How to Replace a Toilet Shut-off Valve

The toilet shut-off valve is located at the rear of your toilet and it is responsible for turning the water that fills the toilet tank completely off. Generally, the shut-off valve is in the open position, but over time it can wear down and begin to leak. Replacement of the toilet shut-off valve is relatively easy and doing it yourself can save you from hiring a plumber.

To replace a toilet shut-off valve you'll need to turn off the water supply and disconnect the supply line. Then, remove the old valve and replace it with a new one using a crescent wrench. Once you turn the water supply back on, your toilet should be back to working order. This article will take you step-by-step on how to complete this relatively easy and inexpensive task.

Toilet Shut-off Valve Replacement 

The most common reason a toilet shut-off valve will fail is the rubber washer that creates the seal will dry up and break down. Once this happens, the valve begins to leak, and you're likely to start noticing puddles of water under the toilet's tank.

If you're just noticing a few drips of water, you can try to tighten the valve, but chances are it'll need to be replaced. Its typically best to replace it sooner than later since it's likely the problem will only get worse.

Another common reason to replace the shut-off valve is during a bathroom remodel. A new shiny valve will help give your bathroom a new clean look and not stand out.

Types of Toilet Shut-off Valves

There are three types of shut-off valves you're likely to run into:

• Compression Valves
• Soldered or Sweated Valve (copper pipes)
• Push Fit Valves

This article will provide step-by-step instruction on how to change compression valves. The later two are covered in the accompanied video.

Tools and Materials

Step One - Turn Off the Water and Drain the Water Lines

Before starting you'll want to turn off the water supply. This typically means shutting off the water to your entire home, so you'll want to plan this task accordingly.

Your water main shut-off valve may be located in the basement, in a closet, or under the kitchen sink. In many cases you can find it outside in your front yard and you may need a special tool or pliers to turn it off.

Once you turn off your water main, open a couple of faucets to drain the water from the pipes and flush your toilet to empty the tank.

Step Two - Remove Supply Line

• Place a bucket and towel under the valve to catch any water that may still be in the supply line
• Disconnect the supply line from the valve 
• It's a good idea to replace the supply line at the same time as the valve, so you may want to disconnect the supply line from the bottom of the toilet tank too

Step Three - Remove the Supply Valve

• Use your crescent wrenches to remove the valve
• Hold the body with one wrench
• And turn the nut with the other wrench

Step Four - Remove Compression Ring

• Once the shut-off valve has been removed, the nut will still be on the pipe and it'll need to be removed
• Screw the compression sleeve puller into the nut
• Use a crescent wrench to secure the compression sleeve puller from moving
• Turn the handle on the compression sleeve puller to remove the nut and ring

Step Five - Install the Valve

• Ensure the face plate is against the wall
• Place the nut on the pipe and then the compression ring
• Put the shut off valve on the pipe with the nozzle facing upwards. Apply a light pressure on the front of the valve as you gently turn the nut to the valve
• Next, use your two crescent wrenches to secure the valve in place
• Be careful not to over tighten

Step Six - Connect the Supply Hose

• Connect the supply hose to the bottom of the toilet tank
• Then, connect the opposite end of the hose to the supply valve
• Turn the water on and check for leaks
• If your supply valve is leaking, gently tighten in 1/4-turn increments

Watch the Video