Turn the water heater gas valve back to 'on' or flip on the circuit breakers to the electric water heater. 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. If installing a compression-style valve, slide the compression nut over the supply pipe. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Once the curb stop valve is closed, head inside and test the water by turning on a faucet. Next, remove the old compression sleeve and nut. You can fix it yourself with these 28 tips for becoming a master plumber! Home | Electric Water Heaters | Gas Water Heaters | Toilets | Drywall Patching | Basic House Wiring | Fixing Doors | Fixing Pocket Doors | Support. Remove the old water shut-off valve. If installing a solder-type valve, clean the pipe with a sanding cloth. The water should flow into the system and begin pouring out of the nearby open faucet. Use two wrenches to perform this task. As noted above, the water should initially come out at a normal rate, then taper off before stopping entirely. Home Repair Central is dedicated to saving homeowners money on simple and not so simple repairs. 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. You can spend time rebuilding the old valve, but the problems will just reappear years from now. Open the faucet that is closest to the main water shutoff valve to drain the water line. Push the nut away from the ferrule, then cut the ferrule with a hacksaw. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. That should solve the problem. 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. 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. Most push-fit valves require at least 1 in. Learn how to test and replace your main water shut-off valve before you need to use it. The valve should now slide right off the pipe. Mostly disintegrated? A sweat shutoff valve doesnt have any hex flats where the copper tubing enters from the wall. Replace the valve. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. The water should stop after a few minutes, indicating that the water line is completely drained. 4. If your home is plumbed with PEX or plastic pipe, these instructions dont apply. All Rights Reserved. Slide the new escutcheon and compression nut onto the copper tubing. Once the ferrule is cut, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose from the pipe. If a leak is found, then you will need to turn the water off, drain the system again, and re-solder the joint. Check your progress and stop cutting before you reach the copper. Compression Inlet x 3/8 in. Slip new stop-and-waste valve into place between the just-cut pipe ends. Then disconnect the supply tube from the shutoff valve. If no leaks are detected, then the curb stop valve can be left fully open. Next time you have a drip, clog or leak, dont shell out big bucks for a professional plumber. Unroll a portion of solder and slowly apply heat to the inlet side of the new valve. Grab your wrench and tighten everything so it fits snugly. Next, apply flux to the fitting and the joint. If you have an older house, youre more likely to see a knob (gate valve); newer houses are more likely to have a lever (ball valve). Next, heat the fitting using the propane torch. Thats a no-go if the shut-off valve is broken. By closing an operational water shutoff valve, you can stop the flow of water from the municipal water system or well system. Otherwise, remove enough old solder to allow the new sweat valve to slide onto the tubing. To begin, drape the flame protection cloth over the copper tubing and tape it to the wall. Shut off the water at the main shutoff valve. While a compression valve can be installed with a small amount of water coming through the line (or even with full water pressure), it's always better to have the water completely shut down if at all possible. Some have more than others. For replacing a compression valve, you will need a drop cloth, grit cloth, a bucket, a towel, compression fittings, a threaded ball valve, Teflon tape, a pipe cutter, channel locks, a pipe wrench, gloves, safety glasses, and jumper cables. 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. Attach a canister of MAPP gas to the blow torch. If you are reattaching the old lines to the new valve, follow the same procedure you used to install the valve. Do you have a different problem? Check for leaks by feeling the fittings by hand or using a paper towel. When youre ready to find supplies in your local store, use The Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. Attach the jumper cables to the pipe on either side of the valve to create a path for the electricity to flow in the case of a short in the system. 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 installing a push-to-connect type valve, press it squarely and evenly onto the pipe until it bottoms out. The pipe will be copper or galvanized. A compression valve typically consists of a threaded ball valve that is attached to a FIP fitting that can be soldered to copper pipe. 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. The water should gradually fill the incoming pipe and begin to pour into the bucket. 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. Tighten the nut until the fit on the pipe is snug and the compression fitting can no longer be moved or pulled off the pipe. The first would be to replace the valve. With this in mind, these steps for replacing the main water shutoff valve are separated into two common valve type categories to provide clear, concise steps for dealing with both solder and compression valves. The fitting type is an internal mechanism that ensures a water-tight seal and can only be removed using a special tool. Several companies make quarter-turn push-fit ball-style shutoff valves that install without tools. The pipe is still hot and will heat up the towel quickly, so make only brief contact. As noted above, the water should initially come out at a normal rate, then taper off before stopping entirely. You can fix it yourself with these 28 tips for becoming a master plumber! This is also a good time to replace an old supply tube and a corroded escutcheon (wall trim plate). If installing a push-to-connect type valve, clean the pipe with the sanding cloth, ensuring that the pipe is clean and smooth. 