Time: 45 minutes Grout is a crucial element of your tiling. If the first solder is successful, then it's time to finish the job. Slip new stop-and-waste valve into place between the just-cut pipe ends. Slide off the old sleeve, old compression nut and the escutcheon (if you're going to replace it). Shut the water off to the fixture. When the valve is in place and the compression fittings are adequately tightened, have the public works official or plumber slowly turn on the water. Before you can remove this nut you need to shut the water off to the valve. Once you identify the connection type, buy a quarter-turn shutoff ball valve to match the size of the incoming copper pipe and the size of the supply tube connection. Replacing Solder Main Water Shutoff Valves, Arrange to Have the Water Shut Down at the Street, Replacing Compression Main Shutoff Valves, Install the Main Water Shutoff Compression Valve, 7 Types of Water Shutoff Valves You Should Know About, How to Shut Off the Main Water Supply in a Mobile Home, How to Turn off the Water for Plumbing Repairs, How to Replace a Leaking Water Heater Drain Valve, A Step-by-Step Guide to De-Winterizing a House, Removing a Bathroom Vanity Cabinet, Sink, and Faucet, How to Find Your Home's Main Water Shut Off Valve. Do this at the closest, most accessible in-line shut-off valve that feeds it (if available) or at the main water supply valve. This type of valve has been proven on several occasions to be affordable, durable, and more effective than gate valves for residential water services. Use a small crescent wrench to tighten this nut if it starts to leak. Wrap the threads with thread seal tape or pipe thread compound. Check the inlet compression fitting for leaks by wiping it down with a paper towel. However, if this solder joint is leaking, the water will need to be shut down again and the joint will need to be re-soldered. You can fix it yourself with these 28 tips for becoming a master plumber! Speak to the public works official to turn the water off or operate the curb key on your own, if you have permission and the experience. If the sleeve is stuck, saw it and break it. Grooved, partially disintegrated? Turn the water back on and see if your water shut off valve works. Remove the old water shut-off valve. However, it should be noted that debris from the inside of the pipes can clog faucet aerators, so it's advised to remove the faucet aerators before recharging the system, though this isn't mandatory. Then open a faucet on the lowest level of your house and another faucet on an upper level to drain the pipes. 2000-2022 Home Depot. If done correctly, this will squeeze the thick, rubber washers that are inside these fittings, forming a watertight seal on the pipe. Use about 1/2-inch of solder for 1/2-inch of pipe diameter. So measure the length of the stub-out and refer to the valve manufacturer's length requirements before buying. Ta-da! We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Some have more than others. What is the condition of the washer? Sorry to burst your bubble, but you need to stop believing these 10 plumbing myths ASAP! We don't recommend the permanently installed supply tube version because you have to shut off the water and replace the entire unit if the supply tube ever needs replacement. If you are reattaching the old lines to the new valve, follow the same procedure you used to install the valve. With the flame protection cloth in place, heat the valve just enough to draw in the solder. Allow the water to continue flowing until you have checked the joint for leaks. Leaks can develop at this location. How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink, Stop Plumbing Leaks With Ball-Type Shutoff Valves, How to Install a New Bathroom Faucet in 8 Steps, How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer, How to Clean and Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain, The Best Bathroom and Kitchen Sink Faucets, How to Change a Showerhead in 3 Easy Steps, How to Make and Install a Flushmount Sink and Countertop, How to Build a Portable Prep Table for Your RV Road Trip, How to Install Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). The water should come out regularly, at first, then begin to taper off until it stops completely, indicating that the curb stop valve works and is fully closed. At this point in time you should also check the seat, see Step Three for information on making sure the seat is in good shape. To remove a compression-style valve, hold the valve body with an adjustable or open-end wrench, or a slip-joint pliers. Expect some water to flow out of the cut and drop into the bucket. You can buy specific sizes or packages that contain multiple sizes. The washer is the rubber (usually) disk that compresses to shut off the water. If you're replacing a sweat valve with a compression valve, sand off all traces of solder before adding the new escutcheon, nut and sleeve. However, if the water is not fully shut down it can be incredibly difficult to solder, so you need to know how to use compression fittings to deal with these circumstances. Connect the supply tube and test for leaks. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. 