Toilet Troubleshooting: How to Locate and Operate the Toilet Shut-Off Valve

Your toilet draws freely from your water supply to operate. Unfortunately, this also means that if it springs a leak, it can cause extensive water damage in your bathroom. Knowing how to shut off the water supply to your toilet helps prevent this.

The toilet shut-off valve is usually located behind the toilet and can be operated by turning it. Need more information? Keep reading to learn:

• Why you need to know how to use a toilet shut-off valve
• How to locate the toilet shut-off valve
• How to operate the toilet shut-off valve
• Next steps after the water has been turned off

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Why You Need to Know How to Use a Toilet Shut-Off Valve

Your toilet's shut-off valve is critical to stopping water from flowing. You may need to turn it off on several occasions, including if:

• You have a plumbing emergency: If your toilet is leaking or overflowing, you need to be able to cut the flow of water off to avoid costly water bills and prevent flooding.
• You're going to perform a repair: Shutting off the water is a necessary step when preparing to work on your toilet.
• Your toilet won't stop running: Sometimes, a toilet runs continuously due to the flapper, fill valve, float, or other components failing. It shouldn't flood, but you still want to stop the flow ASAP while you wait for repair service.
• You're replacing your toilet: Whether you're remodeling or replacing an old, broken toilet, you'll have to turn off the water.
• You're going on vacation: It's generally good practice to turn off your toilet's water supply when going on a long vacation. Leaks and malfunctions can happen at any time.

Locating the Toilet Shut-Off Valve

Most toilets produced in the U.S. have a shut-off valve on the back left side. You can identify it by the gray, braided cable that connects the toilet tank to the wall. The valve typically has an oval-shaped knob or handle.

If you can't find the toilet's water valve and are dealing with a serious leak or flood, it's best to shut off the water supply to your whole house. The main shut-off valve is typically located outside with a lid covering the meter, or in your basement.

How to Operate the Toilet Shut-Off Valve

If you're wondering how to turn off the water to your toilet, follow these steps:

1. Locate the water valve behind your toilet.
2. Twist the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.
3. Confirm the water is off by flushing the toilet. If it's not clogged, the tank should empty and not fill up again.

To turn the water supply back on, twist the valve counterclockwise. Don't attempt this until all repairs have been completed and it’s ready to be tested.

If turning the valve doesn't do anything or if water continues to flow even though you've turned it as far as possible, a professional plumber should inspect it.

The Water's Off. What Now?

Once the water is off, you can do any repair work you're comfortable with. However, we recommend calling a trained professional. Plumbing can be delicate and if you don't know what you're doing, you risk worsening the problem.

Some signs you should probably call in reinforcements include:

• Your toilet constantly runs
• There's a leak somewhere
• Your toilet fills too much or doesn't fill after flushing
• You notice standing water around your toilet
• There's a weird smell coming from your toilet, which can happen if there's a problem with the P-trap
• Your toilet is making strange sounds
• You can't unclog your toilet even after trying a flange plunger and snake

If you can't figure out what's wrong with your toilet or you've diagnosed it, but aren't confident performing the repair yourself, give us a call at Peter Levi. We'll get it in good working order in no time.

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