Most good drain leak will recommend replacing a gate valve regardless of its condition. The time to discover if it will work is not during a flood in your bathroom. If you have it replaced with a ball valve then check your water heater and laundry valves, too. Have them replaced at the same time with premium ball valves. Ball valve laundry bibbs make it easy to shut off the water to the washer after each use which may help to prevent floods in the future.
With a putty knife, carefully scrape the remaining parts of the wax ring from the area. Clean the spot so that the new wax ring will be level. Place a new wax ring on the opening and replace the toilet. Bolt it back onto the floor, reconnect the water line repair supply tube and watch for leaks as the water is turned back on.
If you need to add copper pipe make sure that you clean the old and new pipe by using sandpaper, inside and out. If it's not clean the solder will not flow into the joint. Another tip is to not over wrap the mail threaded pipe with tape, this can cause a leak. Twice around should be enough. Also, don't over tighten it.
The next step in this process is to determine what type of method is available for fixing the problem. You cannot just caulk a crack or fill it in with cement and hope for the best. Unfortunately, there is more work than this because you have to fix the problem from both the inside out and the outside in. This takes a professional in most cases to determine the best method for repair.
Investigate the plumber's reputation. Ask a neighbor before starting your search or check online for customer reviews. Call the Better Business Bureau or your city to ask about any complaints on file against this company. Finally, ask the plumbing company for references from customers. If they are reluctant to provide references water line repair call another plumber.
The work area should always be clean and free of trash and clutter. The cleaner and less clutter there is in a Plumbers' work area, the better able a plumber will be to make sure that his job goes as smoothly as possible.
A large plumbing job, such as re-piping or installing additional fixtures, may require a permit. Check with your city's department of building and safety before asking for estimates, and avoid any plumbers who are reluctant to comply with regulations.