If you have a broken toilet, whatever the fix calls for, there is a good chance you’ll need to cut off the water supply. Fortunately, this is easy to do and takes no time at all. This article will explain how to turn off the toilet water supply. Without further ado, let’s get to it.
Turning Off Toilet Water Supply in 3 Steps
- Locate the shut-off valve.
- Turn it clockwise to the closed position.
- Flush the toilet to drain the tank in order to verify that the water supply is cut off.
If it refills with water, it means the shut-off valve is not functioning properly. You’re going to have to pull out the big guns and shut off the main water supply to the house. Once you do that, you can get to your project with the toilet (and you’ll probably want to replace your shut-off valve in the process).
What If There Is No Shut-Off Valve?
In older homes or unusual installations, there may not be an individual shut-off valve at all. In this case:
- You’ll need to shut off your home’s main water supply temporarily.
- Consider installing a dedicated toilet shut-off valve during future repairs for convenience.
“Adding an angle stop during any bathroom renovation is highly recommended—it gives homeowners control without needing access to main lines.” – Excerpt from Fluidmaster Fill Valve Installation Manual
FAQ: Turning Off Toilet Water
- Q: Can I still use other fixtures in my home if I turn off my toilet’s shut-off valve?
- Yes. Turning off the toilet’s shut-off valve only affects that specific fixture. All other sinks, showers, and appliances will continue to work normally.
- Q: What should I do if my toilet shut-off valve is leaking?
- If the valve is leaking at the handle or connection points, try tightening it gently with a wrench. If it continues to leak, it may need to be replaced. You can find replacement valves and parts in our selection of
toilet supply lines. - Q: What if there is no shut-off valve behind my toilet?
- If your toilet doesn’t have a dedicated shut-off valve, you’ll need to turn off your home’s main water supply before performing any repairs. Consider having a plumber install an angle stop for future convenience.
- Q: How often should I check or test my toilet’s shut-off valve?
- It’s a good idea to check your shut-off valves once a year by turning them off and back on again. This prevents mineral buildup and ensures they’re working properly when you need them.
Save on Toilets & Parts
Now that you know how to shut off the water to the toilet, don’t forget to gather the necessary toilet parts and plumbing tools to complete your project. Plumbing professionals and DIY novices alike choose PlumbersStock because of our great prices and trusted name brands. We are leaders in online plumbing supply for a good reason. Industry professionals can take advantage of special deals when they purchase in bulk, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Additionally, you can find other helpful how-to plumbing tutorials.
Related resources:
How to Drain a Toilet
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Tank
How to Plunge a Toilet
Replace Toilet Supply Line
Snaking a Toilet Clog
Stopping a Toilet Overflow
Unclogging a Toilet Without a Plunger
About the Author
Nathan is a product expert and has worked for PlumbersStock since 2012. Like many in the company, he's a graduate of Southern Utah University. He enjoys spending time with his family, the gym, being in the mountains, reading, movies, music, watching sports, and playing CoD online with his little brother.
