How to Remove and Replace a Leaky Shut Off Valve for a Toilet

How to remove and replace a leaky compression shut-off valve (or stop valve) on a copper supply line for a toilet.
The most challenging part of this project is removing the compression sleeve or ring but there's a tool that makes this task easier!
How to Remove, Install, Replace or Update a Toilet Yourself: • How to Install or Repl...
Products and tools used (affiliate links)
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Adjustable wrenches (wrench set): amzn.to/46cJF0z
Bucket (and small towel): www.homedepot....
Replacement compression shut-off valve (aka stop) for ½" copper pipe (standard): amzn.to/45VereE
From The Home Depot: www.homedepot....
New tube flange or cover plate (AKA shallow escutcheon): www.homedepot....
Compression sleeve puller tool (likely needed): amzn.to/46ttBaC
From Lowe's: www.lowes.com/...
Pipe cutter (if necessary)
Thread sealant (optional)
Plumber's cloth with abrasive grit: www.homedepot....
A new braided supply line (varying lengths), if needed: www.homedepot....
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Disclaimer:
Videos produced by WildCatDIY are provided for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. WildCatDIY assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of any content communicated in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Review instructions carefully before beginning any project and if you have any doubts or questions about how to complete a project, consult with local experts. Use safe practices when performing any Do-It-Yourself (DIY) repairs and when working with tools seen or implied in this video. Always read and follow all safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer. Due to factors beyond the control of WildCatDIY, no information contained within this video creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, property damage, or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer or user and not WildCatDIY.

[@motonmesa]

Great video. Here’s a little tip. Replace your gateway style valve with a quarter turn ball valve and never have to do this job again. 😉

[@wildcat-diy]

I wouldn't be surprised if they typically last longer since there's less movement (and less wear over time) to open and close the valve. Next time I need to replace a toilet shut-off valve, I'll grab a quarter-turn valve for the project. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@wayneskiWayneski]

Agreed.. Great video, clear photography, great editing. And with use of 1/4 turn valve. It will be the last time you need to do it.

[@jdm1152]

Great video!! Most replacements are heading 1/4 turn style and press-lock.

[@Whatintheworld133]

Best video hands down !! Thank you

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you for your kind words! ☺

[@jjmd25]

This is the best video I have seen thus far. I didn’t know there was a special tool to remove the ferrel washer. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you for your kind words ❤ The compression sleeve puller tool is a life saver!

[@davidjlandry]

Thank you! I found this to be the most practical and informative video for compression valve toilet supply line replacement. My only comment is that I prefer the 1/4-Turn valves. They seem to be more reliable.

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you for your kind words! Your message brightened my day ☺ It seems many prefer the 1/4-turn valves. That's what I plan to use next time I need to replace a compression valve.

[@robertzimmet7485]

At first, I wondered why you did a loop with the supply line instead of just getting the correct size. I just replaced my shut off valve and the existing supply line no longer fit, nor did a a new 9-inch braided line bend correctly to align between the tank and the valve. Lucky for me, I remembered your loop maneuver and bought a 20-inch line, looped it, and everything fit like a champ! You saved me a lot of stress on solving this issue. Thank you!

[@wildcat-diy]

That's awesome ☺I'm so glad this trick was helpful and made the install process easier! Thank you for sharing your project experience ❤

[@rectorpineda9069]

I like this video very much. I learned how to replace my leaking shut off valve. Thanks. 👍

[@wildcat-diy]

That's awesome! I'm so glad this video was helpful to you ☺

[@ronniewest838]

Great review‼️

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you ☺

[@alfalfa]

Use some thread sealant but thanks for the tutorial. That darn olive.

[@tonypanzarella9387]

You must be from England. That's what it is called there, but not in the US.

[@svyt]

Why would you use thread sealant on a compression fitting, when the threads have no part in the seal on this type of fitting?

[@mets23q]

Good job

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you ☺

[@critter_creek_nature_videos]

You could use a deburring tool to make the inside of the copper pipe not sharp. I saw it used in a video on Home Depot video.

[@wildcat-diy]

Excellent point! Thanks for mentioning this. Deburring tools and tube cleaning brushes help make the pipe cleaning process quicker and safer. Next time I'm working with copper pipe, I'll include them in the process!

[@paulatighe7073]

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@efthimios]

Great video. Can you remove the old ferrel washer without the tool ?

