Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaking toilet shut off valve

by Mrs. Dianna Douglas II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Why is my toilet shut-off valve leaking?

The plumbing supply shutoff valves behind toilets or under sinks can go for years without being turned off and then reopened again. That inactivity can cause the neoprene washers to become either brittle or crusted up with mineral deposits, and they lose their ability to seal leaks.

How do you fix a leaking shut-off valve?

First shut off the water to the leaking water valve. Next remove the handle from the stem and then loosen and remove the packing nut. Remove the old washer and slide on the new one. Reinstall the packing nut, tighten lightly with a wrench (don't over tighten at this or any other point) and reattach the handle.

How do you fix a toilet shut-off valve?

1:292:39How to Fix a Toilet - Water Supply Valve Replacement - Part 1 of 2YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen take the water valve out of the box. Remove both lock nuts and turn the valve to the offMoreThen take the water valve out of the box. Remove both lock nuts and turn the valve to the off position. So it is ready for quick installation when the old valve is.

How do you fix a leaking toilet fill valve?

How to Fix a Leaky Fill Valve in a Toilet Turn off the water supply. Empty the tank. Disconnect the water supply hose. Unscrew the fill valve's nut to remove it. Buy a replacement fill valve. Slide the rubber gasket on the new valve. Screw the new valve into your toilet.More items...

How much does it cost to replace a toilet shut-off valve?

It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.

How do you replace a water shut off without turning off water?

1:222:01How To Install A Water Shutoff Without Turning Water Off - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean cutter and just slip want to be sharkbite son. With the water and shut up. And shop back allMoreClean cutter and just slip want to be sharkbite son. With the water and shut up. And shop back all the remaining water around the perimeter. And you're good to go.

How long do toilet shut off valves last?

A ball valve is a shut-off valve capable of preventing or allowing liquid or gas to pass through a fixture. Using the latest and greatest ball valve in your plumbing can help save more water. It also helps you save money while helping the environment. A ball valve life expectancy is about eight to ten years.

Is it easy to replace a toilet fill valve?

However, the good news is that replacing your toilet fill valve is something any homeowner can do. It does not take a lot of experience with plumbing or a lot of time. However, you do need a few parts, a couple of tools, and a little bit of effort.

Why does my fill valve keeps running?

A chain that's too short or tangled won't allow the flapper to close and water will continue to leak into the bowl. This causes the fill valve to cycle on and off to refill the tank. A chain that's too long, or a flush rod that hits the tank lid, won't open the flapper wide enough to stay open for the full flush.

Why is my toilet fill valve leaking at top?

0:381:29Fill Valve Problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe problem is directly related to the fill valve. Sometimes the fill valve only needs a minorMoreThe problem is directly related to the fill valve. Sometimes the fill valve only needs a minor adjustment to return it to proper function.

How do you fix a leaking shut off valve under the sink?

1:182:42How to Fix a Leaky Shut-Off Valve in Seconds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI have an adjustable wrench that's what this is what I'm going to do is I'm going to take thisMoreI have an adjustable wrench that's what this is what I'm going to do is I'm going to take this adjustable wrench and I'm going to place it on the packing nut. Here.

Is it OK to turn off water to toilet?

This entire process works through force of gravity and water flow so the only thing you really need to flush is a full toilet tank. However, if the water is shut off, the toilet tank is unable to refill and therefore, you won't be able to flush the toilet again.

How to stop a toilet shut off valve from leaking?

For a leaky toilet water shut-off valve, the easiest solution is to tighten the package nut 1/4 turn with a wrench. Do not remove the valve, just tighten the packing nut. Hopefully this is enough to compress the rubber gasket so that it is sealed on the valve stem to prevent water leaks.

What does straight stop valve mean?

Straight means that the input and output are at opposite ends. The valve is a multiturn model because the handle rotates several times to open and close the valve. The same multi-turn straight stop valve is also found in the hot and cold water tap to this bathroom sink, . The valves have compression fittings that connect to 1/2 inch copper pipes ...

What is a multiturn stop valve?

Multiturn stop valves are very common at home for shutting down the hot and cold water supply faucet or toilet. The problem is that the sink or toilet water shut-off valve may leak and turn the handle. Usually change the filling valve of the toilet tank after closing the water. The inner rubber hood wrap seals become less flexible ...

How to stop a leaking water valve?

Put a plastic tub under the leaking valve to reduce the water spillage on the floor while you work. Then, fit an adjustable wrench onto the nut of the shut-off valve and turn it counter-clockwise at 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time. This will tighten the packing nut and may stop the drip. Browse replacement shut-off valves on Amazon.

Why does my toilet shut off?

The most common problem for a toilet shut-off valve is that it can develop a leak. Dripping shut-off valves can leave puddles of water on the bathroom floor which can ruin the flooring, make the room look dirty, destroy bathroom furniture, cause mold and mildew to grow, and run up your water bill. Leaking is caused by loose packing nuts on these ...

Why is my washer shut off valve leaking?

Leaking is caused by loose packing nuts on these valves. In some cases, this may also be caused by minerals deposits on the washers. A leaking shut-off valve doesn’t necessarily mean it always needs replacement. Follow the steps below for simple solutions to this issue before you engage in most costly repairs.

How to protect a toilet from scratches?

But first, you need to protect your bathroom and your equipment. Wrap the slip joint pliers' jaws in masking tape to protect your shut-off valve from any scratches caused by the sharp edges. Next, shut off the main water supply to the toilet, and detach and drain the pipes using a wrench or pliers. The small plastic tub will catch ...

How do I tighten a toilet shut off valve?

