Monday, April 1, 2013

How to Replace Bathroom Stop Valve in Extremely Tight Area

Fig.4: Chain wrench
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools: 
Basin wrench 
Chain pipe wrench
Channellock pliers
Crescent wrenches
Female stop valve
Fill line 20-inch  
Pipe dope - optional 
Pipe wrench

George Baker who has a business in Santa Monica, California, called me to replace a stop valve and sink line underneath his business sink. He sold some of the best cookies made on earth.

This post shows the eight steps on how to remove and replace a stop valve and a fill line in an extremely tight area.  

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the stop valve in on a galvanized pipe with a brass nipple on the end to accommodate the stop valve. These galvanized pipes are over 20-year old and can be very brittle and very difficult to change. If you are not sure get a plumbing service to do this job.
Fig.1 old stop valve 
on galvanized pipe
Step 2: Fig.2 shows on the right is the fill line.
Fig.2 New fill line
Step 3: Turn Off The Water and turn on the faucet, if the faucet does not turn on, the water is turned off.  Go to step: 4.  
Step 4: Fig.3 shows the new stop valve that you need to purchase, this one was purchase at The Home Depot warehouse store. This valve will cost $10 and the fill line cost around $6.
Fig.3 Stop Valve
Step 5: Removal of the stop valve will need one large crescent wrench and a pipe wrench. This part is important, one pipe wrench will need to be on the galvanized pipe and the other crescent wrench will be on the old type valve. The basin wrench is the only way the faucet brass nut can be removed from the faucet. It's very difficult but if you can't make it work, try to use the channel lock pliers. Above fig.4 shows a chain pipe wrench used to stabilize the galvanized pipe. If the pipe does break go to the next union and remove the broken pipe. Then measure the old pipes and replace them at a local plumbing store. Putting the pipes is easier than replacing a stop valve.
Step 6: Fig.5 shows the use the crescent wrench to unscrew the old stop valve from stop valve.

Fig.5: Crescent Wrench

Step 7: Fig.6 shows Channel Lock pliers and a extra long Basin Wrench that will be needed to unscrew the nut from the faucet. The reason is because the pipe might be old and could break, applying the pipe wrench on the galvanized pipe will give it support until the stop valve is screwed off the brass nipple threads. When the new stop valve is replaced use the same tools to install the new valve.
Fig.6: Channel locks pliers
and Basin Wrench

Step 8: Fig.7 shows the old stop valve and fill line that was attached to the body and the black rubber tip was attached to the faucet. It was leaking from one of the ribs in the copper line leading to the faucet.
Fig.7 Old stop valve 
with fill line removed

Step 9: Fig.8 show the completed job. The new fill line is attached to the new stop valve and the sink faucet. Now Mr. Baker can enjoy his new sink in his business cottage by the sea.
Fig.8 New stop valve 
with new fill  line





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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

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1 comment:

  1. Carl NamahoeApril 2, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Working with galvanize can be tricky. Appreciate you warning us to take care when working with galvanize.

    ReplyDelete

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