
Method 1 Beginning Your Plumbing Project
- Identify your valve type. There are 3 types of valve connections, and your project's level of difficulty depends on how the valve connects to the water supply line.
- Call a professional if your supply line is old or corroded. Regardless of your valve type, some jobs are better left to a professional plumber.
- Purchase a valve that fits the supply lines. ...
Full Answer
How to repair a water valve?
Replace the Washer
- Discard the handle of the shutoff valve.
- Use a wrench to remove the nut.
- Take out the old washer and then install a different one. Ensure it matches the size of the one you removed.
- Turn on the water to test if the valve still leaks.
How to change water valves?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Replacing a Threaded Valve
- Remove the valve by turning it counter-clockwise. If you have a threaded valve, all you need to do is twist it off the supply pipe.
- Inspect the exposed threaded supply line. With the old valve removed, check inside the pipe for rust or corrosion.
- Replace the old Teflon thread tape. ...
- Screw the new valve onto the threaded supply line. ...
How do you fix a water shut off valve?
The following are the 3 ways to fix a dripping shut off valve:
- Tighten the Packing Nut This is the best method to fix a leaking shut off valve without turning off the water. ...
- Wrap Teflon Packing around the Valve Spindle Teflon packing isn’t the same as Teflon tape, although the later can be used in the absence of the former although not ...
- Replace the Packing Washer
How to rebuild a shut off valve?
See All Servies
- Turn Off the Water. Shut the water off to the house. Pull the handle off the shut-off valve using the screwdriver.
- Remove the Valve. Loosen the gland nut behind the handle using the wrench. Unscrew and remove the valve.
- Replace the Valve. Screw in the new valve from the repair kit. Tighten the gland nut back over the new valve with the wrench.

How do you fix a water supply valve?
0:262:42How to Fix a Leaky Shut-Off Valve in Seconds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's called a packing nut and so I'm going to show you what you need to do and you're going to beMoreThat's called a packing nut and so I'm going to show you what you need to do and you're going to be amazed at how quick. We remedy this drip. So what you want to do is you want to take a wrench.
Can you repair a water shutoff valve?
First shut off the water to the leaking water valve. Next remove the handle from the stem and then loosen and remove the packing nut. Remove the old washer and slide on the new one. Reinstall the packing nut, tighten lightly with a wrench (don't over tighten at this or any other point) and reattach the handle.
Why is water shut-off valve dripping?
When tightened, the packing nut on your main water shut-off valve binds down the “packing material” against the washer to seal off water. Over time, though, this packing material can harden or disintegrate. And when this happens, it won't form a solid seal and will cause leaking.
How do you fix water valve that won't shut off?
1:184:53Water Valve Won't Shut Off Water - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to put your wrench. On this nut and turn it counterclockwise to remove the entire stem fromMoreYou want to put your wrench. On this nut and turn it counterclockwise to remove the entire stem from the body of the valve. Place a bucket under the valve. And then turn this nut counterclockwise.
How do you fix a leaky valve stem?
4:027:00How To Fix A Leaking Tire Valve - Cheap and Easy Fix For A Leaky Tire!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne. Don't put these in too tight it can be easy to over torque them just get it till it's snugMoreOne. Don't put these in too tight it can be easy to over torque them just get it till it's snug that's all it takes all right with that valve stem installed let's put some air in the tire.
How do you fix a corroded water valve?
2:044:05Loosen Corroded Stuck Water Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGive it some gentle taps. After allowing the oil penetrant to soak for about two hours I was able toMoreGive it some gentle taps. After allowing the oil penetrant to soak for about two hours I was able to loosen the stuck packing nut and I was also able to turn the valve stick.
How often should shut off valves be replaced?
Generally speaking, the lifespan of most residential water shut off valves is about 10 to 15 years. So, if you're purchasing a home that is 10 or 15 years old - we would recommend that you invest in replacing your shut off valves now to avoid any problems in the near future.
How do I know if my water valve is bad?
If you have no water pressure throughout the house on both the hot and cold, your PRV may be bad. Make sure you check both the hot and cold water. If there is good pressure on the cold and not the hot it may be an issue with the water heater or the fixture itself.
Why is my water still running after main shut off?
There may be a hidden plumbing leak in the walls of your home, or maybe your toilet is running when it's not in use. These “hidden” leaks can cause your home to be using water even when your main water valve is turned off.
Why does my faucet continue to run after I turn it off?
If the water still runs after shut off, it's most likely because of a problem with the seal. This occurs from issues with the hardware inside the faucet.
Can you spray WD40 on water shut-off valve?
Absolutely – WD40 is safe for use on plumbing. So, if you have a stuck water shut-off valve, consider using WD40 to loosen things up. Many folks, especially avid DIYers, have WD40 on hand, so it might save you a trip to the store. WD40 is a non-lethal solution that won't damage or dissolve the pipe or the threads.
Can a shut-off valve fail?
Common Valve Failures As time takes its toll on these trusted devices, they can become prone to failure. The most common failure found in an old shut-off valve is seizing. This means that you may be unable to turn it off by hand, which is a very, important function.
How do you fix a bathroom shut-off valve?
0:514:16How to Rebuild a Shut Off Valve | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf i do you'll see there's a stem unit that has a washer on it right here. And the washer. When youMoreIf i do you'll see there's a stem unit that has a washer on it right here. And the washer. When you close it goes down against the seat. Now this is the wear part the washer.
How do you replace a main water shut-off valve on a copper pipe?
3:214:47How to Replace a Main Shutoff Valve | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI apply heat until the flux bubbles. And then i apply solder to the opposing side of the flame theMoreI apply heat until the flux bubbles. And then i apply solder to the opposing side of the flame the melted solder will pull right around the fitting to make a watertight seal.
When a water valve replacement is needed, what are the rules?
When a water valve replacement is needed, some common rules apply to almost all jobs. Of course the first rule is to close the water supply first – you’d be surprised how many people forget to do that! But even closing the water supply has some guidelines.
What happens if a water valve fails?
If the water valve closest to the foundation wall (the outside of the house) fails or breaks there is no backup valve after it. Even if a curb valve exists, they are frequently buried or do not work properly.
Why call a licensed and insured plumber?
Water valve replacement and repair work is a perfect example of why only a licensed and insured plumber should be trusted. More than almost any other type of plumbing work, main water valve work is prone to the unexpected. In the hands of an unskilled and improperly insured individual it can result in property damage and the unexpected loss of water service. In short, hiring a contractor without a proper license and insurance can leave a property owner in a disastrous situation, and with little recourse.Hiring a contractor who is not properly insured for the scope of work to be performed can cause major issues if a claim arises. The insurance carrier is well within their rights to deny coverage. This can leave the client seeking reimbursement for damages directly from the contractor. Frequently this means not being able to recoup from any damage or loss caused by the contractor, or for a protracted legal battle.
How big is a water valve?
On larger buildings or builders with fire sprinkler systems the valve size may be 3″ or larger. These jobs require more than one person to complete a water valve replacement and a higher skill level. Like any water valve replacement in the building, start by closing the control valve on the house side of the water meter. Then bleed out the affected section of the plumbing system.
How long does it take to replace a speedy valve?
Once making sure that the water supply is off, replacing a speedy valve should literally take about 10 minutes. Once the new valve is installed always turn the water back on slowly. Make sure all air in the line is slowly bled out in order to avoid water hammer.Even a speedy valve can require a skilled plumber and specialty tools to replace. If a speedy valve is hard piped into a sink, such as pictured, sink wrenches and pipe wrenches will be needed. It would not be a job suggested for an unskilled person.
What is a speedy valve?
What is referred to as a speedy valve is the small valve typically located underneath a sink or a toilet. This is probably the only water valve that is easily replaced without the need for a skilled plumber. Special tools are not even required – just a pair of pliers of vise grips.
Why does a control valve freeze?
That is because this is the area where the body of each valve is the thinnest.
