DIY guideSink valves
Replace a shutoff valve under a sink or toilet
Swap a worn compression shutoff valve with the main water off. A soldered valve is a plumber's.
- 30 min to 1 hr
- 8 steps
- Every step animated
8 steps
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Look where the valve meets the pipe from the wall. A nut there means a compression valve you can swap. A smooth soldered joint is a plumber's.
Turn off the main water, then open a low tap to drain the pipes.
Put a bowl under the valve, and unscrew the braided line from its top.
Hold the valve with one wrench and turn its big nut counterclockwise with another, then slide the valve off the pipe.
Slide the new valve on with its nut and ring. Hold it with one wrench and tighten the nut a half turn past hand-tight.
Close the new valve, screw the supply line onto it, and snug it up.
Turn the main back on, open the new valve, and wipe each nut with a dry tissue. Snug one that weeps a quarter turn.
A soldered valve, a ring that won't come off, or a pipe that's crusted or bends: keep the main off and ask Handyman for a plumber.
What you need
- A new compression shutoff valve the same size
- Two adjustable wrenches
- A bowl and a towel
- A new braided supply line, if the old one is worn
Call a pro if
- The valve is soldered to the pipe
- The old ring won't come off the pipe
- The pipe is crusted, thin or bends
- It still drips after a quarter turn
Handyman says: Keep the water off. I'll find a plumber.
Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.
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