How to Turn Off Water to Your Toilet [Easy!]

In an emergency, like an overflowing toilet, knowing how to turn off water to your toilet can prevent a messy disaster. Homeowners often find themselves in a panic, not knowing the right steps to take. 

We are experts that will provide the best solution for quickly shutting off the water supply, helping you avoid extensive damage and costly repairs.

In this post, we will ensure you master essential toilet repair skills and be prepared for any plumbing issues. Let’s get started!

4 Steps to Shut Off Your Toilet’s Water Supply

Before starting, remember that things can get nasty, so wear gloves and a mask for your safety. Now, let’s explore how to turn off water to the toilet.

1. Locate the toilet shut off valve

The first step is to find the toilet water supply valve, which may differ depending on the models. Most commonly, the shut-off valve is located on the wall behind the toilet, near the floor. Follow the water supply line (a flexible pipe or copper pipe) from the toilet cistern to the wall to find it.

Some older toilets may have the shut-off valve integrated into the cistern lid. If you can’t find it behind the toilet, lift the cistern lid to check. In some cases, particularly in apartments or units, the shut-off valve for the toilet might be located under the sink, usually in a bathroom vanity.

This valve is typically a small handle or knob connected to a pipe. But, here are the valve types just in case you can’t find it:

• Lever-style valve: This type is easy to identify with a handle that can be moved up or down. To turn off the water, simply push the lever down until it stops.
• Round or oval valve: This type often has a slot for a flat-head screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it stops to turn off the water.
• Push-and-turn valve: This type has a small handle that needs to be pushed in before it can be turned. Push the handle in and then turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops to shut off the water.

In Australia, plumbing standards generally dictate that turning a valve to the right (clockwise) closes it (“righty tighty”) and turning it to the left (anti-clockwise) opens it (“lefty loosey”).

2. Don’t flush

When faced with a clogged toilet, your first instinct might be to flush it again, hoping the blockage will clear. However, this is the worst thing you can do as it will not unblock a toilet. Here’s why:

• Overflow Risk: Flushing a clogged toilet forces more water into an already full bowl and cistern. This excess water has nowhere to go but up and over the rim of the toilet, leading to an overflow.
• Water Damage: An overflowing toilet can quickly flood your bathroom floor, seep into the walls, and even damage the ceiling below if you live in an apartment or multi-storey house. This water damage can be costly to repair and may even lead to mould growth.
• Wastewater Exposure: If the clog is severe, flushing can cause sewage to back up into your toilet bowl or even your sink or bathtub. This poses a serious health risk due to the presence of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
• Worsening the Clog: Repeated flushing can compact the blockage further, making it even more difficult to clear. It can also push the clog deeper into your plumbing system, potentially leading to more extensive blockages.

3. Turn off the toilet shut off valve

Next, you need to turn off the valve. Turn the handle or knob clockwise to stop the water flow. If the valve is tight or difficult to turn, use a wrench to help or apply a bit of lubricant. Be careful not to force it too much, as this can break the valve and lead to more serious problems.

4. If not successful, turn off the main water supply

You might be unable to turn off the toilet valve. Or, it’s even harder to turn off water toilet with no valve. For these cases, you will need to turn off the main water supply for your home. 

The main shut off valve is typically located where the main water line enters your house, often in a basement, utility room, or near the water meter. Turning this off will stop all water flow to your house, giving you time to address the toilet issue without further flooding.

What Should You Do If the Water Keeps Running?

If the water keeps running despite turning off the valve, there might be an issue with the internal components of the toilet. To fix a toilet that keeps running, you may need to inspect the flapper, float, and fill valve inside the tank. 

Ensure the flapper is sealing properly, adjust the float if it’s set too high, and check the fill valve for any defects. If these adjustments don’t solve the problem, you might need to replace some of these parts.

Conclusion

Don’t let a plumbing emergency catch you off guard! By mastering how to turn off the water to your toilet, you can save your wallet and keep your home running smoothly. 

If you need professional help, trust the experts at Neighbourhood Plumbing. Call us today for fast, reliable service and peace of mind!