How to Change the Water Supply Pipe on a Toilet

Changing the water supply pipe on a toilet is a very cost-effective do-it-yourself project. It should take less than an hour to complete the project. You will want to change the water supply pipe on a toilet if it is leaking or if it been several years since the last change. You will need just a few simple tools to complete this home improvement project.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• New water supply pipe
• Plastic cup
• Several large towels
• Crescent wrench
• Plastic elbow piece
• Tubing cutter

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the water supply pipe or line. Look behind your toilet tank and bowl to see the present water supply pipe or line. Use the measuring tape to measure the length of the pipe, and write down the measurement.

2. Take the measurement to the home improvement or hardware store in your area. Buy a water supply pipe for the toilet that is one size larger than the measurement you wrote down. This will give you flexibility in working on this home improvement project.

3. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The water supply shut off is located behind the toilet. You will need to either turn it completely or lift up on it to shut off the water supply.

4. Flush the toilet until there is no water running from the tank into the bowl. Use a plastic cup to scoop out any remaining water in the toilet tank.

5. Place several towels on the floor around the toilet base. Use the crescent wrench to unhook nuts and connectors for the present water supply pipe. Set the hardware to one side to keep track of it. The towels should catch any water that comes out.

6. Hold the new water supply pipe up and measure it for your toilet. Place in a plastic elbow piece, and slightly bend it to create the right curve on it for proper alignment with your toilet. Cut off any extra pipe.

7. Connect the water supply pipe for the toilet with the fittings, nuts and connectors. Tighten to secure the fit, but don't strip the hardware.

8. Turn the water supply back on for the toilet by turning again or pushing down the button on it. Allow the tank to fill, and flush the toilet twice.

References

• Repairing a Toilet