Turn off the water supply and remove the nut from the end of the supply line. Replace the old washer with a new one. Replace supply line: Sometimes, your toilet supply line is poorly installed or just old. In such cases, tightening fittings and replacing washers won't prevent a leaking line.
Tip #1 Tighten the Nut
Often the solution is as simple as tightening the nut at the point where you see a leak. Take care not to over-tighten – you can crack the nut or strip the threads. Use only adjustable wrenches, not pipe wrenches.
Silicone sealant is an excellent choice for sealing leaks in toilets due to its waterproof properties and flexibility. It can effectively seal cracks and gaps, preventing water from leaking out and causing further damage to your bathroom floor or walls.
Outdated plumbing pipes, materials, and poor installation can be the root causes of main water line leaks. If your home's plumbing is old or outdated, consider upgrading your system to prevent future leaks.
Remove the Supply Line for Your Toilet
Inside each fitting, you should find a rubber washer, which you should be able to pull out (either with your fingers or a pair of pliers).
Try wrapping the plumber's tape around the supply line or fittings a few times if you want to make the tape extra secure. If the leak is coming from a hole in the supply line itself, try wrapping plumber's tape, duct tape, or electrical tape around the supply line to patch the hole up.
While we don't recommend using Flex Seal spray for toilet repairs, we do suggest using Flex Caulk or Flex Glue. With Flex Caulk, you can create a watertight seal around the base of a toilet to help prevent leaks and give your porcelain throne a finished look.
Use epoxy putty or pipe putty as a temporary fix to a leaky pipe. Pipe putty is designed to harden at room temperature and seal the hole or crack.
Hand Tight is Right
It seems to go against common sense, but plumbing pipe fittings don't have to be super tight in order to function properly. In fact, pipes should only be hand tight to help aid the flow of water throughout your home.
Additionally, while not required, Teflon tape can add further security to your installation if your toilet hose is leaking. And taking that extra step never hurts!
Do not overtighten the supply line. Screwing a supply line on too tight is one of the worst things you can do. Such overtightening will cause the metal threads inside of the line to become warped, making it much easier for water to slip past. It may also damage the rubber O-rings inside of the line.
Braided Stainless Steel Supply Lines: These are the most durable and can last up to 10 years or more. They are resistant to wear and tear, making them a popular choice for homeowners. PVC Supply Lines: These plastic lines are affordable and easy to install but typically last around 5-8 years.
We do not recommend using Flex Seal on foam. Some foams may react poorly with Flex Seal, and may warp or dissolve. We also do not recommend using it in situations where it is subjected to high heat or pressure (such as engine radiators) or gas tanks. We do not recommend the use of Flex Seal spray on vinyl.
The International Plumbing Code requires caulk around the base of a toilet. You must use 100% silicone caulk where fixtures meet the wall or floor. Here are a few of the primary reasons it's required, and you should take the time to properly seal toilets above and beyond basic code requirements.
Common issues that can cause a water supply line leak include wear and tear, corrosion, or a crack or small hole in the line. If your water line is damaged, it's important to replace it with a new supply line to prevent water damage and any further leaks.
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.
Age of the Water Supply Line: Like all elements of your house, your toilet water supply line has a lifespan. If your supply line is more than ten years old, it's a good idea to get it inspected by a professional, as it might be nearing the end of its life expectancy.
1/2" BSP Conical Washer. Flexible Tap Connector 15mm x 1/2" BSP 150mm -1000mm New Tap Toilet Braided Hose. Commonly used to seal toilet inlet fill valves.
Replacing a toilet supply line costs in the typical range between $130 and $300. This includes the cost of the line itself and the labor to install it.