Start by disconnecting the water line from the valve. Use a wrench or plier for loosening the nut at the other end of the valve, connected to the water supply line. Use a dry cloth to wipe the piping. Using Teflon taping, wrap the pipe threads of water line. Make at least two complete turns of the Teflon tape over the pipe threads for ensuring better fitting. Use scissors to cut the tape. Smooth the taped pipe ending with your fingers. Place the taped piping into its slot and tighten the shut-off valve.

Where is the shut off valve on a toilet?

The toilet shut-off valve is also called the stop valve. This is the valve controlling water to the toilet, usually located below the cistern of the toilet . Most shut-off valves are rather durable and only need to be replaced after many years. However, due to sustained usage, the valve can malfunction, leading to leaks or reduced water pressure.

How to fix a cracked washer?

Clean the washers using water and an old toothbrush. Ensure that you remove the mineral deposits that often coat the washers. If the washers seem cracked, you need to replace them. For this, you need to carry the valve stem to a hardware store to procure an exact replacement.

Can a shut off valve be repaired?

However, due to sustained usage, the valve can malfunction, leading to leaks or reduced water pressure. You don’t need to hire professional help for repairing shut-off valves . These valves have a very basic configuration and they can be easily repaired at home, using some basic supplies.

1. Tighten the Packing Nut

This is the best method to fix a leaking shut off valve without turning off the water.

2. Wrap Teflon Packing around the Valve Spindle

Teflon packing isn’t the same as Teflon tape, although the later can be used in the absence of the former although not ideal.

3. Replace the Packing Washer

If you have tried the above 2 methods but still your shut off valve is leaking, the packing washer is completely worn out and replacing it is the only viable solution.

How to drain liquid from toilet?

You need to open some of these faucets to drain all liquid from these pipes completely. Step 2. Put your toilet shut off poppet into the “OFF” position. Step 3. Using these jaws of your pliers, grip that packing nut of that clack and turn it counterclockwise until you loosen it free from a supply pipe.

How to fix a leak in a poppet?

You can start repairing a leak by disconnecting a water line from the shut- off poppet. Using a plier or a wrench loosen the nut at the other opposite of a poppet. This is one that has a connection to a liquid supply line. With a clean cloth, dry a pipe. Using the Teflon tape, wrap pipe threads of the waterline.

Why does my toilet clack?

This can lead to ruined floors, makes your bathroom dirty, cause mildew and mold to grow, ruin all bathroom furniture, and cost you higher utility bill. These leaks are caused by loosening nuts on these poppets. Other reasons can be mineral buildup on these washers.

How to fix a leaky packing nut?

Pair of pliers. Way 1. Turn the Water Off. Shut off that main liquid supply in your house. Way 2. Tightening the Packing Nut. In a few cases, that main reason for that leak can be the loosen packing nut the only needs to be tightened. Place a couple of masking tape on each side of these jaws of these pliers.

Why Is My Water Shut Off Valve Leaking?

Your water valve might leak because of two reasons. It may be too outdated and there is a possibility of it being worn out or deteriorated. You may have introduced a new valve, and you didn’t tighten it as required.

How Do You Fix a Leaking Shut Off Valve?

There are 3 ways you can fix a leaking shut off valve. And you can do that before you decide to get a new one. They are as follows;

How to Replace the Main Water Shut Off Valve?

You can easily replace your main water valve by following some simple steps. Though it also depends on the type of valve present. The two popular ones are compression and solder valves. And you can replace them as follows;

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Shut Off Valve?

It costs over 100 dollars to replace a shut-off valve. However, this will fluctuate depending on whether you decide to do everything yourself or you hire a professional and depending on the area you live. The type of valve also matters, if it’s a smart one, it’ll cost more based on the features that you want.

Conclusion

While a majority of people may fear trying to fix or replace a water valve, you can easily do it by yourself. All you need to have is the right equipment, plus some fundamental information regarding plumbing. And thus, you’ll be able to reduce the cost incurred while hiring a professional.

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Step 1 – Tighten The Valve

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The easiest solutions are best to try first, so start by giving the valve an adjustment to see if it solves your problem. Put a plastic tub under the leaking valve to reduce the water spillage on the floor while you work. Then, fit an adjustable wrench onto the nut of the shut-off valve and turn it counter-clockwise at 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a t…
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Step 2 – Prepare to Take It Apart

  • If the leaking doesn’t stop, you'll need to just remove the nut to get to the washers within. But first, you need to protect your bathroom and your equipment. Wrap the slip joint pliers' jaws in masking tape to protect your shut-off valve from any scratches caused by the sharp edges. Next, shut off the main water supply to the toilet, and detach and drain the pipes using a wrench or pliers. The …
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Step 3 – Remove The Nut

  • Get a hold of the shut-off valve and begin to take it apart. Take out the screw from the handle of the valve and untwist the packing nut. Remove the threaded valve system; when you do this, remember the position of the neoprene washers so that you can easily put them back together later, taking a picture of the set up if needed.
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Step 4 – Clean The Washers

  • Take the neoprene washers and remove any mineral deposits by using a clean rag. While scrubbing, work them constantly until they are flexible once again.
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Step 5 – Reassemble The Valve

  • Following your picture or your memory, start putting the shut-off valve back together. Make sure neoprene washers are positioned properly otherwise you will make more problems later. Once again, tighten the packing nut 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time using the wrench. Do not use plumber's putty or you might have a hard time fixing the shut-off valve in the future. Also make sure you do…
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Step 6 – Turn on Water and Check For Leaks

  • Turn the water from the main back on, and watch for leaks as the line is being filled. If you see that the valves are still leaking, then its time to replace the shut-off valve entirely. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.
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