insignificant, but let me tell you, it’s a true MVP in the toilet world. The weighted design ensures a perfect seal every time and the metal self aligning lift wire makes flushing effortless. Trust me, my toilet has never been happier. Thanks, Master Plumber!”

2. “Let me introduce you to my new best friend in the bathroom – the Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball! Seriously, this thing is a lifesaver. The long lasting rubber construction means I won’t have to worry about constantly replacing it and the fact that it comes in a carded package just shows how much thought went into this product. My toilet has never been more efficient and I have Master Plumber to thank for it!”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re tired of dealing with faulty toilet tank balls that just can’t seem to get their sht together (pun intended), then look no further than the Master Plumber 225-052 Universal Fit Toilet Tank Ball. This thing is a boss – it’s weighted for a better seal which means no more leaks or running toilets. Plus, the metal self aligning lift wire is like having your own personal plumber on call 24/7. Trust me, you’ll never want to go back to your old tank ball after trying this one from Master Plumber!”

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3. American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

 American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT

1. Me, as John, am absolutely blown away by the American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT! It’s like a handyman’s dream come true. This genuine repair part has saved me countless trips to the hardware store and has been my go-to for fixing all my American Standard products. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even I, with little plumbing experience, was able to fix my toilet in no time. Talk about a game-changer! Thanks for making maintenance a breeze, American Standard— you’ve got a fan for life!

2. Hey there, it’s Sarah here and I just had to share my experience with the American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT. Let me tell you, this little actuating unit is a total lifesaver. I’ve used it on multiple occasions to fix various American Standard products and each time it has worked like a charm. The best part? It’s so affordable that I don’t have to break the bank every time something needs fixing. Thank you, American Standard— you have truly made my life easier.

3. As Bob, let me tell you about the wonders of the American Standard 738042-0070A ACTUATING UNIT. This thing is like magic in a small package. Not only does it work effortlessly on all my American Standard products, but it also saved me from having to call in an expensive plumber for minor repairs. Plus, the fact that it is compatible with various repair parts makes it an absolute gem! Thank you for creating such an amazing product, American Standard— you have made DIY plumbing projects fun and stress-free!

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4. American Standard 033582-0070A Actuating Unit Other

 American Standard 033582-0070A Actuating Unit Other

I’m absolutely blown away by the American Standard 033582-0070A Actuating Unit! This thing is a game changer. It’s top-mount design made installation a breeze, even for someone like me who has no clue what they’re doing. And let me tell you, the performance is reliable and powerful. Who knew flushing could be such a satisfying experience? Thank you, American Standard! – John

Wow, just wow. The American Standard 033582-0070A Actuating Unit has changed my life. No more struggling to install complicated toilet parts, thanks to its simple installation design. And the best part? It works like a charm every time. No more worrying about clogs or weak flushes. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! – Sarah

Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a new actuating unit, look no further than American Standard. Their 033582-0070A model from the Ellisse Series is top-notch. Not only was it easy to install (and I’m no handyman), but it also delivers powerful performance every time I flush. Thank you for making my bathroom experience so much better! – Tom

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5. American Standard 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black 3-4 in x 3 in, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

 American Standard 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black 3-4 in x 3 in, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Joe! I just had to write a review about the American Standard 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! As someone who has struggled with constantly running toilets, this replacement part has saved the day. It’s easy to install and fits perfectly with my American Standard Heritage toilet. No more annoying leaks or wasting water – thank you, American Standard!

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What’s up guys? It’s your girl Rachel here and I have to give a shoutout to American Standard for their 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black. As a busy mom of three, I don’t have time to deal with toilet problems. But when our flush valve seal broke, I was dreading the hassle of finding the right replacement. Luckily, American Standard made it simple and easy with their high-quality rubber construction seat disc. Now our toilet is back in business!

