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    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
     
    #1

    Apr 23, 2010, 10:26 PM
    Loosening a Toilet Tank Supply Valve That is Stuck. How Do You Do It?
    Hi, All!

    Upstairs toilet tank supply valve is stuck to what it's threaded to on the floor. When trying to turn it with a wrench, things are starting to bend!

    I've replaced it previously with success. Can't figure out what the problem is...

    What to do?

    Thanks!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Apr 24, 2010, 06:41 AM

    Is the pipe the stop's threaded into copper or galvanized? Can you get a wrench under the stop to back the wrench you're using onn the stop? Is this same toilet wiith a cracked bowl? Regards, Tom
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #3

    Apr 24, 2010, 10:31 AM
    Hi, Tom!

    Looks like a galvanized pipe onto which it's threaded.

    Originally posted by speedball1
    Can you get a wrench under the stop to back the wrench you're using onn the stop?
    I'm not sure what you mean by the above?

    It's the upstairs toilet. The cracked one is in the basement.

    Thanks!
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #4

    Apr 24, 2010, 01:25 PM
    Hi Clough...

    What Tom is wondering is if you used two wrenches when you attempted to remove the shutoff... one to hold against yourself as you used the other wrench to loosen the old shutoff? I would suggest that you give that a shot, but as you know be careful not to overtorque or you could break the pipe off below the floor.

    Otherwise, you could take a torch and heat the shutoff at the threads. Here, heat the shutoff at the threaded region until almost red. The heat should cause the shutoff to expand and then you can try to remove it using two wrenches again. Be careful of the toilet... they don't like flame... ;) If needed, remove the toilet to facilitate removal of the shutoff.

    If that fails to get this shutoff off let us know as there is another option or two... usually reserved for plumber's only.

    Finally, wait for Tom... never know what he may have up his sleeve as well.

    Mark
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #5

    Apr 24, 2010, 08:10 PM
    Okay, Mark! I'll try what you and Tom have suggested!

    Thanks!

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