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KarenSky · Oct 14, 2005, 06:57 PM

My house was built in 1979.
I have a leak in the water supply line connecting from the turn-off valve down by the baseboard to the tank. I just replaced the guts of the toilet and when I got ready to turn the water back on, the bendable line was leaking. Evidently the line was bent one too many times in the process.

What is the easiest way to remove this bendable line, for replacement. Any suggestions on this job? Just looking at it, it looks like it will be a bear to disconnect.

Also any suggestions for the replacement supply line before I make a trip to the store in the morning?

Thanks!

labman · Oct 14, 2005, 07:43 PM

Did you have the one end loose to replace the guts of the toilet? That end shouldn't be too bad. Clean up the end next to the valve with a wire brush and put some penetrating oil on it. If you don't have any, try the non stick spray for baking pans or dribble a little cooking oil on it. Next give it many light blows with a hammer. Now try the best wrench you have, a open end wrench that fits it if possible, or a big Crescent type wrench. Don't round the nut off. Instead, cut the line off and try a 6 point socket that fits it. Keep going back to the hammer and oil. Once you have it loose, take the pieces to the store. You may get more help at an Ace or True Value hardware than Lowe's or Home Depot.

KarenSky · Oct 15, 2005, 08:16 AM

I printed your reply and will follow your directions. Yes, I did have one end off already (tank side). I appreciate your help, and will let you know if I am successful. -SKY

speedball1 · Oct 15, 2005, 09:05 AM

Hi Karen,

To get the 1/4" chrome compression nut off the angle stop all you have to do is put a cresent wrench on the nut and turn it out counter clockwise. Might I suggest that you use a flexible toilet supply instead of a 1/4" chrome over copper tube to connect the water back up to the tank.

KarenSky · Oct 15, 2005, 10:05 AM

Thanks, speedball1... the update is that the water supply broke off leaving only 1/2" or so of the flexible supply line at the top of the shut off valve (behind it). Having trouble getting that piece off. Wonder if the whole shut off valve unit needs to be taken off... which means turning off the water main. Looks like a plumber is my next option, but I am going to keep trying. Thanks for your tip!

speedball1 · Oct 15, 2005, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by KarenSky

Thanks, speedball1..........the update is that the water supply broke off leaving only 1/2" or so of the flexible supply line at the top of the shut off valve (behind it).

As I understand it all you have to do is unscrew the 1/4" compression nut and pull off the nut and what's left of the tube. . Am I missing something here? Here's a pix of a angle stop. When you get the 1/4" nut off you may then reconnect the supply using the flexible supply, which already has the nuts on the flexible supply as shown in my last post. Cheers, Tom

labman · Oct 15, 2005, 10:27 AM

Tom was assuming things would go right, and I was assuming they would go like they always go for me. Don't give up. Keep up with the hammer and oil. Crescent wrenches are great time savers , but often round off a nut that has been there for 30 years. Even once partly rounded, the 6 point socket will still turn stubborn nuts once loosened up with the hammer and oil.

I was counting on the guy at the hardware to suggest the flexible hose. Bad choice if you have a problem chewing dog. I had to armor my air conditioner.

KarenSky · Oct 15, 2005, 10:37 AM

Mine looks like your picture EXCEPT it does not have the 1/4" compression nut. There is only the very slightest ring--almost as if it is all one piece. I do think I could loosen the nut, if there were one--but there is not one there. Everytime I turn with the pliers, counterclockwise, the remaining piece just bends like putty, and there is nothing beyond the remaining piece of line--just the base of the shut off valve "pipe". Ugh!
I do appreciate everyone's help.

labman · Oct 15, 2005, 11:00 AM

Is the ring you mention where Tom's picture shows the nut? Is it roughened, it is called knurled? It may have been used in place of the nut. If the pliers won't turn it, try something heavier, Channelllocks, Vice-Grips, or a pipe wrench. Might be a good idea to shut the main valve off. The pipe the valve is screwed to could break off.

If that doesn't do it, perhaps try the valve itself. If you have to pull very hard on it, you could damage the pipe or unscrew it from the wall. Try to hold it with a pipe wrench while turning the valve. And yes, as you look straight at something, you turn it counter clockwise to unscrew it.

If you don't have the tools, you may need to buy them or borrow them. The other alternative is to pay a plumber to come and use his.

speedball1 · Oct 15, 2005, 11:19 AM

OK Karen,

Labman's correct I didn't realize the 1/4" compression nut had morphed into a nubbin.
Why fight it? They don't cost so much, so purchase a new angle stop, shut the water off to the house and unscrew the 1/2" compression nut coming out of the wall. Use the same nut to reinstall your new angle stop and connect using a flexible supply. Note: If you have a supply eating dog, such as Labmans, get a metal braided supply or trade in the old dog. (Just kiddin! )
Cheers, Tom