It may be wise to find your home's water cut-off valve in the street before doing anything in the very unlikely case that the valve shears submarine movie style. This is also a good time to replace an old supply tube and a corroded escutcheon (wall trim plate). Or replace the main shut-off valve without cutting off the water with a professionals help. The water should come out regularly, at first, then begin to taper off until it stops completely, indicating that the curb stop valve works and is fully closed. With the proper wrench, remove the valve that you're going to replace. Put PVC glue on the pipe and push the open valve on the pipe. Hold the valve with a pliers, loosen the packing nut and unscrew the entire valve stem. Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve Installation Cost. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. If you cant, dont disconnect it. Then, check to see if water normally flows while the valve opens. Finally, the last step for replacing the old valve. Shut off the valve and ensure no water pressure is in the line. Remember to slowly add heat to the joint, so that the flux paste can work to pull in the liquid solder and form a complete seal. These national averages reflect a best-case scenario where the valve is easy to access, and the repair doesnt require any other parts or services. Again, Dont forget to take help from a professional if youre not swift enough to fix this. I expect it will be difficult to turn though, so a spray of penetrating fluid before attempting to tighten it would be a good idea. If you have a gas water heater, turn the knob to the pilot position. . Homeowners spend an average of $875 you need to dig a trench to reach the main water shutoff valve with difficult access. Apply flux paste to the exterior of the pipe to prepare it for soldering. Some plumbing supply houses sell neoprene washers, but neoprene ultimately dries up and cracks. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. With the water off, open the faucets and showers in the building to drain any water left in the pipes. Then shut off the upper and lower faucets. In this article, well discuss the cost of replacing a main water shut-off valve to help you budget for home repairs accordingly. We do not present information about every offer available. By submitting your email, you agree to our, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The first thing to try is to tighten the packing nut on the shut-off shaft. If the first solder is successful, then it's time to finish the job. A compression valve typically consists of a threaded ball valve that is attached to a FIP fitting that can be soldered to copper pipe. These locations vary based on the region of the country, the local building codes, and the age of the home. The range of costs in the national average reflects these regional differences. Replacing piping can be expensive, depending on the extent of the damage. With the water off, open the faucets and showers in the building to drain down any water left in the pipes.3. The most common problems include leaking or corroded valves. Perhaps the biggest factor in the cost of replacing the main water valve is the location of the valve in your home water supply system. And finally, remove the valve and place a new one. Theres usually an oil-impregnated leather sealing washer inside the coupling. The water supply system is one thing. You can either open the valve body and replace all the internal parts, or replace the valve with a newer style 1/4 turn stainless steel ball valve. I wasn't able to shut off the valve at the street, so was scared to adjust the nut. . Then open a faucet on the lowest level of your house and another faucet on an upper level to drain the pipes. Homeowners spend an average of $875 you need to dig a trench to reach the main water shutoff valve with difficult access. Since the water meter is a water utility property, the meter is usually in the easement. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Would A Green Abishai Be Considered A Lesser Devil Or A Greater Devil? Attach the jumper cables to the pipe on either side of the valve. One popular location in some regions is adjacent to the water meter. Then remove the valve. The main valve is always placed along the perimeter of the foundation, so it'll be near the wall, not the center of the household. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. This compensation comes from two main sources. Every so often, you should inspect your valves and water pipes. Close the new valve. With this in mind, these steps for replacing the main water shutoff valve are separated into two common valve type categories to provide clear, concise steps for dealing with both solder and compression valves. With the water off, open the faucets and showers in the building to drain down any water left in the pipes. To fix a leaking main water shut off valve, start by tightening the packing nut. Also, the new valve used as the replacement here is a ball valve. In these instances, the average cost of replacing a main water shutoff valve is usually between $180 and $220. Water leaking up the stem on the main water shutoff valve, Washing machine shutoff valve won't