I've noticed a slow drip from the water line connecting my toilet tank to the wall. I've been able to replace the flushing mechanism inside the tank before, but I've never tackled this water line. I want to handle it myself as a somewhat handy person. Can I do this on my own? What tools do I need?
3 Answers
You can definitely do this! The trickiest part will be ensuring the shut-off valve is working properly so you won't flood your bathroom. You just need an adjustable wrench or channel locks. Oh, and putting down a towel can save you from a wet floor! If it's been a while since the shut-off's been used, it might stick a little.
Yeah, definitely good to have a towel ready. Those shut-offs can be unpredictable if they haven't been turned in a while.
Definitely give it a shot! Just make sure to follow the necessary steps: turn everything off, unscrew the old line carefully (especially if the valve might break), and replace it with the same type of line. If you have a picture of your setup, that could help for more detailed advice on what to get at the store. Remember to use two wrenches—one to hold the connection in place and the other for turning. And don’t over-tighten, especially if your nuts are plastic!
Great tips! I learned the hard way to not over-tighten my connections—had a leak disaster once.
Absolutely, those plastic nuts can crack under too much pressure. Better to be safe!
It's totally manageable if you're careful. Just turn off the water supply and flush the tank to confirm it’s empty. If you see a braided cable with nuts on both sides, you've got this! Just be sure to practice a bit of patience and check everything once you’re done.
Exactly! Sometimes it's just a simple tightening that can fix the problem.
Another point is to make sure the nut on your toilet's fill valve is snug, as a loose connection might be causing the leak instead of the line.

And maybe a spare pair of pants if the valve gives you trouble!