Toilet shutoff valve issues (Lowes, heat, installing, bathroom)

[IonRedline08]

Hi all.

I recently noticed a leak around my toilet, and was able to pinpoint it that it was the shut off valve.

I went and got a new 1/4 turn shutoff valve from Lowes.

When I started installing it, I noticed that the "packing nut" is on the pipe from the the wall and will not come off. It just spins around the pipe.

I tried to use that one to hook my new valve, and ,of course, it is still leaking.

How would you attack this? I really could use working plumbing this weekend

[IonRedline08]

I apologize... It's the compression nut that is spinning and will not come off

[High_Plains_Retired]

I assume the compression nut is spinning on the line because the compression fitting under the nut is stuck on the pipe? Idf so, do you have enough water line coming out of the wall to cut it off just below the old compression nut and install a new compression fitting and nut? If not, you may have to push the nut back and split the old compression fitting with, say, a small Dremel grind wheel being very careful not to damage your water line.

[IonRedline08]

I believe that is the case as well. No, the amount of pipe coming out is very small. I may have to cut the nut off

[High_Plains_Retired]

Or use the old fittings by using some white silicone tape under the old nut if the compression fitting is not damaged too much.

[lvoc]

You should be able to force the nut back and expose the compression fitting. If so grab it with a suitable tool and try and work it off. I agree that you will then need to split it and remove if you can't get any motion. But if it starts to move you should be able to delicately muscle it off.

Note that if the stub is long enough it is probably easier just to cut it off.

[lvoc]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

Or use the old fittings by using some white silicone tape under the old nut if the compression fitting is not damaged too much.

I like this better. Try it first. A little tape can often fix this sort of a problem with a lot less work.

[High_Plains_Retired]

I agree with Ivoc that you should first try to remove the old compression fitting before cutting anything. You may try to apply a little heat to the old compression using a small propane cigarette lighter but be very careful not to set you bathroom on fire. That compression fitting should be brass so very little heat should be required to cause it to swell and loosen if it is going to.

But try the tape first if it will work.

[IonRedline08]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I went to lowes, and was able to find a tool to remove the ring and the nut.

Now... I seemingly have it all installed... but, I can pull the valve off of the pipe coming from the wall.. WTF did I do wrong here! It doesn't seem to be "compressing" to the pipe.

[lvoc]

Originally Posted by IonRedline08

Thanks for the suggestions.

I went to lowes, and was able to find a tool to remove the ring and the nut.

Now... I seemingly have it all installed... but, I can pull the valve off of the pipe coming from the wall.. WTF did I do wrong here! It doesn't seem to be "compressing" to the pipe.

Hey you did the hard part.

Tighten the nut more. If you can pull it off it is not properly tightened.

You need two wrenches...and turn them against each other. The worst you can do is break the wrench.

Twist hard.