How to Install an Inline Shutoff Valve

Many buiilding codes now require a shutoff valve for every fixture.

Many municipal building codes require shutoff valves at all hot and cold water supply lines for every fixture in the building. The shutoff valve is an important safety device, as it allows you to turn off the water supply to a fixture in case of a plumbing emergency. Moreover, the shutoff valve is a great convenience when you need to turn off the water supply to repair or replace a fixture. Installing an inline shutoff valve is not difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Permanent marker
• Hacksaw
• Measuring tape
• Bucket
• Clean rags
• Emery cloth
• Deburring tool
• Teflon tape
• Adjustable wrench

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Instructions

1. Turn off the main water supply. The valve for the main water supply is usually near the main water meter pipe in the basement or outside the home at the water supply entrance. Turn on a faucet and allow the water to run out.

2. Hold the new valve at the fixture along the pipe (under the fixture, at the supply line for the fixture) where you wish to install it. Mark a small line on the supply pipe, with the permanent marker, at the top and bottom of the shutoff valve.

3. Measure 1/4 inch up from the bottom mark you made, using a measuring tape. Draw a line on the pipe with the permanent marker. Mark 1/4 inch down from the top mark you made, and draw a line with the marker. These are the lines you will cut with the hacksaw, to allow for the shutoff valve and for the pipe to fit inside each end of the valve fittings.

4. Place the bucket under the supply pipe. Cut the supply pipe at your proper (1/4-inch) markings, using the hacksaw. Allow any water from the supply pipe to run into the bucket. Wipe the pipe ends with the clean rags.

5. Insert the deburring tool into the open end of the supply pipe. Twist the deburring tool around, to remove any burrs or sharp edges. Repeat for the other end of the pipe.

6. Lightly rub both ends of the pipe with the emery cloth to remove any dirt or grit from the pipes.

7. Insert the compression nut from the shutoff valve onto the bottom pipe. Be sure that the compression nut ends are facing the open end of the pipe. Pull the compression nut far enough back on the pipe to allow for the compression ring. Slip the compression ring on the pipe.

8. Wrap the end of the pipe with Teflon tape (two passes are sufficient).

9. Push the shutoff valve onto the end of the pipe, over the Teflon tape. Slide the compression ring and nut to the shutoff valve; tighten the nut manually.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 for the other pipe.

11. Tighten the compression nuts on both ends of the shutoff valve, using the adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten, or you will damage the compression fittings or bend the pipes.

12. Turn the shutoff valve to the "off" position.

13. Turn off the faucet you opened up in Step 1. Turn on the main water supply.

14. Turn the lever on your new shutoff valve to the "on" position. Test the connection for leaks. Re-do the shutoff valve fitting connections, if necessary, adding more Teflon tape or tightening the nuts as needed.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Replace a Leaky Shutoff Valve
• This Old House: Adding Sink Shutoff Valves
• Hometime How-to: Installing Shut-Off Valves