How can I shut off the water to my toilet?

Question

I'm trying to install a bidet in my apartment and I don't see a water shut-off valve. Or am I missing something?

Answer 1

Your picture shows that there is no water shutoff valve in the toilet water line.

If you have a separate water meter for your apartment, there could be a shutoff valve right after the meter. If the handle turns easily, turn it off, open the sink faucet to release water pressure, then remove the flexible toilet water pipe and add the bidet attachments. You can also add a water shutoff valve to the toilet supply pipe at the wall, to make repairs easier in the future. Some rags or dirty clothes under the water line can soak up dripping water. (Note: if the handle for the water meter valve does not turn easily, don't turn it off, it is probably jammed. Turning it harder will probably break it. You'll have to involve your landlord in the fix.)

It is possible there is no main water shutoff valve for your apartment. Some apartments only have main water shutoffs for the whole building. If you can't find it, you may have to ask your landlord to turn the water off.

Note, it may be a problem with your lease to add items to the water system. The landlord will likely let you know if a plumber has to install this for you to remain in compliance with your lease.

Answer 2

In theory you can freeze the pipe where the hose to the toilet connects, disconnect it, and add a proper connection with a shutoff valve like any properly installed toilet should have. Of course, if this messes up and the freeze plug doesn't hold, you'll have a gigantic mess and probably be responsible for damages. Since it's an apartment, the only really reasonable course of action is to contact the property owner/manager to figure out how they want it done. If that's not an option for some reason, then you have risk assessment to do...

Another option to consider: there's no reason the water for the bidet has to come from the toilet hookup. If you have access to run a hose from under the sink, and if the water lines under the sink have cutoff valves to service the faucets, you could just hook it up there instead.