Remove Old Pressure Reducing Valve — Remove the Old Angle Stop
Part of project
How to Replace a Leaky Angle Stop (Shutoff Valve) Under Your Sink · Step 3 of 6
In this video
Position a bucket directly underneath the pressure reducing valve to catch any residual water. Using large wrenches, such as a pipe wrench or adjustable wrenches, loosen the union nuts connecting the valve to the pipes. Once the unions are loose, continue to use the wrenches to fully unthread and remove the old valve from the plumbing line. Be sure to hold the existing pipe fittings steady with a second wrench to prevent twisting or damaging the pipes.
Goal: Remove the faulty PRV
- Be prepared for water to drain from the pipes once the unions are loosened.
- Use a second wrench to counter-torque and prevent damage to the existing pipes and fittings.
Used in this video
- Pipe Wrench (Wrench Type: Adjustable Crescent) — Gripping and turning the PRV and union nuts.
- Adjustable Wrench (Wrench Type: Adjustable Crescent) — Loosening and tightening nuts and fittings.
- Bucket (Bucket Size: 5 gallon) — Catching water that drains from the pipes.
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FAQs
How long should I expect this project to take for a beginner, and what's the overall difficulty level?
This is a beginner-friendly plumbing project, typically taking 30-60 minutes once you have all the tools and materials ready. The most crucial steps involve ensuring the water supply is off and achieving a watertight seal.
What's the most crucial safety step I need to take before starting to avoid major water damage?
The most crucial step is to fully shut off the main water supply to your home before you begin any work. After turning it off, open a faucet on a lower level to confirm water flow has completely stopped and to drain the lines.
Do I really need a specific type of adjustable wrench, or will any adjustable wrench work for this project?
While the 12-inch adjustable wrench listed provides good leverage, any sturdy adjustable wrench that can securely grip the compression nuts will work. Ensure it's in good condition to prevent slipping and damage.
What is the most common mistake beginners make when installing a new compression angle stop, and how can I avoid it?
The most common mistake is overtightening or undertightening the compression nut, leading to leaks or damaging the valve/pipe. Tighten the nut until it feels snug, then give it an additional quarter to half turn, being careful not to strip threads.
Remove Old Pressure Reducing Valve — Remove the Old Angle Stop
Part of project
How to Replace a Leaky Angle Stop (Shutoff Valve) Under Your Sink · Step 3 of 6
In this video
Position a bucket directly underneath the pressure reducing valve to catch any residual water. Using large wrenches, such as a pipe wrench or adjustable wrenches, loosen the union nuts connecting the valve to the pipes. Once the unions are loose, continue to use the wrenches to fully unthread and remove the old valve from the plumbing line. Be sure to hold the existing pipe fittings steady with a second wrench to prevent twisting or damaging the pipes.
Goal: Remove the faulty PRV
- Be prepared for water to drain from the pipes once the unions are loosened.
- Use a second wrench to counter-torque and prevent damage to the existing pipes and fittings.
Used in this video
- Pipe Wrench (Wrench Type: Adjustable Crescent) — Gripping and turning the PRV and union nuts.
- Adjustable Wrench (Wrench Type: Adjustable Crescent) — Loosening and tightening nuts and fittings.
- Bucket (Bucket Size: 5 gallon) — Catching water that drains from the pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I expect this project to take for a beginner, and what's the overall difficulty level?
This is a beginner-friendly plumbing project, typically taking 30-60 minutes once you have all the tools and materials ready. The most crucial steps involve ensuring the water supply is off and achieving a watertight seal.
What's the most crucial safety step I need to take before starting to avoid major water damage?
The most crucial step is to fully shut off the main water supply to your home before you begin any work. After turning it off, open a faucet on a lower level to confirm water flow has completely stopped and to drain the lines.
Do I really need a specific type of adjustable wrench, or will any adjustable wrench work for this project?
While the 12-inch adjustable wrench listed provides good leverage, any sturdy adjustable wrench that can securely grip the compression nuts will work. Ensure it's in good condition to prevent slipping and damage.
What is the most common mistake beginners make when installing a new compression angle stop, and how can I avoid it?
The most common mistake is overtightening or undertightening the compression nut, leading to leaks or damaging the valve/pipe. Tighten the nut until it feels snug, then give it an additional quarter to half turn, being careful not to strip threads.