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The one question everyone dreads to hear at a family gathering is, “How to turn the water off to a toilet?” Whether you have a 3-year-old niece who thinks if you make the water go away by flipping the lid or your 70-year-old grandma who can’t figure out how to shut off the water supply, we’ve all had it happen.
Toilet leaks are inevitable, but what if you could fix the problem without a plunger? In this article, we will learn about new technology that has been invented which will either allows you to turn the water off to a toilet or close the valve.
How to Turn the Water Off to a Toilet – Great Examples
Are you ever in a bind and have to turn the water off to your toilet? If, don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, turning the water off to a toilet is something that happens to plenty of people every day. But why is it important to do this? Well, let’s take a look at some reasons why it is important to turn the water off in a toilet? And “How to turn the water off to a toilet?”
Water is used in many ways in your daily life. It is an essential part of many things – from showers, washing the dishes, and flushing the toilet. However, when you’re trying to conserve water or just not go over your allotted use, it’s time to turn off the water from your faucet.
Why it’s important to plumb your toilet?
Plumbing is important due to many reasons as if the water is left on in the toilet, it can cause damage to the plumbing. This can lead to leaks, which can cost you money in the long run. Additionally, leaving water on in the toilet can also lead to bacteria growth, which could make you sick. So, if you ever find yourself in a bind and have to turn the water off to a toilet, make sure to do so as quickly and safely as possible.
Basics of Saving water
Water conservation is the most important thing to do and reduce its environmental impact.
Easy Tips to consume water
Here are easy ways to turn the water off to a toilet:
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Knob
Turn the knob on the top of the toilet tank. If you have a dual flush toilet, be sure to disable the second flush.
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Uncover drain pipe
Remove the cover on the drain pipe leading from the toilet tank to the street or other outlet. This pipe may be covered with a flapper or a plastic cap. Put your hand inside the opening and turn the screw at the top of the cover until it comes off.
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Use Bucket
Find an outlet inside or outside of your home near where you usually use your bathroom. Place a bucket under this outlet and turn off the electrical switch that supplies power to that room.
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Main Water Line
Find the main water line coming into your home and shut off the valve that supplies water to your toilet.
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Manual Toilet – Bolts
If you have a manual toilet, unscrew the bolts that hold the tank in place and lift it out of the way. Just turn off the water supply to the toilet by closing off the valve at the bottom of the tank.
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Automatic Toilet – Sensors near Drain
If you have an automatic toilet, there is likely a sensor located near the drain that will automatically turn off the water when you lift up the handle. Just be sure to reset the sensor after turning off the water.
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Scoop Cold Water
If all everything fails and you can’t find any valves or sensors, use a bucket or pan to scoop cold water into your toilet and hold it there for about three minutes until the water turns off on its own.
How to Prevent This from occurring again?
If you have noticed water continuously flowing from your toilet despite turning the water off, it is likely that a kink or obstruction in the pipe has caused the flow. If its important to prevent this from happening again, follow these simple steps:
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Obvious Obstruction
Look for any obvious obstructions near the toilet – a tree branch, metal wire fence, etc. – and remove them if possible. If these are not available, use a plunger to suction onto the kink or obstruction and force it out of the pipe.
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Loose connections
If removing an obstruction is not possible, try tightening any loose connections nearby. Use a wrench or pliers to turn bolts and nuts as tight as possible; make sure you don’t over-tighten them as this can cause damage to the plumbing system.
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Call an expert
Call a professional to inspect and fix any damaged areas in the plumbing system.
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Disconnect the Tank
If there is still water in the tank, unscrew the water supply line at the back of the toilet and disconnect it from the tank. Be sure to replace it once you’re finished.
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Replace Tools
Replace any damaged or missing screws on the tank lid. These screws hold in place the flapper valve, which allows water to flow into and out of the tank during use.
Mistakes to Avoid
If you have to turn the water off to a toilet, there are a few things to avoid in order to keep yourself and others safe. Here are three common mistakes people make when turning the water off to a toilet:
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Correct Procedure
Failing to use the correct procedure. Toilet valves open from the bottom, so it is important to turn them off using the correct method – by rotating the handle towards you.
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Unverified Water removal
Not verifying that all water is gone. Once the valve is closed, it’s easy to forget that some water may still be flowing in and around the tank. Make sure the handle is turned all the way off before leaving the bathroom – or wait at least five minutes after flushing before exiting in case there’s residual water on the floor or fixture.
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Safety Guidelines
Not following safety guidelines during repairs or renovations. Always wear gloves, face protection, and eye protection when working with toilets – even if you’re just turning off the water for a moment. Never lean over a running toilet – especially if it’s wet – and never stick your head under a running faucet to check for leaks.
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Prolonged Wait
Not waiting long enough: If you wait too long, the water will start flowing out of the spigot and onto the floor. This causes flooding and damage to your home.
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Pushing the plunger
Pushing the plunger can cause water to enter the toilet and cause flooding. Instead, use a bucket or a scoop to catch the water before it reaches the toilet.