How to Replace Shut-Off Valves

A shut-off valve is a practical option to avoid having to turn the water off in the entire house in order to perform service. Replacing a shut-off valve is a job that most people can perform themselves.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New supply lines
• Pipe cutter
• Teflon tape or plumbing joint compound
• Adjustable wrench

Preparation

1. Check to see how the supply lines attach to the sink. If the plumbing comes up through the floor, you will need to install straight shut-off valves. However, if the plumbing comes from the wall, you can either install a straight shut-off valve or an angle shut-off valve.

2. Decide where you want to perform the installation of the shut-off valves.

3. Measure the distance to the base of the faucet.

Installation

4. Shut off the main water supply and open a faucet on the lower level of your home to let the water drain.

5. Disconnect the water supply line of the fixture you will work on. If the water supply line is a soldered pipe, use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe in two places--2 inches and 8 inches down the base.

6. Place the compression nut and the compression ring on the pipe. The threads of the nut should face the open end of the pipe.

7. Put the Teflon tape around the pipe, or apply the plumbing joint compound at the end of it, so that the shut-off valve will attach to the end. Then slide the compression nut and ring until they are next to the valve and tighten by hand.

8. Connect the compression fitting of the supply tube to the opposite end of the valve and tighten by hand. Then attach the other end of the compression fitting to the base of the faucet and tighten.

9. Use an adjustable wrench to ensure all parts are secured firmly. Make sure you don't over-tighten the parts.

10. Turn the water back on to check if there are leaks in any area.

Tips & Warnings

• Braided metal flexible supply tubes provide measurement leeway as long as you ensure they are long enough.