How to Replace a Leaky Toilet Water Shutoff Valve – clean the copper water supply tube and install the new 1/4 turn shutoff valve.
This project is continued from How to Replace a Leaky Toilet Water Shutoff Valve – Part 2.
Here’s the 1/2 inch cold water copper pipe in the bathroom floor after removing the old water shutoff valve. The oxidation and build-up of minerals must be cleaned before the new 1/4 stop valve is installed:
The Oatey 4-in-1 brush does a great job of cleaning the copper pipe stub. Just wiggle and rotate the brush back and forth on the pipe:
Bathroom Water Shutoff Valve Installation
The new Brasscraft 1/4 Stop Valve, compression nut and brass sleeve are ready for installation on the cleaned 1/2 inch copper pipe. Notice the deep pocket in the stop valve to receive the pipe stub:
Slide the compression nut over the pipe stub with the threads facing the end of the pipe followed by the brass compression ring:
Set the stop valve body on the end of the copper pipe and press until the valve is fully seated. Rotate the valve body so the valve handle is easy to reach:
Tighten the compression nut on the stop valve by hand. Then place a wrench on the valve body to hold it steady and tighten the compression nut with a second wrench. Tighten the nut a 1/2 turn after you feel it seat or bite against the brass sleeve. Do not over tighten the nut to avoid cracking the valve body or nut. You can always tighten the nut slightly if there’s a water leak:
The new water shutoff valve is installed on the 1/2 copper pipe. Almost done!
I really like the steel braided Brasscraft Speedi Plumb PLUS Toilet Connector hose which has a 3/8 inch compression nut and o-ring built into the hose. Unscrew the 3/8 inch compression nut included with the new stop valve. Set the valve nut and brass sleeve aside. Note: You may need these if your toilet connector hose is different!
Attach the toilet connector hose to the stop valve and tighten with a wrench. Do not over tighten.
View of the new 1/4 turn toilet water stop valve and connector hose. Time to turn on the water at the water meter and check for leaks.
Turn on the Water and Check for Leaks
Turn On the water at the water meter. Wait for the air in the pipes to clear and close the faucets that were opened previously to drain the house water pipes.
Turn On the water stop valve to refill the toilet tank. Check the valve connections for leaks. Tighten the compression nuts a 1/4 turn if you find a leak. Toilet paper is an excellent tell-tale for finding small and slow leaks because wet spots show very well.
Hope this helps,
Bob Jackson
