How to Replace a Toilet Supply Valve

Also known as a water supply valve, the toilet supply valve cuts off the water supply to your toilet. It is necessary to turn off the water when doing toilet repairs. But all too often, the water supply valve begins dripping when it is opened and closed. The dripping will cause damage to flooring if left unattended. Replacing a leaky toilet supply valve is as easy as one-two-three!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two wrenches
• Replacement valve
• Plumber's tape

1. 
    

   Begin replacing the toilet supply valve by purchasing the replacement valve. It’s a good idea to have your replacement valve handy before removing the old one. Chances are good that you have a valve with a 5/8” O.D. (outer diameter) inlet and a 3/8” O.D. outlet. Determine if your toilet supply valve is straight through or if it has an angle valve with a 90 degree bend. The modern ¼ turn valves are more reliable than the old multi-turn style.

2. Shut off the main water valve to your house. Alert others that there will be no water for a short while. After turning off the water, turn the water on in the bathtub to quickly drain the pipes.

3. With a pan underneath the valve to catch water, remove the water line that feeds the toilet from the valve. Next remove the old cutoff valve from the pipe coming out of the wall. It is easiest to use two wrenches, one in each hand while pushing wrenches in the opposite direction from each other.

4. You may find that the old nut does not come off of the pipe. This is because of a brass ring that creates a seal along the inside surface of the nut. It doesn’t hurt to use the old ring and nut, since that is probably not where the leak is occurring.

5. Apply two wraps of plumber’s tape around the threads of the new valve. Make sure to wrap in the clockwise direction so that the tape doesn’t unwind when the nut is tightened.

6. Attach the valve to the wall pipe. Again, using two wrenches will make it easier to get a tight fit.

7. Attach the water line from the toilet to the valve.

8. Turn on the water and check for leaks. Tighten again until leaks stop.

[but6199]

on 7/2/2009 Is this the same with mobile homes and those plastic water shut off valves?

[Wasatch]

on 2/9/2009 Well written instructions. I have done this, but it has been awhile.

[hazelknows]

on 2/6/2009 Good article with good instructions. Thanks

[hollie1974]

on 1/21/2009 Thanks! We need to do this so bad and now I know how!

[meacham01]

on 1/21/2009 Every one needs to know how to do this. Great information