Tool for removing 3 inch flush valve?

[John_]

Not sure whether this post should be here or on the toilet forum, but decided to start here.

I have a Toto Drake II toilet that has a leaking 3 inch flush valve. The PVC/plastic nut that holds the flush valve to the tank is 3.5 inches wide. I am having trouble finding a wrench with a wide enough opening to remove the nut from the bottom of the tank. Of course, I'd rather not destroy the thing by using pliers or a wrench with serrated jaws.

Any solution for your average home owner without purchasing a hard-to-find tool for what is likely a one time use? What would a professional plumber use?

 

[Terry]

We use large pliers.
Sometimes you can just snug up the nut and that is all that is needed.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[John_]

Channel Lock brand has a 16inch plier (model #460) whose jaw opening is wide enough but jaws are serrated. Probably doesn't really matter if the fitting gets slightly mangled.

 

[Will Rogers Plumbing]

http://www.channellock.com/Category.aspx?zcid=109

I use Oil Filter Pliers on stuff like that. Works well on shower drains too.

 

[LLigetfa]

Sometimes I just use what I have around the house and in the case of serrated jaws, I might put some tape on it. Other times, I might make a single use socket out of some ABS or PVC pipe and a heat gun. I might even resort to using a hand screw wood clamp as a spanner.

 

[John_]

I thought about making a "wrench" out of some plywood I have, but the clamp idea may be just the ticket. Good idea!

Let me add that Toto customer service is responsive and a replacement valve is on its way to me. The tech I spoke with commented that leaking flush valves are very rare and suspects that the tank could be defective. My hope is that I only have to snug the fitting down.

 

[WellHead]

7-bucks at HF...

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html