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Reconnect the supply lines — Install New Valve Stems

Beginner4 hours

Part of project

Tub Faucet & Shower Valve Replacement: A Complete DIY Guide · Step 4 of 6

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In this video

Reconnect the supply lines to the newly installed valves. Tighten the connectors securely with a wrench. Check for leaks. If any leaks are present, tighten the connections further.

Goal: Restore water supply to the sink.

Used in this video

  • Wrench (brand: Unknown, Tool Type: Adjustable wrench, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: None, Size/Capacity: Medium, Durability: High, Cost: Low, Special Features: None) — Tightening the supply line connectors
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FAQs

What should I do if I can't find or turn off the main water supply to my house or apartment?

Locating and shutting off the main water supply is the most critical first step. If you can't find it, check your water heater for a shut-off valve, or contact your building manager or a professional plumber. Do not proceed with the project until the water supply is completely off to avoid significant water damage.

Besides the screwdriver and adjustable wrench, are there any other essential supplies or tools I might need for this tub faucet replacement?

Yes, it's highly recommended to have plumber's tape (Teflon tape) for sealing threads, penetrating oil for loosening stuck or corroded old parts, and a small wire brush for cleaning debris. You might also find a basin wrench helpful for reaching nuts in tight spaces behind the tub wall.

I've replaced everything and turned the water back on, but the faucet is still leaking. What should I check first?

First, re-check that the new valve stems are fully seated and securely tightened, but not overtightened. Ensure all O-rings are correctly positioned and intact, as a misplaced or damaged O-ring is a common cause of leaks. Also, verify that the connections to the water supply lines are tight and sealed with plumber's tape.

Is 4 hours a realistic estimate for a complete beginner, or should I budget more time, especially if I encounter stuck parts?

While 4 hours is a good estimate for someone with some DIY experience and no major issues, a complete beginner should budget more, perhaps 6-8 hours. Encountering corroded or stuck parts, or making unexpected trips to the hardware store for forgotten items, can significantly extend the project time.

Transcript
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valve that we're no longer going to use we can go over and get our supply lines and reconnect the supply line right up into the valve itself and then that line will of course be connected up to whatever faucet was in the in the sink or wherever you're replacing the valve and once we're sure it's nice and tight we're going to go over to the other side we're going to do the exact same thing on the other the other pipe too make sure we clean all of the oxidation off very important is to get a rag and clean everything off of it as well again you put your nut over the top slide it down as far as it'll go put the ferrule over the top as well make sure it goes down all the way it can't be partially down it has to be all the way down so it slides down the pipe so that way we can slide the valve down until the top of the copper pipe bottoms out inside the new valve let's see how far down the slides okay and now we'll just tighten up that valve the nut on the valve and again we'll turn the valve so that it's going to be in a location where we can easily turn it off and on as needed and it won't interfere with anything else all right we're going to turn this nut and we're going to hold the valve with the wrench so it doesn't rotate set it to what location you'd like it to be in or need it to be in and then we'll get in here and turn the valve it will hold the valve stationary while we turn the nut and screw the nut and ferrule all the way up into the bottom of the valve and that's it we put our supply lines back on now if you have a little bit of a leak coming out of these um nut and ferrule area then of course you can just get in there and tighten it up just a little bit tighter and it'll take care of the problem that's it this job is done and we're haunted next

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