How to Replace a Shutoff Valve

Identify the valve connection style

A shutoff valve connects to copper plumbing pipes in one of two ways:

• Compression fitting
• Sweat fitting.

Identify the connection type used in your home by referring to the photos below.

If you have an older home with galvanized pipes, we suggest hiring a plumber to do the switch out. Unscrewing the old valve and screwing on a new one may seem easy enough. But if the pipe is rusted internally or the threads are rotted, this ‘simple’ plumbing job can turn into a plumbing nightmare. If your home is plumbed with PEX or plastic pipe, these instructions don’t apply.

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. If you’re replacing a sweat valve, you’ll need a torch, flux, solder, emery cloth, wire brushes and a flame protection cloth to shield the wall. This is also a good time to replace an old supply tube and a corroded escutcheon (wall trim plate). Sorry to burst your bubble, but you need to stop believing these 10 plumbing myths ASAP!

Sweat Valve:

A sweat shutoff valve doesn’t have any hex flats where the copper tubing enters from the wall. Replace a sweat valve with another sweat valve or a compression valve.

Article source here: How to Replace a Shutoff Valve