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Shut Off Water and Empty Toilet — Shut Off Water Supply & Empty Tank

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

Fix Toilet Flush & Refill: Valve & Flapper Guide · Step 1 of 5

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In this video

First, locate the water shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. Then, flush the toilet to empty the tank and as much water from the bowl as possible. Use a sponge, towel, or a simple water pump to remove any remaining water from both the tank and the bowl to prevent spills when the toilet is moved.

Goal: Toilet Removal

  • Confirm the water is off by observing if the tank starts to refill after flushing. If it does, the valve is not fully closed or is faulty.

Used in this video

  • Towel or Sponge — Soaking up and removing residual water from the toilet tank and bowl.
  • Bucket — Wringing out the towel/sponge and collecting the removed water.
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FAQs

Is replacing a toilet fill valve and flapper truly a beginner-friendly DIY project, and can I really complete it within the estimated 2 hours?

Yes, this is a very common beginner-level DIY project. The most challenging part is often working in tight spaces. Most DIYers can complete it within 1-2 hours, especially if they have the replacement parts readily available.

Besides an adjustable wrench, are there any other tools or specific materials recommended to make this job easier or prevent issues?

While an adjustable wrench is the primary tool, a utility knife can be helpful for trimming the refill tube to the correct length. A bucket for any residual water and the specified HDX Multi-Purpose Sponge for thoroughly drying the tank are also highly recommended to prevent mess.

What are the most common reasons for leaks after installing a new fill valve or flapper, and how can I prevent them?

Leaks commonly occur from an improperly tightened water supply line connection or a misaligned washer on the new fill valve shank. Ensure all connections are hand-tightened first, then given a quarter to half turn with the adjustable wrench, and verify that the fill valve gasket is seated correctly against the tank bottom.

What crucial safety precautions or preparatory steps should I take beyond just turning off the water supply?

Always turn off the water supply behind the toilet and flush to drain the tank completely before beginning. Use the sponge to remove all remaining water from the tank to prevent spills. It's also a good idea to wear gloves and have adequate lighting to clearly see all connections.

Transcript
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So to remove the old toilet, shut off the water valve, flush as much as it'll flush and make sure it is no longer filling up the bowl with water. That's going to tell you whether your valve is still good or not. And then to get the remaining water out of the toilet bowl in the tank, I use the state of the art water gun with a hose tape to it. And I just dump it into a bucket. But if you don't have one of those, you can just use a towel and ring it out into a bucket. Or if you have one that's long enough, use the sprayer portion out of a spray bottle and just squirt it into a bucket. That might work too. And you have to get that water out.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.