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. As soon as the solder melts, wipe away the excess solder with a damp rag. Find your main 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. As soon as the solder melts, twist and pull the valve off the copper tubing with a pliers. Apply a wet towel to the pipe about 30 seconds to a minute after soldering to help cool down the pipe without interfering with the solder joint. Push-fit valves are available with and without a permanently mounted supply tube. Do this at the closest, most accessible in-line shut-off valve that feeds it (if available) or at the main water supply valve. Clean the inside of the valve with the sanding cloth as well. Remove as much solder as possible, ensuring that the pipe is clean and smooth. Turn the knob or lever to test the shut-off mechanism. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management. How to Install an Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter. Debris from the inside of the pipes can clog faucet aerators, so you may want to remove the faucet aerators before recharging the system, though this isn't essential. Expect some water to come out and fall into the bucket. No leaks here, people. If the first solder is successful, then it's time to finish the job. Once the curb stop valve is closed, head inside and test the water by turning on a faucet. If either side is leaking, you will need to shut the water down outside and reinstall the compression valve. Twist it to distribute the flux evenly. The best way to deal with bad valves is to replace them with modern quarter-turn ball valves. With the water off you can loosen the nut that holds the valve stem. Unscrewing the old valve and screwing on a new one may seem easy enough. Next, screw the compression nut onto the valve until snug. This is the first step in learning how to replace water shut-off valves. Examine the portion of the valve closest to the wall. Use about 1/2-inch of solder for 1/2-inch of pipe diameter. Check for signs of corrosion. Remove the stem and wire-brush the opening in the new quarter-turn valve and apply flux to the valve and the copper tubing. Find the compression nut and use your wrench to unscrew it. We recommend our users to update the browser. Shut off the circuit breakers to an electric water heater. 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. 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. Follow the instructions for the tool you purchased and dress in the seat. Though some water will still come out of the pipe when the old valve is removed, the amount should be significantly reduced. Standard propane doesn't burn hot enough to effectively solder plumbing, but methylacetylene-propadiene propane (MAPP gas) does. Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. Before doing anything with the valve, it's necessary to plan to shut the water down. If removing a compression-type valve, loosen the compression nut with an adjustable wrench. Grab the old sleeve with a pliers, using minimal pressure to avoid distorting the copper tubing. 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. 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. 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. Replacing the washers is an option when a valve starts to leak. Signs that the valve is no longer working the way it should include the inability of the valve to fully shut off the flow of water, a seized or difficult-to-turn valve handle, and an active leak from the valve. There is a nut on the base of the handle stem that holds the stem and washer assembly in place. 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. You can buy specific sizes or packages that contain multiple sizes. Grab the compression nut with another wrench and turn it clockwise to loosen it. Examine the seat and see if it is smooth. Many washer kits come with new screws. Wrap the threads with thread seal tape or pipe thread compound. There is a brass nut at the stem of the valve that can work loose during normal use. Hold the valve with a pliers, loosen the packing nut and unscrew the entire valve stem. Do not overtighten the nut. This time there should be little to no water coming from the pipe while it's being cut. After repeated use and age the rubber wears out and it does not seal correctly. 3. Cut through the pipe on each side of the old valve with a mini hacksaw. 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. Wait for the valve to cool, then test out the new solder joint by opening the new main water shutoff valve. 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. There are a lot of pipes attached to your valve that bring water to it or to other areas of the house. Expert Tips for an Easy Faucet Installation. Since you are working on the valve you will have to go to a shut off valve that controls the branch that you are working on. Itll either be in the basement or on an outside wall (often in the front corner of the house). Look for a hexagonal compression nut and matching hex flats on the body of the valve next to the compression nut. For shut off valves at your fixtures this may not be too much trouble. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. If working on a hot water supply line, its a good idea to turn gas water heaters to the pilot setting and turn off electric water heaters. If the leak gets worse when you tighten it, then the washer is shot and will need to be replaced. Compression fittings are marked by a large compression nut where the valve connects to the pipe. This could crack the valve or damage the threads. Once the valve and pipe have cooled, use a phone to speak to the public works official or an experienced helper. Turn the water back on and see if your water shut off valve works. Determine whether the valve to be replaced is connected to the pipe using solder, a compression fitting or threaded fitting. Pro Tip: Check your pipe twice a year. Head over to your local hardware store and grab a replacement valve. 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. Arrange these supplies so that they are within reach and neatly organized. 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. Dont fret. The other issue with a washer is the seat. Depending upon the age of the house, the existing valve may be connected to the pipe via threads, solder or a compression fitting. Otherwise, when you remove the old valve it's possible that you can become the conduit for this flow of electricity. The valve seat is a flat machined area in the valve that the washer presses against when closed. Insert the new valve and apply a very light coating of pipe dope to the compression sleeve. 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. Peek inside and remove the old washer if it's stuck on the seat. Slide it onto the pipe and attach with a compression nut. With the valve open and facing the correct direction, it's time for the blow torch. Use short strokes to avoid cutting into the copper tubing. The washer should be replaced. We suggest replacing it it's easier than cleaning. This will over-compress the ferrule. 