Toilet Supply Line Repair

A toilet supply line connects the bottom of the flush valve to the water source, usually through a shutoff valve. The line provides water to the toilet when the flush valve calls for it after the toilet has been flushed. The fittings on the ends of the toilet supply line sometimes can come loose from the flush valve or the shutoff and cause a leak. This common problem is repaired in less than five minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Slip-joint pliers
• Small bucket
• Rag
• Teflon tape

Instructions

1. Turn the handle or the knob of the shutoff valve all the way to the right to stop the flow of water temporarily to the supply line.

2. Flush the toilet to remove most of the water from the tank. The tank will not refill with the shutoff turned off. Place a bucket under the tank to catch any residual water that may leak out. Use a rag to wipe up any water that makes its way onto the floor.

3. Unscrew the end of the supply line from the bottom of the toilet tank where it attaches to the flush valve. Use a pair of slip-joint pliers to turn the fitting counterclockwise and remove it. Wrap the threads on the flush valve with Teflon tape. Reattach the fitting onto the flush valve, threading it on evenly. Hand tighten the fitting, then use the slip-joint pliers to turn it a quarter turn to ensure it is snug.

4. Unscrew the other end of the hose from the shutoff valve using an adjustable wrench. Turn the fitting on the end of the supply line counterclockwise with the wrench to remove it. Wrap the threads on the shutoff with Teflon tape. Reattach the fitting to the shutoff valve by hand and tighten it with the wrench. Turn on the shutoff valve and flush the toilet two to three times to test it. If the hose drips a little at either of the fittings, turn the dripping fitting an eighth of a turn at a time until the drip stops.