3. Wait for the valve to cool, then test out the new solder joint by opening the new main water shutoff valve. Once the valve and pipe have cooled, use a phone to speak to the public works official or an experienced helper. As soon as the solder melts, twist and pull the valve off the copper tubing with a pliers. Shut off the water leading to the valve being replaced. Home House & Components Fixtures Sinks. Tour This Renovated 220-Year-Old Farmhouse, With a wraparound porch and oversize windows that frame the views, an updated rear addition embraces its pastoral settingand readies a well-loved, almost 220-year-old farmhouse for another century of family life. Open the valve completely to keep the internal washer from melting. One on the valve itself and one on the nut. The fitting type is an internal mechanism that ensures a water-tight seal and can only be removed using a special tool. Then disconnect the supply tube from the shutoff valve. Examine the portion of the valve closest to the wall. Grab a cloth and clean them thoroughly to remove any residue. There is a nut on the base of the handle stem that holds the stem and washer assembly in place. Head over to your local hardware store and grab a replacement valve. You can cut the pipe with a tubing cutter or hacksaw just cut as close to the compression nut as possible. Lay down the drop cloth and set up the bucket underneath the valve with a towel nearby. To begin, drape the flame protection cloth over the copper tubing and tape it to the wall. Adjust the valve to make sure that the compression fitting is completely over the pipe, then begin to hand-tighten the compression nut. See Step Four for instructions. Peek inside and remove the old washer if it's stuck on the seat. Compression valves are also necessary if the curb stop (street) valve fails after the shutoff valve has been removed, in order to quickly stop the incoming rush of water that will begin flooding your home without a valve to stop the flow. This is also a good time to replace an old supply tube and a corroded escutcheon (wall trim plate). We'll take you to the exact aisle and bay. Attach the jumper cables to the pipe on either side of the valve. You will know that the system is fully recharged when there is no longer air coming out of any plumbing fixtures in the home, including faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Mostly disintegrated? Head to the sink that is closest to the main water shutoff valve and open the faucet to drain the water line. But if the pipe is rusted internally or the threads are rotted, this simple plumbing job can turn into a plumbing nightmare. They rarely lock up, leak or wear out and best of all, they'll take just an hour or so to install. Even a drop of water will immediately show up on paper towel, so it's a great resource to ensure that there are no leaks in the new valve. Thats the perfect amount to keep corrosion at bay. A sweat shutoff valve doesnt have any hex flats where the copper tubing enters from the wall. At this point, close the new valve and wipe it down with paper towel to inspect for leaks. Before installing a push-fit valve, remove any burrs from the open end. That should solve the problem. The dressing tool needs to have a cutting head that matches the size of your valve. When the flux begins to bubble, apply the solder at the joint. Slide it onto the pipe and attach with a compression nut. Contact the local public works office or hire a local plumber to use a curb key to turn off the curb stop valve located outside of the home. Hopefully your water shut off valve works as intended and shuts the water off. Its ok to let the lines dangle for now just be sure to have a bowl nearby to catch any drips. If installing a thread-type valve, remove any existing thread seal tape from the threads and clean them using a wire brush. Repeat for the other pipe end. This method is commonly used by plumbing professionals to prevent cutting the pipe when there isn't a lot of pipe coming out of the foundation, but if you have enough space, then cutting the pipe on both sides is a cleaner and easier way to remove the old valve. Let the water flow through the faucet to clear air in the lines. Then pull the valve off the copper tubing. All Rights Reserved. Then mark the installed length on the tubing and push the valve onto the tubing until it reaches the mark. This time there should be little to no water coming from the pipe while it's being cut. If removing a thread-type valve, hold the pipe steady with a pipe wrench and twist the valve off using an adjustable wrench. As noted above, the water should initially come out at a normal rate, then taper off before stopping entirely. Once the curb stop valve is closed, head inside and test the water by turning on a faucet. If installing a solder-type valve, place the valve onto the pipe to ensure a tight fit. Keep in mind that if you used an isolation valve, then there will be much less water to drain in the case of a leak. Here's how to put them in. Lay down a drop cloth and set up a bucket underneath the valve with a towel close at hand to wipe up any water that may miss the bucket. If your stub-out tubing is perfectly symmetrical, long enough and has a square-cut end, you might be able to use a push-fit valve to replace your old compression or sweat valve. Learn how to test and replace your main water shut-off valve before you need to use it. If no leaks are detected, then open the valve and test the outlet compression fitting. Then rotate and pull it off the tubing. As noted above, the water should initially come out at a normal rate, then taper off before stopping entirely. By closing an operational water shutoff valve, you can stop the flow of water from the municipal water system or well system. The pipe is still hot and will heat up the towel quickly, so make only brief contact. Tom Silva shows how