HOW TO FIX A LEAKY WALL MOUNTED TOILET SHUTOFF VALVE - Simple Fabric Thread Stops Leaky Compression Fittings! It Really Works!

I was awaken at 3:00 AM by the sound of running water in the bathroom. It was coming from an old float-type toilet valve that had failed. I reached behind the toilet to turn-off the water, but the valve was corroded.

I now have an emergency situation! 

The main water supply to my house had to be shut-off immediately. The utility box for the water line is underground and requires digging-out to gain access to the shutoff valve. I grabbed a flashlight and shovel and went to work.

As daylight approached - I stopped by Walmart and purchased Korky Quiet Fill Valve and Standard 2-Inch Rubber Toilet Flapper Kit for $14.95 and Mainstay's Quarter Turn Angle Stop Valve (compatible with copper pipes) for $9.48. 

I found the two (2) YouTube videos to guide me through the repair. The problem was I had no special tools to remove the compression ring from the copper pipe. I then made a quick decision to reuse the old compression nut and ferrule (compression ring) with the new valve - MISTAKE. I finally completed the installation of all new parts around 8:00 AM. 

When I turned the water supply on, the fitting leaked like crazy! As I tighten the compression nut, the water continued to pour out. I then ran outside to shutoff the water supply -  again. 

What should I do now? 

I remembered back in my old high school shop days, my teacher taught me a trick using a spool of thread to stop leaks on metal lines. I wrapped about 35-45 wounds of fabric thread in front of the ferrule on the copper pipe to form an O-ring type seal between the ferrule and mounting surface of the shutoff valve. (See the illustration below)

  

It worked! 

When I turned on the water supply, the fabric thread held tight with no leaks from the water valve. My toilet is back in business and operating better than before. 

By the time my family woke up - everything was sealed tight and lookig good! 

No one knew how restful and relaxing this LABOR DAY would be for me. 

How to Replace a Shutoff Valve the RIGHT Way! (No Leaks)  

YouTube Video By Is It Worth It

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