Happy Housekeeping: Home And Garden Tips

When installing a new toilet, or replacing an old toilet, you will always have to disconnect and reconnect the water supply running to it. Even though the mechanics of the process are seemingly quick it is best to have a helping hand in the process.

You will not connect the supply line until the rest of the toilet has been assembled. The water supply shut off valve (stop valve) is located just above the floor and is aligned on the same side as the toilet’s tank inlet.

The parts that will be used include a plastic nut (usually supplied with the toilet) and a new fill valve that comes with the nut. A supply tube is needed but must be purchased separately. There are many types of tube but the sturdiest is said to be chrome-plated metal. Chrome-plated tube is also said to be the hardest to work with. A compression nut and ferrule will be used, and usually come with the stop valve.

First connect the tube to the inlet just to see how close it will align with the stop valve. If the alignment is off you will have to apply a bend to the pipe and this can be tricky. If you have a tube bender the process can be quick and easy but do not try to bend the tube by hand. If a pipe bender is not available you can use a PVC pipe fitting as a bending guide (try a 2″ elbow). Once the pipe is bent in a similar angle, reaching from the inlet to the stop valve, you are ready to trim the tube to size. Be careful as there may be little room for error.

Now you will want to add the plastic nut by slipping it onto the tubing. Then slide the compression nut on and secure the ferrule.

Connect the plastic nut to the inlet by hand and then give it an extra twist with a sturdy pair of Channel-Lock pliers. Then extend the tube into the body of the stop valve by about 1/4 of an inch.  When tightening the compression nut it will squeeze the ferrule into place and mold it tightly around the tubing. The ferrule will not move once it has been tightened. Be aware that excessive force can cause damage to the tubing so be cautious when tightening the compression nut.

Now you will want to turn your water supply ON. Now all you need is to affix the lid to the bowl and you have a new toilet that is running perfectly.