to install baseboard trim that become visual anchors for any room. Complete DIY projects like a pro! Wipe the joint clean with a dry cloth before the solder dries. Next, heat the fitting using the propane torch. Remove the stem and wire-brush the opening in the new quarter-turn valve and apply flux to the valve and the copper tubing. Keep in mind that the first thing that needs to happen to replace the main water shutoff valve is that the water coming into the home needs to be shut down. Unroll a portion of solder and slowly apply heat to the inlet side of the new valve. The water should flow into the system and begin pouring out of the nearby open faucet. Twist it to distribute the flux evenly. Find the compression nut and use your wrench to unscrew it. Determine whether the valve to be replaced is connected to the pipe using solder, a compression fitting or threaded fitting. See any white, turquoise, or brown residue on the outside of the valve? We suggest replacing it it's easier than cleaning. Use a set of channel locks and a pipe wrench, or two pipe wrenches, to grip the nut and the compression fitting. This valve needs to be replaced using a threaded valve. Shut-off valves, also called supply stop valves, allow people to connect supply lines to sinks and toilets. Though some water will still come out of the pipe when the old valve is removed, the amount should be significantly reduced. Do not overtighten the nut. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows how to replace an old, corroded water-supply valvewithout soldering. We recommend our users to update the browser. Slide the valve over the copper pipe, ensuring that the bleeder valve (the small cap located on the side of the ball valve) is positioned toward the house side. At the end of the valve stem you will find a washer held in place by a screw. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 1/2 in. That means your valve is probably corroded, especially if the residue doesnt brush off. It is possible that you will have to shut off the main water supply valve. of stub-out tubing. Otherwise, when you remove the old valve it's possible that you can become the conduit for this flow of electricity. If your tubing will work, shop for a valve that meets your configuration needs (straight or angled). Prepare these fittings by taping the threads of the valve with Teflon tape, then screwing the compression fittings onto the valve. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Then open the water-main shutoff valve and let the water run until all the air is out of the pipes. Heat the remaining solder with the torch until it's molten. Knowing how to install valves can help you find leaks and troubleshoot other issues to avoid water damage in your home. They're a good alternative to sweat and compression fittings if you have enough tubing projecting out from the wall and if that tubing is in good shape. Clean the inside of the valve with the sanding cloth as well. (Older valves are especially prone to mineral build-up.). No one wants to think about plumbing gone wrong, but toilets clog and so do sinks. The main water shutoff valve, or the building control valve (BCV) as it is known in the professional plumbing community, is a valve that is installed on the main water pipe at the entrance to the home. This will over-compress the ferrule. Compression fittings are marked by a large compression nut where the valve connects to the pipe. We're sorry, but there's been error submitting your information. If youre replacing a sweat valve, youll need a torch, flux, solder, emery cloth, wire brushes and a flame protection cloth to shield the wall. Put on a leather glove and grab a damp cotton rag (microfiber cloth will melt). Thats a no-go if the shut-off valve is broken. Install the new water shut-off valve. If the valve has a compression nut but no hex flats, look for two flats on the sides of the valve body. Typically, the flow of water into the home is controlled by the main water shutoff valve, so without this valve in place, you will need to have the water shut off outside the home at the curb stop. As soon as the solder melts, wipe away the excess solder with a damp rag. (Its the one closest to the knob or lever.) Several companies make quarter-turn push-fit ball-style shutoff valves that install without tools. Hand-tighten the nut onto the valve. This is the first step in learning how to replace water shut-off valves. Close the new valve. If removing a compression-type valve, loosen the compression nut with an adjustable wrench. Arrange these supplies so that they are within reach and neatly organized. All valve have washers in them. Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. Removal methods vary according to valve type: Follow these steps to replace water shut-off valves in your home. Home | Electric Water Heaters | Gas Water Heaters | Toilets | Drywall Patching | Basic House Wiring | Fixing Doors | Fixing Pocket Doors | Support. Some cities will allow you to operate this valve, but this isn't often the case, because the curb stop valve is typically owned by the city or municipality. You can try this if the valve is too much trouble to replace. Open the faucet that is closest to the main water shutoff valve to drain the water line. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. If installing a compression-style valve, thread the valve into the compression. Remember to slowly add heat to the joint, so that the flux paste can work to pull in the liquid solder and form a complete seal. Repeat the process with the other side of the compression valve, ensuring that the valve and compression fittings remain in place while the nuts are being tightened. