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Disconnect the Supply Line — Disconnect Water Supply Line

Beginner

Part of project

How to Fix a Leaking Toilet Base by Replacing the Wax Ring · Step 3 of 10

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In this video

Place a bucket and towel under the supply line connection. Using two adjustable wrenches, hold the faucet's connection nut steady with one wrench (the backup wrench) while turning the supply line nut counter-clockwise with the other wrench to loosen and disconnect it.

Goal: Remove the supply line from the faucet body

  • Using a backup wrench is crucial to prevent the faucet's copper tubing from twisting and breaking.

Used in this video

  • Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Wrench, Material: Metal)Loosening and tightening the supply line nuts.
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This Old House

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FAQs

What safety precautions are most important when handling a toilet and dealing with wastewater?

Always wear sturdy work gloves, such as nitrile, to protect against bacteria and grime. Toilets are heavy, so lift with your legs and consider having a helper to prevent back injuries. Ensure the water supply is completely shut off and the tank is drained before attempting to remove the toilet.

How long should I expect this project to take, and what's the typical cost for materials?

This project typically takes 1 to 3 hours for a beginner, assuming no unforeseen issues like a damaged flange. The material cost is quite low, usually ranging from $10-$30, primarily for the new wax ring and bolts, plus any disposable items like gloves or rags.

What are the most common mistakes beginners make when replacing a wax ring, and how can I avoid them?

A common mistake is not thoroughly cleaning the old wax and debris from the flange, which prevents a proper seal. Another is overtightening the toilet bolts, which can crack the porcelain base. Ensure the toilet is seated evenly and firmly without rocking before tightening the nuts.

Should I use a traditional wax ring or consider a wax-free alternative for my toilet?

Traditional wax rings are very reliable and typically the most cost-effective option, offering a watertight seal. Wax-free alternatives, often made of rubber or foam, are reusable if the toilet needs to be reset and can be more forgiving for beginners, as they compress more easily without being messy. Both are effective, so the choice often comes down to personal preference for ease of use and mess.

Transcript
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to take this off right at the faucet right there. I'm dealing with this and you're taking these two things apart. So when taking these two things apart, you want to have a backup wrench, okay? So if possible, I like to use two adjustable jaws. Maybe which way you like to turn them. It's funny how much flack I get for not using them right but you know what? You look at this right here, guess what? I can't actually put that on one way but it fits the other in this tight space. So guess what? I use them how I want to use them. And then I might have to flip it over because it's such a tight space and flip it again. Look at that. All right, get that popped off and make sure we've got good flow.

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