How Do You Replace Shut Off Valves?
• Determine what size you need ,and remember there is a difference between compression fittings and iron pipe fittings. They are not interchangeable. If you can’t shut everything off, remove the valve, and then take it with you to get the new one, you will need to make some calculated guess or measurement and get a couple of selections so you won’t have to return to the plumbing or hardware store. • Try to always use the proper tools. Supply valves under the sink typically can be removed with a crescent, open end wrench, or channel lock pliers. The bigger valves will need a pipe wrench. If you have a big valve, you will need two wrenches, one to hold the pipe and one to turn the valve. Proper tools will prevent you from damaging the fixtures, or causing an injury. • Find the next valve up the line from the one you want to replace and shut off the supply to the bad valve. This might be the hot water heater, the house water shut off in the house, or the main shut off at the meter. Gas va
