Plumbing question, turning a round object...

[sapphire_chan]

The supply line shutoff valve on our toilet doesn't have the handle needed to make it work. And we don't have access to the water main since we're in an apartment.

Suggestions?

The nut at the end that holds the valve in place is rounded, the size that fits on it slips off with any pressure (although it occurs to me that was pre-WD40). The valve itself is round.

[lifeguard]

it's totally round? Kind of sounds like it might be stripped. Have you tried turning it using a pair of pliers?

[sapphire_chan]

Oh it's definitely stripped. Pliers just made it more round. This is for installing a diaper sprayer, and we do have an alternative (spray bottle for the win!). The internet hasn't been helpful at telling me if there are replacement parts available, I'm going to try calling around to hardware stores tomorrow.

[SleeplessMommy]

Sears has "robo grip" pliers that may work in this situation - they hold very tightly. Or you could try to get the owner to fix it.

[sapphire_chan]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

Sears has "robo grip" pliers that may work in this situation - they hold very tightly. Or you could try to get the owner to fix it.

Thing is, it isn't actually broken. I want to turn off the water to install a diaper sprayer, which might make them fussy seeing as how water's their utility.

About all I could do to get them to fix it would be to create a leak by loosening the connection to the tank. And I did try to see if I could unfasten the part to the tank and just put the supply line into a bucket while installing the sprayer--and I can't budge that either.

Too bad the sprayer won't fit onto the sink connection.

Thanks for the robo grip suggestion!

[lifeguard]

Don't tell them why you want it fixed. Just say you are concerned that if you ever had a leak you wouldn't be able to turn the water off. That should be sufficient.