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the cut and twist the screwdriver to break the sleeve. Discuss possible options with the public works official to have the curb stop valve repaired before proceeding. This time there should be little to no water coming from the pipe while it's being cut. Turn on the main water supply and open the newly installed supply. Use a pipe wrench to secure the pipe and tighten the valve using an adjustable wrench. If no leaks are detected, then the curb stop valve can be left fully open. Grab the old sleeve with a pliers, using minimal pressure to avoid distorting the copper tubing. Repairing water shut off valves with washers will usually, well, it will involve the washer. Too much heat will simply burn the paste and make it more difficult to get the desired result. For shut off valves at your fixtures this may not be too much trouble. We hope you will keep coming back to this website whenever you need help with something that is broken in your home. The valve should now slide right off the pipe. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Replace a sweat valve with another sweat valve or a compression valve. Attach a canister of MAPP gas to the blow torch. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. There are several different types of valves, ranging from emergency shark bite valves to PEX pipe valves, but the most commonly used main shutoff valves are solder and compression valves. For help with toilet shut-off valve replacement and other heavy duty plumbing services, let our trusted professionals do it for you. Slide the new escutcheon and compression nut onto the copper tubing. Alternatively, the valve can be 'sweated' off by applying constant heat with the blowtorch in order to melt the old solder joints, allowing the valve to be removed with a set of channel locks, though this method is only recommended for individuals with soldering experience. Need Help? The flow of water should stop after a few minutes, indicating that the water line is completely drained. Finish cutting the pipe, then move to the inlet side and repeat the process. Always take all possible precautions before starting a project to help ensure that the work can be completed safely and successfully. If this area is not smooth or it is pitted, the valve will allow water to go through even when the washer is new. Finish tightening the nut using one adjustable wrench to hold the valve squarely and another to turn the nut. Slide the nut as far back on the pipe as possible to give yourself room to work. Be sure to wear leather gloves to prevent steam burns. Keep the seal between the valve and the pipe airtight by wrapping thread seal tape around the threads. Next, screw the compression nut onto the valve until snug. Replacing the main water shutoff valve isn't an easy DIY task, so if you aren't experienced with soldering, compression fittings, or plumbing in general, this is a task better left to a professional plumber for many reasons, including to avoid potential flooding, water damage, and even the risk of setting the home on fire while soldering. What Is the Optimal Temperature for a Greenhouse? Unscrewing the old valve and screwing on a new one may seem easy enough. After that you can assemble the valve and turn on the water. If the leak gets worse when you tighten it, then the washer is shot and will need to be replaced. Make sure it slides squarely and snugly over the ferrule/compression ring. The seat is the metal ring that the washer presses against. However, to avoid soldering, the valve can be connected to two compression fittings on either side of the valve. You can spend time rebuilding the old valve, but the problems will just reappear years from now. A shutoff valve connects to copper plumbing pipes in one of two ways: Identify the connection type used in your home by referring to the photos below. Then place the ferrule (also known as a compression ring) over the end of the supply pipe. Do a quick check of the jumper cables, drop cloth, bucket, and towel before proceeding, then use the pipe cutter to start cutting through the pipe on the outlet side of the valve. Once the curb stop valve is closed, head inside and test the water by turning on a faucet. Most push-fit valves require at least 1 in. Use a wrench to unscrew the nuts holding these pipes in place. The main challenge now will be finding a washer that is the same size as the one you have. Tip: New supply valves are similar to ball valves in that they turn only in one direction on or off. Place a soldering blanket behind the pipe to block the flame from the blow torch, protecting the wall, insulation, and any surrounding items from fire damage. Then, slide the new compression sleeve onto the copper tubing. Take the towel and clean the pipe to remove any dust or debris, then use the grit cloth to scrape off the top layer of oxidized metal material, revealing clean copper pipe. Adjust the torch to a small fame and aim it toward the body of the valve. This could crack the valve or damage the threads. This is why an old, worn-out main shutoff valve needs to be replaced. After a few seconds, apply the solder to the valve joint. A corroded or pitted seat will not allow even a new washer to shut off the water. If either side is leaking, you will need to shut the water down outside and reinstall the compression valve. The ferrule