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how do you tighten a toilet supply line

by Prof. Adaline Deckow Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Tighten the fitting connecting the supply line to the toilet. Screw in the nut between the supply line and the toilet by hand, then use a wrench to do an additional quarter of a turn. You do not want to tighten the nuts too much, or you might strip their threads and damage them.

There are two nuts near the fill valve. Before working on the toilet, make sure to turn the water off at the wall. Fill valve nut: The inlet nut holds the supply line valve in place. Using your hand, tighten the nut and then use a wrench to tighten the nut a bit more, but take care not to over-tighten.May 11, 2016

Full Answer

How do I replace the water supply line in my toilet?

That connection will be on the underside of the tank and you may need another towel handy as some water may still drip out of the old supply line. Install the new supply line by hand tightening the white plastic nut to the toilet's fill valve nipple on the under side of the tank. Then hand tighten the metal nut to the supply valve.

How do you fix a leaking toilet?

Flush the toilet a few times to empty the water from the tank. Use a towel to soak up the rest of the water inside the tank so that it does not leak onto the floor when the supply line is removed. Use a wrench to loosen the supply line nut connecting to the supply valve. Then do the same to the nut connecting to the toilet's fill valve.

How do you tighten the base of a toilet?

How to Tighten a Toilet Base Check the mounting bolts. Pry off the two plastic bolt caps, located one on each side of your toilet base. Check the condition of the flange. The mounting bolts attach your toilet to a flange (a sturdy ring of plastic or metal, which is bolted to the floor). Check the level of the toilet.

Which way do you turn to tighten plumbing fittings?

Turning to the left loosens the plumbing fitting; turning to the right tightens it. Remembering this simple rhyme can prevent a bad seal and stripped fittings. It’s also handy in a pinch if you need to shut off the water supply quickly. Plumber’s Tape is Your Friend.

How do you tighten a toilet water line?

1:312:56How to Fix a Toilet - Water Supply Valve Replacement - Part 2 of 2YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe toilet tank hose to the water supply valve and tighten it carefully attach the water supply hoseMoreThe toilet tank hose to the water supply valve and tighten it carefully attach the water supply hose to the fill valve shank. And tighten a quarter turn past hand tight.

Can you over tighten toilet supply line?

Do not overtighten the supply line. Screwing a supply line on too tight is one of the worst things you can do. Such overtightening will cause the metal threads inside of the line to become warped, making it much easier for water to slip past. It may also damage the rubber O-rings inside of the line.

What causes toilet supply line to leak?

The supply line is connected to both the supply valve and to the toilet itself. Leaks usually happen when joints in the supply line grow weak or become loose. The rubber lining within the supply line, which is there to prevent leakage, can also rupture.

How tight should a supply line be?

It seems to go against common sense, but plumbing fittings don't have to be super tight in order to function properly. In fact, pipes should only be hand tight to help aid the flow of water throughout your home.

How do you tighten a threaded pipe?

0:091:15HOW TIGHT SHOULD YOU TIGHTEN NATIONAL PIPE THREAD | US ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's important to make sure you do not tighten it too much a general rule of thumb is tighten themMoreIt's important to make sure you do not tighten it too much a general rule of thumb is tighten them by hand until it is difficult and then give it one to two more turns.

How do you fix a leaky supply 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 often should toilet supply lines be replaced?

every 5 yearsWater, water everywhere is NOT a good thing when a water line fails. So, the “when to replace it” answer is every 5 years.

Can you over tighten plumbing?

Over-Tightening Fittings Tightening your fittings too much may also cause leaks. There is a rubber seal in most fittings that may become warped if you over-tighten it. If this happens, water can easily leak through. Even the smallest of leaks can cause problems later on down the road.

How do you tighten plastic compression fittings?

0:001:03A Guide To Plastic Compression Fitting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe sealing ring has got a tapered edge you must put the tapered edge towards the fitting. Bring theMoreThe sealing ring has got a tapered edge you must put the tapered edge towards the fitting. Bring the fitting in push-ups. At the tapered edge is squeezing onto the fitting.

