today I installed a new Kohler Wellworth and new supply line. There’s a leak at the locknut where it meets the porcelain. I used a piece of cloth to make sure the leak is here and not the new supply line. When I was tightening the supply line (by hand and I’m not all that strong), I heard a loud snap and the tubing from the fill valve to the overflow had popped off. I can’t seem to get that back on, and I’m wondering what to do about the leak at the locknut. I don’t have the right wrench to tighten it but it feels tight when I try it with my hand. Do I have to replace the whole fill valve?
Toilet leaking at lock nut
repairtoilet
Related Solutions
It seems as if you have an obstruction that may be floating around in the pipe or valve. Sometimes it obstructs sometimes it flows clear. I would start with changing the water valve. If this is the old style "gate" valve there are several things that can clog the line. I would replace it with a 1/4 turn ball valve. That will give you much better flow than a gate valve. You will need to shut down the water probably at the main. The old valve is probably soldered, but you could cut it off and use a compression type valve instead. "Sharkbite" is one such supplier. Although I have never used their compression valve, I have used their end caps and found them to work well.
If you can have someone hold a bucket under the pipe once you cut off the valve and then a second person turns on the water main to fill the bucket to purge the line of any debris. With cast iron pipes it is common to get clogs from rust build up. The rust may not pass the small opening in the old gate valve when you first purged the line.. Although you did not mention what type of pipes you have, if it's copper than you won't normally find rust obstructions..
You need a new washer inside the loose connection. The tank/hose connector is 7/8 inch (in the States). An "O"-ring of proper size will do. I've substituted the washer from a garden hose in a desperate situation. But it would be wise to purchase a flat washer specifically for the 7/8 inch tank connector.
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Best Answer
If it is leaking at the nut against the porcelain, then the seal inside is not sealing or the fill valve has a crack. The inside seal is where is where the water is held. Shut off the water at the valve and remove the supply line. Does it still leak? Flush the toilet to remove water, then remove the fill valve, carefully examine it, then reinstall.