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Gather Tools and Materials — Gather Tools and Prepare Work Area

Beginner3 hours

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How to Replace a Leaky Angle Stop (Shutoff Valve) Under Your Sink · Step 1 of 9

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In this video

Gather all necessary tools and materials for the job. You will need a way to cut the old galvanized pipe, such as a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade, a handsaw, or an angle grinder. For removing old fittings, have two pipe wrenches ready. For the new PEX installation, you'll need a PEX pipe cutter, a PEX clamp tool, and adjustable wrenches. The required supplies include the correct diameter PEX tubing (blue for cold water), various PEX fittings like adapters and tees, PEX clamps, and Teflon tape for sealing threads.

Goal: Prepare for Pipe Replacement

  • Using power tools like a jigsaw can make cutting the old pipe much easier and faster than a handsaw.
  • Ensure you have the correct size PEX tubing and fittings. The video uses 1/2-inch pipe.

Used in this video

  • Jigsaw (brand: DeWalt, Tool Type: Power Tools, Power Source: Electric)Cutting the old galvanized metal pipe.
  • Metal Cutting Blade (brand: Bosch, Tool Type: Power Tools, Material: Metal)Blade for the jigsaw designed to cut through metal.
  • Pipe Wrench (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual)Gripping and turning the galvanized pipes to loosen threaded fittings.
  • PEX Pipe Cutter (brand: Kobalt, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual)Making clean, straight cuts on the PEX tubing.
  • PEX Crimp Tool (brand: SharkBite, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Power Source: Manual)Securing the PEX clamps over the fittings to create a watertight seal.
  • Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual)Tightening the threaded PEX adapters onto the old galvanized pipe.
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FAQs

What's the single most important safety step to take before I even touch the leaky angle stop?

The most critical step is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This prevents potential flooding and ensures a safe working environment. Always confirm the water is off by testing a nearby faucet before proceeding with any work.

The project is listed as 'beginner' difficulty, but 3 hours seems long for a valve. Is it really that involved?

While replacing an angle stop is beginner-friendly, the 3-hour estimate accounts for prep work like gathering tools, draining lines, dealing with potential seized parts, and thorough leak testing. Taking your time ensures a proper, leak-free installation, so don't rush the process.

I see "Adjustable Wrench" and "Tongue and Groove Pliers" listed. Are these specific tools essential, or can I get by with a generic wrench set?

Yes, these specific tools are highly recommended. An adjustable wrench helps securely tighten the compression nut on the new valve without stripping it, while tongue and groove pliers (like Channellock) provide a strong grip for holding the valve or pipe steady. Using the correct tools prevents damage and ensures a tight, leak-free connection.

This project specifically mentions installing a "compression-style valve." Are there other types of angle stops, and why is this type recommended for a DIYer?

Yes, other types include soldered (sweat) and push-to-connect (SharkBite) valves. Compression-style valves are ideal for DIYers because they create a watertight seal by compressing a ferrule onto the pipe, requiring only basic hand tools and no specialized skills like soldering, making them relatively easy to install.