How to Stop a Leaky Toilet Shut Off Valve
The toilet shut off valve, also called the water supply valve, supplies water for your toilet's tank when it flushes. These valves are connected to your home's water supply. A leaky toilet shut off valve should be fixed as soon as possible, otherwise you could be faced with water damage in your bathroom. One of the easiest ways to stop a leaky toilet shut off valve is by replacing the entire valve. These parts aren't expensive and the procedure is easy enough for even the first time DIY plumber. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- New shut off valve
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Towels
- Sponge
- Steel wool
- Pipe thread compound
Instructions
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1
Locate and turn off the water supply for your household. The shut off valve is usually located next to where your water meter is installed. Look for a small concrete or plastic box in your front yard. Open up the top to find the water meter and shut off valve. Rotate the valve from its current position to turn off the water.
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2
Remove the lid from the toilet tank. Flush the handle until the water inside empties. Clean up any water left with the towels and sponge.
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3
Place a towel on the floor beneath the water supply valve and hose.
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4
Unscrew the metal coupling on the end of the water supply hose where it is connected to the water supply valve.
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5
Unscrew the water supply valve from the water inlet pipe with a plumber's wrench. Turn it counterclockwise to remove.
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6
Clean off the threads of the pipe with steel wool. Wipe away any traces of old caulk or plumber's tape. Spread pipe thread compound on the threads of the inlet pipe.
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7
Screw the new shut off valve into place.
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8
Spread pipe thread compound on the threads on the water supply valve. Connect the metal coupling on the end of the water supply hose and tighten with the wrench.
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9
Restore the water supply.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use plumber's tape in place of pipe thread compound.
References
- Photo Credit wrench image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
