CorwinOlson
New Member
I have a broken main water line cutoff valve that needs replacing, see photos. I want to replace it with a sturdy ball valve that will (hopefully) last much longer than this valve did. Given my (quite) limited plumbing skills/experience, I've got a number of questions on how to do this:
Relevant Measurements:
Thanks in advance!
- Is the connection from the valve to the copper pipe (coming from the water meter at the bottom of the photo) a screw-on connection? Can I just get a couple big wrenches and twist it off? Or is it soldered? The plumber that installed it a few years ago seemed to prefer soldering over other methods, but I can't recall what he did (or wasn't present), and I can't for the life of me tell if it's soldered or not.
- What is the best way to disassemble this setup, especially to start? Should I cut the blue PEX in the middle and then try to twist off the valve? Then how best to reassemble?
- If it's a twist on, how do I ensure the new valve handle ends upward facing?
- How do I remove the press connection loops on the PEX? Especially for the connection to the copper pipe (versus the connection to the valve)? I'm assuming I'll need to somehow pry that off in order to replace with new PEX
- Could this 3/4" PEX be introducing supply problems to the house?
Relevant Measurements:
- First pipe from meter: 1" exterior
- PEX: about 3/4", maybe slightly wider
- Pipe to house: about 3/4", maybe slightly wider
- New ball valve, perhaps sharkbite on one or both sides
- 3/4" PEX tubing - only small amount needed!
- PEX Crimp tool (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LWR4T6Q/)
- Crimp rings, I think 3/4" (right?)
- Copper to PEX adapter, for 1" copper pipe and 3/4"
- Maybe also get some shark bite couplers, just in case?
- PEX cutting tool (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C8G4F7M/)
- Copper pipe cutting tool just in case (small wheel thing, right?)
- A couple really big wrenches for twisting/prying the valve off of the pipe
- Hacksaw if the copper cutting tool doesn't work
- Teflon thread seal tape, liquid pipe thread sealant (need both?)
Thanks in advance!