How to Remove a Shut Off Valve
Shut-off valves are important components in any plumbing system. These valves stop the flow of water a distance away from a plumbing fixture or another valve. This allows you to work on the plumbing fixtures and the water pipes with dealing with flowing water flow. When removing a shut-off valve, it is important that you know what type of pipes are used, as there are many different types of valves. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- Towels
- Pipe wrench or crescent wrench
- Hack saw or reciprocating saw
Instructions
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1
Determine what type of pipes and joints you have. Galvanized piping and supply lines to sinks and toilets have threads that you'll need a wrench to remove. PVC and copper pipes generally are glued or soldered, and valves on those will have to be cut off with a saw.
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2
Trace the line to the next shut-off valve. Turn that valve off.
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3
Open the faucet or flush the toilet that is plumbed beyond the shut-off valve that you want to remove. This drains excess water and pressure from the line.
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4
Cut the line with a hack saw or a reciprocating saw just before the shut-off valve. Cut slowly as the water flows out of the line. If the shut-off valve is threaded on, use a pipe wrench or a crescent wrench to remove the valve.
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5
Capture the water with the bucket and towels to avoid water damage or slips.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pipe has to be cut, proceed slowly until you've established a cutting notch in the pipe. This prevents marring the pipe.
Depending on where the shut-off valve is, you may have to turn the water off completely at the main source.
