Help on leaking supply inlet

[Daryl K]

Have an original toilet and hardware (~18 years) and it started leaking from the tank right where the large nut that compresses the inlet valve into the tank is located. The water would literally squeeze out between the tank bottom and the inlet valve nut.

I removed everything and purchased new toilet fill valve hardware (basically the two gaskets and nuts), cleaned the inlet hole at the bottom of any water and/or debris, reinstalled, turned on water and...same thing.

I pulled it back apart and cleaned the hole in the tank even better, in case I missed something, then applied liberal amounts of plumber's grease around all of the contact points between the new gasket, the hole in the tank, nuts, etc. Reassembled and turned water back on and...same thing.

Could the fill valve be causing this? Should I start replacing that? It's most noticeable when the tank is filling (i.e., there's water pressure), though it leaks more slowly when not filling. It just appears like it's a sealing problem between the gasket and tank itself, but I could be wrong.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Grease is not needed.

Either you have a defective fill valve or you have the gasket on backwards or there’s a defect ( crack ) in the tank.

Get a new fill valve, put the gasket on properly, omit the grease, tighten hand tight then turn the nut with channelocks just a hair more.

Not much at all, it doesn’t have to be wrench tight. If you’re strong like me you don’t even need channelocks.

Don’t use any pipe dope, grease, Teflon or beer

Good luck ✌

 

[Twowaxhack]

I just read your post again.

Replace the fill valve. It comes with new gaskets and hardware.

 

[Daryl K]

Thanks. I double- and triple checked the gaskets and they match the instructions as well as how the old ones were installed (convex side down for the inlet valve, convex side up for the small one that goes over the supply line). I don't see any cracks.

So a defective fill valve can also cause this?

 

[Daryl K]

Just saw your second reply. It shouldn't matter if the old nuts are replaced? I have a hard fill line and would have to pull it out of the shut-off valve (and replace compression nut) to get them off and new ones on.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Buy a new fill valve.

Use the parts that come with it.

Follow the directions.

Good luck

 

[Daryl K]

It was the fill valve. A complete replacement fixed that.

Ironically, after that (and probably from yanking the inlet line around) there appeared a new leak on the shut-off valve. I was able to tighten the nut down enough to clear it, but I suspect that'll need replacing soon.

Thanks!