close, Identifying My Main Water Shutoff Valve / Setup. By Timothy. If you cant, do not disconnect it. If you have an older gate-style water valve that has an active leak then it is probably a good idea to replace it with a quarter turn ball-style valve. Reconnect and Test. First, locate the valve, then test the valve. If you aren't sure what a compression fitting is or why water would interfere with soldering, then it's best to hire a professional to replace the main water shutoff valve. Slide off the old sleeve, old compression nut and the escutcheon (if youre going to replace it). Now, its time to unveil the ways you could use to replace the main water shut-off valves. As it's not located somewhere you can easily find it, most people cannot find it. rev2023.6.27.43513. Purchase a threaded replacement ball valve rather than the outdated gate-style valve. A water supply line is connected to each faucet and toilet in your home. It's difficult to answer and vote for questions/answers that ask/answer more than one question. Screw on the new ball valve, install the old nipple and the new leather washer (use Teflon tape or pipe dope on the threads). First, turn the valve knob to the left (open) and the right (closed). You can do it yourself without struggling too much. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. After a few seconds, apply the solder to the valve joint. How to Turn Off Your Water Supply Quick and Easy - wikiHow Otherwise, you might lose gallons of water. . How to extend catalog_product_view.xml for a specific product type? Even with all the water outlets in the house turned on, you will still be seeing 50 to 70 PSI coming in from the street. Then loosen the coupling nut and remove the nipple from the old valve. After replacement. So, there may come a time when you have Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. What is the best way to loan money to a family member until CD matures? Slide the new escutcheon and compression nut onto the copper tubing. Lets break the entire process down for you: Its a common problem finding the main shut-off valve. Signs Your Main Water Shut Off Valve Needs to Be Replaced Depending on the location of the main water shut off valve in your home, you'll notice one of two major signs that your main shut off valve may be failing: the foundation appears wet water pressure throughout the home has decreased thanks. Want to know more about when you need a replacement, and what factors can affect your cost? Youll have to dig up your water line to replace the main shut-off valve. Compression valves are also necessary if the curb stop (street) valve fails after the shutoff valve has been removed, in order to quickly stop the incoming rush of water that will begin flooding your home without a valve to stop the flow. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewersand we make house calls! Discuss possible options with the public works official to have the curb stop valve repaired before proceeding. The skills necessary to make a repair to or replace a main water shutoff valve require some knowledge. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Adjust the valve to make sure that the compression fitting is completely over the pipe, then begin to hand-tighten the compression nut. Another option is to add a second valve downstream of the first valve. On average, repairing a leak in the main water line while replacing a main water shutoff valve costs $750. Installing a larger piece of copper wire and two new clamps are the safest approach to solve this problem. DIY or hire plumber? You will also want to use a wire pipe brush to clean the inside of the new valve, then apply flux paste to the inside of the valve. A cold water inlet valve (often identified by a blue handle) feeds cold water from the main supply into the water heater. Depending on the type of valve and installation method, the national average cost ranges from $210 to $413. Sign up for our newsletter! Double-check that the jumper cables, drop cloth, bucket, and towel are all in place, then use the pipe cutter to start cutting through the pipe on the outlet side of the valve. A full-open valve maintains the consistency of water flow through the pipes and into your home. The average main water valve replacement cost is $600, but that average rises to $875 if a trench is required to reach the valve. Often getting the water shutoff in this manner requires a permit and the associated costs. Next, remove the old compression sleeve and nut. However, the cost of main water shut-off valve. Complete DIY projects like a pro! Seems something is wrong with possibly your info. Contact your local public works office to have the water shut down at the curb. Then mark the installed length on the tubing and push the valve onto the tubing until it reaches the mark. Several companies make quarter-turn push-fit ball-style shutoff valves that install without tools. This can significantly reduce costs and even cover a new main water shut-off valve. Turn the water heater gas valve back to 'on' or flip on the circuit breakers to the electric water heater. You will know that the system is fully recharged when there is no longer air coming out of any plumbing fixtures in the