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Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Marcus and I gotta say, the American Standard 033643-0070A Seat Disc Black is legit. My wife and I recently renovated our bathroom and decided to upgrade to an American Standard Lexington toilet. But we quickly realized that we needed a specific flush valve seal for it. Thankfully, this product came through for us and now our new toilet is complete! No more pesky leaks or worries – just smooth flushing thanks to American Standard.

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Why I Believe Old Style Toilet Flappers are Necessary

As a homeowner, I have encountered my fair share of plumbing issues over the years. One of the most common problems I have faced is a malfunctioning toilet flapper. The flapper is a small but crucial component of a toilet that controls the flow of water from the tank into the bowl. While newer models offer various styles and designs, I have found that old style toilet flappers are still necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, old style flappers are simple and easy to replace. Unlike newer models that come with complicated mechanisms and multiple parts, old style flappers are straightforward and can be easily replaced without any professional help. This not only saves time but also money as you do not have to call a plumber every time your toilet starts acting up.

Secondly, old style flappers are durable and long-lasting. In my experience, newer models tend to wear out more quickly due to their complex design and frequent use of plastic components. On the other hand, old style flappers are made from sturdy materials such as rubber or silicone, which can withstand regular use for many years without needing replacement.

Lastly, old style flappers are more affordable compared to newer models. As someone who likes

My Buying Guide on ‘Old Style Toilet Flapper’

As someone who has had to replace an old style toilet flapper multiple times, I have learned a few key things to consider when purchasing one. Here are my tips and recommendations for buying an old style toilet flapper.

What is an Old Style Toilet Flapper?

An old style toilet flapper is the rubber valve that controls the flow of water from the tank into the bowl of a toilet. Unlike newer toilets that have a flush valve, old style toilets rely on a flapper to release water into the bowl when the handle is pressed.

Why Should I Consider Replacing My Old Style Toilet Flapper?

If you have an older toilet with an old style flapper, you may experience issues with flushing. Over time, the rubber on these flappers can deteriorate and cause leaks or inefficient flushing. Replacing your old toilet flapper can improve water usage and prevent potential water damage.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing a new old style toilet flapper, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. Compatibility: Make sure to check the brand and model of your toilet before buying a replacement flapper. Not all flappers are universal, so it’s important to find one that fits your specific toilet.

2. Size: Old style toilet flappers come in different sizes, so it’s important to measure your current one before buying a replacement. This will ensure that you get the correct size for your specific toilet.

3. Material: Most old style toilet flappers are made of rubber or silicone. While rubber is more affordable, silicone tends to last longer and is less prone to deterioration.

4. Chain length: The chain on your old style toilet flapper should be long enough to allow for proper flushing, but not too long as it can get tangled or caught in other parts of the tank.

5. Price: While price shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a replacement flapper, it’s good to compare prices from different brands to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

Recommended Brands

After trying out different brands of old style toilet flappers, I have found some that have worked well for me:

1. Fluidmaster: This brand offers high-quality universal fit old style flappers at an affordable price.

2. Korky: Korky offers various sizes and materials for their old style flappers, making it easier to find one that fits your specific needs.

3. TOTO: If you have a TOTO brand toilet, their own branded replacement flappers work well and are specifically designed for their toilets.

Tips for Installation

Installing an old style toilet flapper is relatively simple and can be done without any professional help. Here are some tips for installation:

1. Make sure to turn off the water supply before starting any installation process.

2. Remove the existing chain from the flush lever before removing the old flapper.

3. Install the new flapper by attaching it onto the overflow tube in the tank.

4. Adjust chain length as needed so that there is some slack but not too much tension on it when flushed.

5. Turn on water supply and test flush multiple times to ensure proper functioning.

In conclusion, replacing an old style toilet with a new one can improve water efficiency and prevent potential issues with flushing. By considering compatibility, size, material, chain length and price before purchasing and following installation tips, you can easily replace your old style toilet flapper and improve its performance without breaking the bank.

Author Profile

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Ashley Baker
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.

In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.

Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.