I’ve had a toilet that has been running intermittently for some time. Attempting to become “Handy” I went down to the hardware store and got a relpacement fill and flapper valve and did the job myself. Now the toilet works fine, but the shut off valve is slowly dripping, and I haven’t a clue how to fix it. I’ve tried turning it full on and full off a few times, but that only seems to make it worse. Anybody have any helpfull tips before I surrender and call a real plumber?
IANAP (just felt like saying it), but try compressing the packing a little by tightening on the litle “nut” behind the handle (get a second wrench on the valve body to keep it from turning.) If that doesn’t work, just shut off the water and replace the valve.
The shut-off valves and the connection from that valve to the toilets don’t tend to last too long. If they are plastic, it’s life is even shorter. They are ussually behind toilets and under most sinks, and IIRC you are supposed to replace them every 5 to 10 years if you want to be able to turn the water off there and if you don’t want them to leak. They are fairly cheap, though, so it’s ok. I heard the braided steel ones were the best. The valves are made too cheap to justify a lot of repair work. Just replace it.
Also try the easy fix - let it drip a little - sometimes in maybe 2-3 days it will totally stop on it’s own
Running toilets usually just need a new black rubber flapper
thingy…
Yeah, you can wait. Somtimes that’ll keep that other thing from leaking.
Otherwise, youll have to turn off the water outside [easy usually], take out the valve & put in a new one. They probably dont cost more than a few bucks.
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falcon2, you do own the house, right? Cause otherwise the owner should pay for it.