The water shut-off valve can be helpful when you’re trying
to turn it off for a plumbing repair or when you are going on a long vacation.
However, if you notice that your valve is oxidizing, rusting or leaking water,
it might be time to replace it with a new valve.
Some of the most common valves are ball valves, gate valves,
and globe valves. Ball valves are probably the most common nowadays due to its
longevity. This valve contains a spherical ball that was drilled through from
one end to the other. By turning the handle perpendicularly, the channel in the
ball will move and seal up the valve opening.
On the other hand, a gate valve functions like a garage
door. By turning the stems, the gate is raised up or down. However, the stems of
this valve can be easily corroded. So, a gate valve is not the most ideal
candidate for replacement.
A globe valve is designed for limiting the flow of water to
control the water pressure. The International Residential Code prohibits the
use of globe valves for the main shut-off and the water heater. Thus, when
replacing a new valve, you should choose a ball valve instead.
 |
| Gate valve |
 |
| Solder-less ball valve |
Before we start, gather needed supplies:
1.
New valve
2.
Emery cloth/steel wool/sandpaper
3.
Pipe cutter (mini hacksaw)
Additional materials for soldering:
1.
Wire brush
2.
Pipes
3.
Pipe Fittings
4.
Soldering paste (flux)
5.
Propane torch
6.
Solder wire
Procedure:
Step 1: Identify where your water valves are and shut
it off.
Typically, they are located at the street side and inside
perimeter of your home. When shutting off the water valve from the street, you
might need to contact your water company, and they might charge a fee for that.
Step 2: Turn off
water heater and drain the pipes
If you have gas water heater, set it to “pilot” position; if
you have electric water heater, shut off the circuit board. Open a faucet on
the lowest level of your house, then another faucet on an upper level to drain
the pipes.
Step 3: Cut/saw the
pipe
Start with one end of the pipe, use a hacksaw or pipe cutter
to cut as closely to the old valve as possible. Then, cut the other end off.
 |
| Use pipe cutter for safety purposes |
Step 4: Prep the pipe
Use a wire brush to clean the inside, making sure that there
is no remaining burr. Then, remove the paint and buff both ends of the pipe
until it is shiny with emery cloth, sand paper, or steel wool. Remember to
deburr the inside of the pipe too.
 |
| emery cloth for sanding |
 |
| Wire brush for pipe cleaning |
Step 5: Measure the
new valve
Measure to check if you need to solder the pipes, so that
your new valve can meet the ends of the pipe. If you do not need to solder the
pipes, you can move on to Step 7.
Step 6: Sweat/solder
the pipe
Apply a layer of soldering paste (flux) to where the pipes
will meet. The paste should cover about 1 inch of pipe. Then, insert the pipe into
the fitting, twist it a bit to ensure even spreading of the flux, and use a
propane torch to melt some solder wire on where the pipes meet.
Step 7: Install the
new valve
Slip the pipe into the new valve and tighten both the ends.
Step 8: Check for leakage
Check to see if there is any leakage, if so tighten more.
If you run into any issues, contact ELA
Home Repairs at 800-368- PROS (7767) to consult a professional.
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