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Shutoff valves are used in order to stop water supply to something like a sink or a toilet. While these are rarely used, you may not realize that they don’t work until after you try to shut them off. When you discover that you need a new shutoff valve, you will need to know what kind of valve you need and how to install it.

Can I Replace a Shut-Off Valve Myself?

There are three types of shutoff valves used in plumbing: a straight stop, angle stop, or a three-way stop. Be sure to get the proper one to make the right repairs.

When replacing a shut-off valve:
  1. Turn off the main water valve to the house and open up some faucets in the house to relieve any water pressure that has built up in the pipes.
  2. Use a small, adjustable wrench, to unscrew the water supply line from the shut-off valve.
  3. Remove the old valve using a wrench and even a small propane torch.
  4. Place the compression nut for the new value on the copper water pipe.
  5. Lubricate the compression threads with pipe dope and tighten with the valve attached.
  6. Reconnect the water supply line once the new valve is in place.
  7. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks in the value.

Replacing a shut-off valve takes time and tools you may not have, so be sure you have all the necessary components before turning off the main water line and removing a valve that can cause a water leak. In addition, valves are very size and thread-specific, so bringing the old valve to the plumbing supply shop to ensure that you are getting the product you need.

As always, if you need help with day-to-day plumbing tasks or even larger projects, the licensed plumbing team at Excalibur Plumbing is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.