home, including faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Take the towel and clean the pipe to remove any dust or debris, then use the grit cloth to scrape off the top layer of oxidized metal material, revealing clean copper pipe. Typically, sweating a joint on a copper pipe is more time-consuming and requires more skill than replacing a threaded valve. Here are some tips about replacing the main water shut off valve: 1. Carter Plumbing and Heating. In large part, your skill level and confidence dictate if you can make a repair to or replace a main water shutoff valve. Its not recommended at all. When the line is broken, there may be residual water inside that needs to drain out. If the replacement is being done during the winter, frozen ground and bad weather . Nationally, where water meters and main shutoff valves co-locate in an easement, the costs range from $175 to $500. To clear it out, is there any white, turquoise, or brown residue on the valves exterior? Reconnect the new valve to the existing plumbing pipe. It would be best to shut off the water valve to change the faucet. Reconnect supply lines to the new valve. Making repairs to the main shutoff valve in a vault or box eliminates the need for trenching or digging. Then, slide the new compression sleeve onto the copper tubing. Signs that the valve is no longer working the way it should include the inability of the valve to fully shut off the flow of water, a seized or difficult-to-turn valve handle, and an active leak from the valve. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Installing the main shutoff valve in a box or vault has its advantages. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. How To Change a Main Water Meter Shutoff Valve LIVE! You can hire a professional plumber near you to complete the job for about $285 on average for a simple replacement. Make sure to move the solder around the entire joint to ensure that there are no gaps in the seal, then turn off the blow torch and allow the pipe to cool. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. The cost continues to rise the deeper you have to dig, as trenching and dirt work often cost hundreds of dollars per excavation foot. Preferably a ball valve should be installed because its the most reliable type. Replace main water shutoff valve in house. DIY or hire plumber? Here are some examples of national average costs based on location: Most water main shut-off valves are made of brass, as its durable and inexpensive. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. It only costs $200 to replace a main water shutoff valve in the basement. Youll understand how it works. Apply flux to the outside of the pipe and the inside of the valve. At that point, youre ready to shut down the water and replace the valve. I was not able to turn off the water shutoff at street so I didn't want to mess with it. Clean up all debris and dispose of it properly, then turn on the water supply to test that it works properly. Replacing Main Water Shut Off Valves | Robinson's Plumbing Service It should be 6AWG for 100-amp service and 4 AWG for 200-amp service. Replacing the main shut-off valve is relatively easy and requires only three steps. Cut into the water line using a tubing cutter. If youre replacing a sweat valve, remove all traces of solder and ensure the tubing is perfectly round. However, the cost of main water shut-off valve replacement can vary quite a bit, depending on the size of the valve and its location. Another question is what's a good way to enclose/hide this. How do you replace the water shut-off without turning off the water? 3. Insert the new valve and apply a very light coating of pipe dope to the compression sleeve. Its not complicated, but the house water will be off, so its a good idea to get your ducks in a row before you start. This is a globe valve and its design dates from the days of steam for a good reason. If it acts in any way like it's tight, somebody else may have already compressed the packing to its maximum and no further seal is possible. To replace a water shut-off valve, youll need: If you feel uncomfortable with the job, or if the valve is in a hard-to-reach position, its best to hire a professional. What are the experimental difficulties in measuring the Unruh effect? The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances. What would happen if Venus and Earth collided? Also, the placement of the valve and pipe in it. Most push-fit valves require at least 1 in. Lastly, another valve may be called a curb valve if the preceding techniques fail. The ultimate plumbing DIY guide on how to repair a leaking water shut off valve. But you really dont want to spend your hard-earned money, so Mowing the lawn is an important, but often dreaded activity. How Much Does Main Water Line Replacement Cost? [2023 Data] - Angi Open the faucet that is closest to the main water shutoff valve to drain the water line. If the water doesn't stop, then the curb stop valve may not be completely closed or it may be broken. We dont recommend the permanently installed supply tube version because you have to shut off the water and replace the entire unit if the supply tube ever needs replacement. In many cases, the repair is possible inside the vault without doing any digging. