Replacing Main Shut Off Valve

Users who are viewing this thread

Casman

Member
Messages
130
Reaction score
3
Points
18
Location
New York
The water company has already shut off the water. There is copper coming up from the floor, to a brass 90, then the shut off. Replacing with ball valve. I will soon attempt to remove the old valve. I have already given it a shot lightly and it may be frozen. I'm thinking about heating up the threaded area with a torch to loosen it???, there's gunk on the threads and obviously I don't want to snap the pipe off. I am planning to block the pipe against the wall with a 2 x 4 so that when I attempt to remove it doesn't twist etc, or there is a spot on the 90 elbow for a double wrench setup, is there a preferred way to do this carefully? For the new ball valve gizmo is it correct to use teflon tape on the threads? Thanks
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
Heating the threaded portion lightly with a torch will expand the female portion of the valve making it easier to remove using two wrenches.
You will want to hold the fitting on the copper while doing this.

I would use a paste thread sealant.
I've seen too many problems caused by Teflon tape.
 
Last edited:

Deb

Plumber
Messages
200
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Idaho
Deb

Make sure that you understand this "2 wrench thing", a 2x4 against the wall will not keep the pipe from twisting. You need 1 wrench on the copper male adapter, or brass adapter, or brass street 90 or nipple (not sure how the valve and the brass 90 are connected) to hold it stationary while you use the second wrench to unscrew the old valve. If you do not do this, you will most likely damage the existing piping. Where is the piping disconnected on the other side of the valve? If you need to solder anyway, you may just want to cut the old valve out and solder a new sweat ball valve in. I've always sort of thought that soldering a male adapter on a copper line to attach an IPS fitting just made 2 connections when 1 would have sufficied.
Deb
The Pipewench
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks