Have tried using channel lock pliers but cannot get the nut to budge (turning it clockwise if looking from above, or counter-clockwise from below).

The fill valve is a very old American Standard metal fill valve that uses a ball cock for shut off.

The supply line seemed to be leaking from the line itself, so I figured I’d replace it while I replaced some of the internal fill valve gaskets/rubber valve and parts.

I would like to know if I can undo this nut without buying a lot of tools or stuff that I’ll just use once—- but willing to buy if it will work for sure. I have a set of channel lock pliers of varying sizes, but no basin wrenches, vise lock pliers or penetrating oil / WD-40 (ran out).

Photos:







One problem: the toilet is VERY close to a tub on the left (5” from the side of the tank to the tub, there’s a bit more room under the tank but not enough for me to lay on my back fully, just kind of on my side), and I can only barely squeeze between to look underneath, without much room to maneuver so I can’t get much torque if I’m under. Above I can’t see what I’m doing…

I’ve read that maybe I need to grip the nut holding the fill valve stem to the tank and then turn the supply line nut, but I have no way of getting both my arms underneath.

What can I do to loosen the nut?

Thanks for any advice!

UPDATE: I was finally able to remove by using locking pliers to hold the fill valve in place (braced against the side of the tank), so when I turned the supply line nut it wouldn’t move together.



Edited 1 times.

I would use a Dremel tool and cut a vertical slot in the nut. Insert a screwdriver in the slot, twist and try to expand/crack the nut. If you have a small torch, you could try heating the nut to expand it.

yeah, the seal at that joint is made by a rubber gasket.
so if you make a tiny knick in the male threads, it will do no harm.

Thank you both, I’ll give those ideas a try and report back.

So I tried using heat (no dice) and a basin wrench I borrowed. The toilet is low profile so the basin wrench doesn’t quite fit, just an inch or so too long, and I can’t get a good grip to turn, and when I do turn it seems to be turning the fill valve too.

I don’t have anyone that can help me, and I was thinking I could maybe try a faucet wrench like this:

[www.amazon.com]

Would that work? The supply line product page shows the diameter of the connection is 7/8”, but I think the nut is bigger, is it a standard size?

[www.kullysupply.com]

I want to try this before doing dremel since I can’t really see what I’m doing under the toilet since it’s such a tight space.

Thanks!

You need a basin wrench with a square shaft AND 'someone' to hold back on the valve in the tank.

[a.co]

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638