Shutting Off Water and Installing Shutoff Valve — Install Supply Line Covers
Part of project
How to Install an ADA-Compliant Under-Sink Plumbing Shield · Step 6 of 7
In this video
First turn off your house's main water valve. Next, open the faucet or the fixture you're working on to drain as much remaining water from the pipes as possible. Use emery cloth to clean the pipe. Once the main water line is off, take the compression stop, which comes in three parts: nut, a brass ring, and the fitting. Measure the pipe to fit the length of the compression stop. Use a tubing cutter to cut the pipe at the marked spot. Screw in the nut and the brass ring that will hold it in place. Snug the connection and then tighten with two wrenches. Make sure everything is completely closed. Turn the main water supply valve back on, and open the faucet or fixture. Let the water run to ensure that the connection is holding tight.
Goal: Prepare the water supply for the new toilet
- Ensure that the main water valve is closed by running water in other areas of the house.
Used in this video
- Emery cloth (Material Compatibility: Copper, PVC) — Cleaning pipe surface for fitting
- Tubing cutter (brand: Ridgid, Material Compatibility: Copper) — Cutting pipe to length
- Wrench (Material Compatibility: Copper, PVC) — Tightening nuts and fittings
- Compression Stop (Material Compatibility: Copper) — Stops water flow when closed
- Measuring Tape (Material Compatibility: Copper) — Measure the length to where the compression stop fits on the pipe
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FAQs
How difficult is it to install an ADA-compliant under-sink plumbing shield, and how long should I expect the project to take?
This project is rated as 'beginner' difficulty, making it accessible for most DIYers. Typically, the installation can be completed within 1 to 2 hours, depending on your prior experience and the specific configuration of your under-sink plumbing. The main skills involved are accurate measuring and careful cutting.
What are the key safety precautions I should take when installing this under-sink plumbing shield?
Always ensure the area under the sink is well-lit and clear of obstructions to prevent accidental bumps or falls. While not directly altering plumbing, it's a good practice to turn off the water supply to the sink if you'll be working very closely to the pipes. Wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges on existing plumbing or newly cut shield components.
Do I really need a specialized plastic sheet cutting tool, or can I use a standard utility knife for trimming the shield components?
While a standard utility knife can work, a specialized plastic sheet cutting tool (like the 'Utility Knife Plastic Sheet Cutting Tool GE-41' listed) is highly recommended. It provides cleaner, more precise cuts on the thick plastic material of the shield, ensuring a better fit and reducing the risk of material cracking or an uneven edge.
What's the most common mistake people make during installation, and how can I ensure a perfect fit for my plumbing?
The most common mistake is inaccurate measurement, leading to gaps or an ill-fitting shield. To avoid this, meticulously measure all plumbing components, especially the P-trap, supply lines, and shut-off valves, using a reliable tape measure. Remember the DIY adage: 'Measure twice, cut once,' and always cut slightly smaller initially if unsure, as you can always trim more.
Shutting Off Water and Installing Shutoff Valve — Install Supply Line Covers
Part of project
How to Install an ADA-Compliant Under-Sink Plumbing Shield · Step 6 of 7
In this video
First turn off your house's main water valve. Next, open the faucet or the fixture you're working on to drain as much remaining water from the pipes as possible. Use emery cloth to clean the pipe. Once the main water line is off, take the compression stop, which comes in three parts: nut, a brass ring, and the fitting. Measure the pipe to fit the length of the compression stop. Use a tubing cutter to cut the pipe at the marked spot. Screw in the nut and the brass ring that will hold it in place. Snug the connection and then tighten with two wrenches. Make sure everything is completely closed. Turn the main water supply valve back on, and open the faucet or fixture. Let the water run to ensure that the connection is holding tight.
Goal: Prepare the water supply for the new toilet
- Ensure that the main water valve is closed by running water in other areas of the house.
Used in this video
- Emery cloth (Material Compatibility: Copper, PVC) — Cleaning pipe surface for fitting
- Tubing cutter (brand: Ridgid, Material Compatibility: Copper) — Cutting pipe to length
- Wrench (Material Compatibility: Copper, PVC) — Tightening nuts and fittings
- Compression Stop (Material Compatibility: Copper) — Stops water flow when closed
- Measuring Tape (Material Compatibility: Copper) — Measure the length to where the compression stop fits on the pipe
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to install an ADA-compliant under-sink plumbing shield, and how long should I expect the project to take?
This project is rated as 'beginner' difficulty, making it accessible for most DIYers. Typically, the installation can be completed within 1 to 2 hours, depending on your prior experience and the specific configuration of your under-sink plumbing. The main skills involved are accurate measuring and careful cutting.
What are the key safety precautions I should take when installing this under-sink plumbing shield?
Always ensure the area under the sink is well-lit and clear of obstructions to prevent accidental bumps or falls. While not directly altering plumbing, it's a good practice to turn off the water supply to the sink if you'll be working very closely to the pipes. Wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges on existing plumbing or newly cut shield components.
Do I really need a specialized plastic sheet cutting tool, or can I use a standard utility knife for trimming the shield components?
While a standard utility knife can work, a specialized plastic sheet cutting tool (like the 'Utility Knife Plastic Sheet Cutting Tool GE-41' listed) is highly recommended. It provides cleaner, more precise cuts on the thick plastic material of the shield, ensuring a better fit and reducing the risk of material cracking or an uneven edge.
What's the most common mistake people make during installation, and how can I ensure a perfect fit for my plumbing?
The most common mistake is inaccurate measurement, leading to gaps or an ill-fitting shield. To avoid this, meticulously measure all plumbing components, especially the P-trap, supply lines, and shut-off valves, using a reliable tape measure. Remember the DIY adage: 'Measure twice, cut once,' and always cut slightly smaller initially if unsure, as you can always trim more.