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you ☺Yes, you can! I've seen a few old ferrule removal methods, such as using a small hacksaw to make a shallow cut on the ferrule and then splitting it apart by putting the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the cut and twisting. Another approach is to use two pliers, with one holding the copper pipe behind the ferrule and using the other plier to wiggle the ferrule back and forth while pulling it towards the end of the pipe. I also found a creative solution on someone's channel (video link below) where they turned an old compression shut-off valve into a puller tool. They placed the end of a large bolt inside the old valve to create space between it and the copper pipe so when the nut was tightened onto the valve threads, the ferrule was pulled towards the end of the pipe. They repeated the process, keeping the extra space between the copper pipe and valve by placing a washer and nut behind the screw head, until the old compression ring could be easily removed with pliers from the end of the pipe. Video Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYC8n6igbNh8rNEsi=heSD-GpqjdJ4mO0z

[@ceeIoc]

3 hours??

[@Gtr1400hp]

Hahahahahahahhaahhahahahaha

[@mafvosburgh]

Why would anybody fit a crappy multi turn valve? Those are the valves that stop working just when you need them, and which people are ripping out and replacing with reliable quarter turn valves.

[@wildcat-diy]

Quarter-turn valves seem to be well liked and reliable. That will be what I use for a future shut-off valve replacement project ☺

[@jimwang9460]

How to replace similar supply valve but it’s soldered.

[@wildcat-diy]

Great question! If the valve is soldered on, you will have to cut it off with a pipe cutter in order to put a new valve on. You can install the same or a different type of shut-off valve (solder-type, compression-type or push-to-connect). You may find this video by seejanedrill helpful, which shows how to cut a copper pipe to remove a soldered-on valve (and other great info): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpaogIWkmN93adUsi=LUyd1ELO9uJr3jRS

[@benmoen]

The OP said you'll have to cut it off but you can also get a torch and heat the old solder and remove the valve that way

[@mrmickel4341]

Just under 3 hrs? This is why guys get paid more. 30 minutes tops! Wtf are you doing for 3 hours?

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

You moved very fast. I'm still confused as to which way to turn the various nuts to remove the old valve. Yours seem to turn the opposite way to mine.

[@wildcat-diy]

Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate it! For the larger valve nut on the copper water line and with the valve handle facing you, I turned the nut from left to right (clockwise) to loosen it. For the smaller nut on the toilet water supply line, I turned it counter-clockwise to loosen it. I removed the nuts from the new valve to figure out which way to turn the old valve nuts to loosen and remove them. Hope this helps!

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

@@wildcat-diy I managed to get the old unit off. I bought the sleeve puller but the directions that came with it were pretty useless. I tried to follow what you did but I can't get any movement of the compression sleeve. The handle that you turn is hitting the arms of the tool where they stick out backwards and won't turn any further. Some information on how to set up the tool would be very helpful. Have spent several hours removing, adjusting and re-installing the tool in an attempt to get it to do anything.

[@wildcat-diy]

@golden.lights.twinkle2329 Glad you got the old valve off! It took me numerous turns to remove the tight compression sleeve. I didn't find the tool's arms to be useful beyond initial placement and I've seen others tape them together to keep them out of the way while turning the handle. Superior Tool has a quick video on how to use this same tool that you may find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXynlmt3eLCdrcUsi=daX6a9tS83btSykN

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

How the phuk did this take you 3 hours?!?

[@f8c3themusic]

This is like a 30min job at most. If you have all of your parts within arm's reach, and turned off the water main, this is pretty straightforward. But I think the video is excellent!

[@taylorsaxon1089]

That was exactly my question!!! seems like a 10 minute job!

[@Sycosquirl18]

I THOUGHT it was going to be a 10 minute job... until I realized that the tool which removes the old compression fitting didn't fit behind my toilet. So instead I had to use a couple sets of pliers and it took over an hour just to take it off. Millimeter by millimeter... 😭 That fitting was probably about 30 years old.

[@wildcat-diy]

Wow, kudos for sticking with it for so long to see it through! The compression sleeve I removed had been on for about as long (29 years) and removal was not easy or quick. What took additional time was waiting for all of the water to drain since this shut-off valve is located at the lowest level of our home. Sometimes, there's an outside spigot at a lower level but this wasn't so in our case. I hope most who tackle this project have an easier and quicker time! Regarding the limited space you had to work with, and for others in similar circumstances, I noticed this 3.7" ferrule puller on Amazon which seems to work well for ½" copper pipe: amzn.to/490vrS9

[@tonypanzarella9387]

I till don't understand why you needed a hammer and a ladder for this.

[@wildcat-diy]

You don't need a ladder or a hammer for this project. Where did you see or read about them being needed? Were you perhaps referring to another video?

[@tonypanzarella9387]

@@wildcat-diy Very funny. And, I needed a laugh today. Thanks, very much. ;)