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. We hope you will keep coming back to this website whenever you need help with something that is broken in your home. All rights reserved. Get a replacement valve. With the new valve installed and leak-free, you can recharge the plumbing system by turning on the water and opening nearby faucets. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Use a pipe wrench to secure the pipe and tighten the valve using an adjustable wrench. Knowing how to install valves can help you find leaks and troubleshoot other issues to avoid water damage in your home. Slide off the old sleeve, old compression nut and the escutcheon (if you're going to replace it). 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. Shut the water off to the fixture. 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. However, to avoid soldering, the valve can be connected to two compression fittings on either side of the valve. Heat the remaining solder with the torch until it's molten. If its stuck or there are visible signs of corrosion, youll need to either clean the valve or replace it. 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. 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. For help with toilet shut-off valve replacement and other heavy duty plumbing services, let our trusted professionals do it for you. Then place the ferrule (also known as a compression ring) over the end of the supply pipe. Make sure it slides squarely and snugly over the ferrule/compression ring. This time there should be little to no water coming from the pipe while it's being cut. If you are replacing the old supplies with new braided flexible lines, you will have to remove the old supplies from the faucets before you proceed. Then mark the installed length on the tubing and push the valve onto the tubing until it reaches the mark. By turning off this isolation valve, you don't need to drain the entire water line. Use the channel locks and a pipe wrench, or two pipe wrenches, to tighten the connection, but do not tighten the compression nut on these fittings. 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. To saw it off, use a hacksaw to cut partially through the sleeve at an angle. 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. Copyright 2010 - 2019 Home-Repair-Central.com. 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. Then remove the old valve and the remaining solder. 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. Reattach the water supply lines. If you have an older home with galvanized pipes, we suggest hiring a plumber to do the switch out. Turn the water back on, then open and close the new valve; check your work for leaks. Also, the new valve used as the replacement here is a ball valve. This paste helps to remove contaminants between the two surfaces and draw in the solder as it's heated up. 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. Repeat the process to solder the outlet side of the valve, ensuring that the wall and surrounding items are properly protected with the soldering blanket. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Hopefully your water shut off valve works as intended and shuts the water off. Look for threads and hex flats where the steel pipe enters the valve. Keep the seal between the valve and the pipe airtight by wrapping thread seal tape around the threads. Sometimes the screw holding the washer in place also needs to be replaced. If you have a gas water heater, turn the knob to the 'pilot' position. 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. With the flame protection cloth in place, heat the valve just enough to draw in the solder. Most plumbing fixtures will have isolation valves located closer, so the main BCV is designed specifically for instances in which the water needs to be shut off for the entire home. Close the new valve. Turn on the main water supply and open the newly installed supply. Youll see threads on the pipe where the valve used to be. Sign up for our newsletter! Hold the valve with a wrench or a pliers and tighten the nut a one-half to three-quarters turn (follow the manufacturer's tightening instructions). You can cut the pipe with a tubing cutter or hacksaw just cut as close to the compression nut as possible. Thats the perfect amount to keep corrosion at bay. It will slowly liquefy and flow into the gap between the pipe and the valve, forming a metal seal. Screw the washer in place and then reassemble the valve. If done correctly, this will squeeze the thick, rubber washers that are inside these fittings, forming a watertight seal on the pipe. Always take all possible precautions before starting a project to help ensure that the work can be completed safely and successfully. This type of valve has been proven on several occasions to be affordable, durable, and more effective than gate valves for residential water services. Though some water will still come out of the pipe when the old valve is removed, the amount should be significantly reduced. Home House & Components Fixtures Sinks. Then rotate and pull it off the tubing. Too much heat will simply burn the paste and make it more difficult to get the desired result. Discuss possible options with the public works official to have the curb stop valve repaired before proceeding. They rarely lock up, leak or wear out and best of all, they'll take just an hour or so to install. 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. This is why an old, worn-out main shutoff valve needs to be replaced. Replacing a washer is the first thing to try when a valve will not shut off. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the cut and twist the screwdriver to break the sleeve. 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. One on the valve itself and one on the nut. If no leaks are detected, then open the valve and test the outlet compression fitting. 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. The seat is the metal ring that the washer presses against. Let the water flow through the faucet to clear air in the lines. Some homes have an isolation valve located near the main water shutoff valve. Here's how to put them in. Hand-tighten the nut onto the valve. The flow of water should stop after a few minutes, indicating that the water line is completely drained. 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. Be sure to wear leather gloves to prevent steam burns. 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.