Turning the toilet shutoff valve is a critically important step before working on your toilet. If you don’t or the valve won’t turn clockwise to close, then your small fix can instantly turn into a flood. Calling an emergency plumber will be your next step. But even the fastest plumbers can’t get there in time to avoid a mess.
What’s Wrong with Your Shutoff Valve?
So, you’re trying to turn the valve, but it just won’t budge. It may be old, covered in dirt and grime, rusted, or perhaps even leaking. If there’s a leak, then the valve will need to be replaced. We’ll explain how to do this later. But first, here are some ways you can try to get a stuck valve working again:
- Lubricate the Valve: A stuck valve can be lubricated with WD-40. Spray the lubricant onto the valve and let it settle; then try to move the valve again. Periodically spray the valve to ensure it will function when you need it.
- Wiggle the Valve: If the shutoff valve turns only partially, it won’t completely stop the flow of water. Try moving the valve clockwise and counterclockwise. Wiggling it back and force may eventually allow you to turn it smoothly.
- Use Hot Water: Cold metal parts may be more difficult to move. To address the issue, fill a bucket with hot water and soak a cloth. Then place the hot cloth onto the valve for a couple of minutes to help loosen it up. Blowing a hairdryer onto the valve may also work.
- Tighten the Central Screw: Using a pair of pliers, tighten the screw that holds the shutoff valve together. Once the screw is tight, try to turn the valve again.
- Tighten the Fitting: If the valve is leaking, check its seal. One option if the valve isn’t properly sealed is to tighten the fitting. If the leak still doesn’t stop, the washer might have to be replaced (this requires taking the valve apart). You may be better off replacing the entire valve.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Shutoff Valve
Tightening the packing nut with a clockwise one-eighth turn can stop a leak. Use a pair of slip-joint pliers and wrap some cloth or masking tape over the jaws. This will protect the finish on the nut. Use light pressure to avoid damaging the water lines. If the tank continues to refill, then the valve itself may be damaged; shut off your home’s main water supply before proceeding.
Replacing a Toilet Shutoff Valve
After turning off your main shutoff valve in the basement, laundry room, or under the kitchen sink:
- Drain the Water: Turn on a faucet lower than the toilet valve so excess water can flow out of the line, and not overflow in your bathroom.
- Close the Toilet Supply Line: This small hose transfers water to the valve. Place a bucket below the valve and then remove the bolt with a crescent wrench. Then pull out the line and let the remaining water drain into the bucket.
- Remove the Shut-Off Valve: If it has compression joints, remove the connector bolt using a crescent wrench while holding the pipe with pliers. If it has sweated copper pipes, use a tube cutter to remove the old valve and any debris, leaving enough pipe for a new fitting.
- Install the New Valve: Start by placing a compression nut on the toilet pipe. Place the compression ring and attach the new valve to it. Hold the valve stem threads and compression nut at the same time, which you’ll need a pair of crescent wrenches for. Make sure the valve’s outlet faces upward.
- Attach the Toilet Supply Line: Loosen and adjust the nut if the hose and valve don’t align.
Now, you can open the main water supply and see whether the toilet shutoff valve is working as it should.
Call Sky Heating & Air Conditioning for Help
We offer plumbing services including toilet, faucet, sink, water heater, and pipe installation and repair. Our licensed plumbing technicians can fix any problem with any toilet. They are ready to help if you have a stuck, leaking, or damaged toilet shutoff valve and can’t get it working. To request assistance, schedule service online or call 503-673-9083 today.