should completely cover the end of the supply pipe. Sometimes the screw holding the washer in place also needs to be replaced. Prepare the work area to make the process as streamlined as possible by gathering the necessary tools and supplies and organizing them neatly within reach. Get a replacement valve. Grab hold of the valve with pliers and use an adjustable wrench to tighten one of the valve's compression fittings onto one of the pipe ends. If you have a gas water heater, turn the knob to the 'pilot' position. Compression Inlet x 3/8 in. Examine the seat and see if it is smooth. #HDGCN65D Onyx Black Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint HDGCN65DEX, WEED SNATCHER Crack and Crevice Weeding Tool WS1, Soldered connections are often marked by discolored. Use emery cloth to buff clean the pipe on either side of the old valve. Check the new valves for leaks. Shut off the water at the main shutoff valve. Replacing a washer is the first thing to try when a valve will not shut off. Visually inspect the fittings for leaks, then turn off the valve, allowing pressure to build up on the inlet side of the main water shutoff valve. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Do not over-tighten. Turn the water back on, then open and close the new valve; check your work for leaks. Some homes have an isolation valve located near the main water shutoff valve. Take out the flux paste, blow torch, grit cloth, pipe brush, new ball valve, pipe cutter, channel locks, fire extinguisher, soldering blanket, a roll of solder, gloves, and safety glasses. Itll either be in the basement or on an outside wall (often in the front corner of the house). Double-check that the jumper cables, drop cloth, bucket, and towel are all in place, then use the pipe cutter to start cutting through the pipe on the outlet side of the valve. The washer should be replaced. You can fix it yourself with these 28 tips for becoming a master plumber! The pipe will be copper or galvanized. With the area prepared and the compression valve ready to go, you can indicate to the public works official or the plumber to shut down the water. If you aren't sure what a compression fitting is or why water would interfere with soldering, then it's best to hire a professional to replace the main water shutoff valve. 2. Before doing anything with the valve, it's necessary to plan to shut the water down. It will slowly liquefy and flow into the gap between the pipe and the valve, forming a metal seal. Be careful not to damage the pipe. Keep in mind that some homes have an isolation valve located just a few feet away from the main water shutoff valve. With the area prepared, it's time to shut down the water. Whether you need to turn off the water to help prevent leaks while away on vacation, replace an isolation valve in the home, or shut off the water due to an ongoing leak, it's necessary to have a functional main water shutoff valve to protect the home from water damage, leaks, and to have full control over your home. Some clogs are worse than others and sometimes youll even need to turn off the water completely. This guide reviews the different methods for how to remove and install shut-off valves on copper supply lines. It binds them together, protects them from chipping,, Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour Theres something exciting about getting snail mail, but your weather-worn mailbox deserves. All rights reserved. Find your main water shut-off valve. It's also a good idea to have a prepared compression valve nearby in case of an emergency. After repeated use and age the rubber wears out and it does not seal correctly. This allows you to drain the water from the line to work on the plumbing within the home for projects such as changing faucets, fixing leaks, or replacing toilets. Slide the valve over the copper pipe, ensuring that the bleeder valve (the small cap located on the side of the ball valve) is positioned toward the house side. Pull it slightly to ensure that it is locked in place. Then shut off the upper and lower faucets. Sign up for our newsletter! If you're replacing a sweat valve, remove all traces of solder and ensure the tubing is perfectly round. Remove as much solder as possible, ensuring that the pipe is clean and smooth. Dont fret. Compression Outlet 1/4-Turn Angle Valve, Home Decorators Collection The Stupell Home Decor Collection, Southern Enterprises Vellats Woven Water Hyacinth Natural Finish Wall Art (Set of 3) HD597126, Fully Bonded Adhesive Lumber & Composites, 1/4 in x 8 in Square Edge Hardwood Boards, nuLOOM Glendora Chevron Ivory 5 ft. x 8 ft. Area Rug, Commercial Electric White 1-Gang Ethernet Wall Plate (1-Pack) 216 8C, Glidden Essentials 5 gal. Push-fit valves are available with and without a permanently mounted supply tube. Check for signs of corrosion. Detach the water supply lines. The electrical system is commonly grounded through the main water line, so by attaching the jumper cables, you create a path for the electricity to flow in the case of a short in the system. Contact your local public works office to have the water shut down at the curb. Do you have a different problem? 1. Once the ferrule is cut, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose from the pipe. Make sure to move the solder around the entire joint to ensure that there are no gaps in the seal, then turn off the blow torch and allow the pipe to cool. Finish cutting the pipe, then move to the inlet side and repeat the process.
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