How to Replace a Toilet Supply Line Valve

Replacing the water supply valve is a necessary toilet repair.

With all the use they endure, toilets inevitably need some repairs. A leaking water supply line valve not only drips money away as long as it goes unchecked, it will also lead to costlier water damage to your home if you do not repair it immediately. The tools you will need to replace the supply line valve are readily available at hardware and home supply stores. For most homeowners, performing the repair is a task they can accomplish without the aid of a plumber.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Small bucket
• Channel lock pliers
• 2 adjustable open-end wrenches
• Water supply valve
• Tank hose

Instructions

1. Turn off the main water supply to the house. Remove both lock nuts on the new valve and turn the valve into the off position. Remove the lid to the toilet tank and flush the tank, holding down the handle to allow as much water as possible to be released. Sop up any remaining water in the tank with a towel. Place a small bucket beneath the water supply hose connection beneath the tank.

2. Loosen the connecting nut on the supply hose at the bottom of the tank. Unscrew the nut by hand and pull the hose loose, allowing the remaining tank water to drain into the bucket.

3. Place a towel on the floor beneath the old valve. Hold the water supply valve securely in place with one wrench, while placing the second wrench on the compression nut. The compression nut is located between the valve and the escutcheon against the wall. Loosen the compression nut with the second wrench until you are able to finish loosening the nut by hand, then remove the valve, leaving the compression nut and the ring beneath it attached to the pipe. If the compression nut or ring are damaged or corroded, you will need to cut them off and replace them with new ones. After you remove the old valve, some water will leak from the pipe onto the towel.

4. Insert the new valve straight and fully onto the pipe, aligning the valve with the outlet facing upward. Hand tighten the compression nut on the new valve. A drop of oil on the compression threads will allow easier aligning of the valve. Hold the valve in place with one wrench while tightening the compression nut with the second wrench. Make sure it's tight to prevent leaks, but do not over-tighten, as this will create stress and lead to future problems.

5. Attach one end of the tank hose to the water supply hose and hand tighten, then tighten it with the adjustable wrench. Attach the other end of the tank hose to the threaded shank of the toilet fill valve that sticks from the bottom of the tank. Hand tighten the connecting nut from the hose to the tank, being careful not to over-tighten.

6. Turn on the main water supply to the house, then check for any leaks around the new valve. If there are any leaks around the compression joint, you will need to loosen the nut, realign the valve and tighten the compression nut again.

7. Turn on the water supply valve once you are sure there are no leaks. Inspect the hose connection beneath the tank and at the valve for any leaks, now that water is refilling the tank. Tighten any nuts where there is leaking.

8. Replace the tank lid when you are sure there are no leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain that the new water supply valve fits the pipe you will be connecting it to, whether iron or copper.