What to do if you have a leak in washers?

If you’ve still got a leak with tightened fittings and new washers, the final step is to use plumber’s tape on the threads of your fittings. If they haven’t been replaced in a while, threads can become so worn down that they’re actually stripped and cause a leak.

Can you fix a leaking toilet supply line?

Repairing a leaking toilet supply line isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Not only do you need to identify where the leak is at, but you may have to pull out the entire line to fix the issue.

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Why does my toilet rock?

Your rocking toilet may be due to uneven flooring or incorrect installation. The base of the toilet should be flush with the floor; if it’s not, try correcting the problem with rubber or silicone shims. For a more drastic situation, remove the toilet and reinstall it. (REMINDER: Turn the water supply off first.)

What happens if a toilet bolt breaks?

A broken bolt, on the other hand, will have to be replaced, together with the wax seal between your toilet and the floor. Check the condition of the flange. The mounting bolts attach your toilet to a flange (a sturdy ring of plastic or metal, which is bolted to the floor). Remove the bolts and check the flange.

Is a wobbly toilet dangerous?

While a wobbly toilet is not dangerous to life and limb, it’s a warning sign that unless you take action, your toilet is likely to start leaking from the base in the near future.

How to turn off water in toilet?

Step 2: Flush the toilet a few times to empty the water from the tank. Use a towel to soak up the rest of the water inside the tank so that it does not leak onto the floor when the supply line is removed. Step 3:

What is the most common toilet supply line?

The most common toilet supply line is a stainless steel flex supply line , shown above. Most houses, condos, or apartments will have this type of supply line since they install so quickly and easily. There are many other types of supply lines that require a more in depth removal and install, such as a rigid supply line.

Can you use a wrench on plastic nuts?

Do not use a wrench on plastic nuts. If the metal nut connection is leaking, use a wrench or pliers to tighten the metal nut just a quarter of a turn past hand tightened to ensure the connection is sealed. Please Note: Do not tighten metal nuts more than a quarter of a turn past hand tight. Tip:

Why should plumbing fittings be tight?

In fact, pipes should only be hand tight to help aid the flow of water throughout your home. The unique construction and configuration of pipes means they are made to be tightened just enough; making them super tight can actually prevent water from flowing properly. Over-tightening will also warp the rubber fittings inside the pipes over time, which can increase the risk of leaks. Turn a plumbing fitting only until you feel it tighten, then stop. Continuing to turn past that point can lead to trouble.

Why are pipes so tight?

The unique construction and configuration of pipes means they are made to be tightened just enough; making them super tight can actually prevent water from flowing properly. Over-tightening will also warp the rubber fittings inside the pipes over time, which can increase the risk of leaks.

What does "lefty loosey righty tighty" mean?

This isn’t just a playground rhyme; it really works. Turning a screw, opening a jar or bottle, operating a faucet, and adjusting a plumbing fitting all function on the same principle. Turning to the left loosens the plumbing fitting; turning to the right tightens it.

Why use plumber's tape?

Using plumber’s tape around fittings while you tighten them will prevent over-tightening, protect against leaks, and ensure a good seal. Plumber’s tape is available at most home improvement or hardware stores in the plumbing section. Keep Pipe Fittings Warm.

Do you strip a plumbing fitting?

No Stripping. Plumbing fittings look like extra large bolts. Inside each bolt are threads that allow the fitting to screw onto the pipes to create a tight seal. If you tighten the fittings too much, you may strip the threads inside the fitting or on the outside of the pipe.

Can you tighten a pipe when it's stripped?

As with any household screw, once the threads are stripped it’s nearly impossible to get the fitting to tighten on the pipe. This makes it more likely that a leak will develop, and it also increases the chance of a cracked or burst pipe in extreme weather or high water pressure. Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty.

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