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for startups and content agencies. TSaddle valves might leak because its an old fixture. If the old sleeve left depression marks, locate the new sleeve slightly forward of the marks. Is the valve threaded, or does it require a sweat joint for the installation? This is far easier than the first option. As the summer heat increases, this chore can become hot, sweaty, and altogether exhausting. This is usually done by the utility. No need to mess with the street water main. If no leaks are detected, then open the valve and test the outlet compression fitting. Check the inlet compression fitting for leaks by wiping it down with a paper towel. Depending on your location, budget $50 to $500 for the permit. It pays to keep this important part of the system in good order and properly repaired. In this case, youll only have to budget for the cost of the valve and the materials to install it. Resources: Ball valves and soldering tools are available at home centers. Many factors associated with the valve location can add cost to the replacement job. I got an estimate of $300 to replace ball valve, Good advice. Samantha covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. Can anyone identify this type of shutoff valve? Since that valve is just as old, test it to make sure it closes all the way and reopens again. How to Rebuild a Shut-off Valve - The Home Depot Tighten the coupling nut. Overall, the cost of replacing the main water valve in one of these outdoor locations varies from region to region. Here are some examples based on prices from major home improvement stores: The water shut-off valve has many components to it. If the main valve at home is dripping, youll also need to replace the street-side valve. This emergency valve can be quickly installed if the curb stop valve fails after cutting the pipe. Steps: If the indoor shutoff valve is not stopping water flow, the local water department has access to a shutoff valve near the street and can be called to shut off water while work is performed. The cost of the permit depends on the extent and type of plumbing work you perform. Most ball valves cost approximately $8 to $15. The water should gradually fill the incoming pipe and begin to pour into the bucket. When working in a multifamily home or if the main shutoff is damaged, water can be held back temporarily by freezing the pipe. Finish cutting the pipe, then move to the inlet side and repeat the process. It attaches a clamp on the home side of the meter to a clamp on the street side. To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. As its not located somewhere you can easily find it, most people cannot find it. Even a drop of water will immediately show up on paper towel, so it's a great resource to ensure that there are no leaks in the new valve. Itll usually be situated on the homes perimeter. To ensure an adequate water flow, a full-open water valve must be at least 85% of the cross-section area of your water pipes. It's also usually installed at or near ground level, so you can skip checking the upstairs and attic. In some cases, repairing a main water shutoff valve requires additional work to bring the plumbing into compliance with local building codes. True Cost Guide Plumbing Install a Water Main How Much Does Water Main Installation and Replacement Cost? Use the right tools and try not to round off the nut. If your home is plumbed with PEX or plastic pipe, these instructions dont apply. Freeze the pipe just before the main shutoff valve. Watch the pipe you are threading it off of and make sure the pipe doesn't twist. If that doesn't work, loosen the packing nut and add more packing material. If the indoor shut off valve is not stopping water flow, the local water department has access to a shut off valve near the street and can be called to shut off water while work is performed.2. The price depends on the quality of the valve, additional tools needed and whether or not you hire a plumber. Mineral deposits and tiny pieces of grit can gradually build up in an old gate valve, making it impossible to fully close. Apply a wet towel to the pipe about 30 seconds to a minute after soldering to help cool down the pipe without interfering with the solder joint. Method 1 Shutting Off the Water to a Fixture Cut into the water line using a tubing cutter. Today I show you how to quickly replace a faulty water shutoff valve under the sink. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you need to stop believing these 10 plumbing myths ASAP! Use sandpaper to clean the main water line before cutting into it. Its placed at the start of your water main. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. With the right materials and correct procedure, it's a safe and easy repair. Its an experts job. If your stub-out tubing is perfectly symmetrical, long enough and has a square-cut end, you might be able to use a push-fit valve to replace your old compression or sweat valve. You c. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. 5. Geraldine is a lifestyle writer and content creator. Turn off the water supply valve on the street side of the home. And, whats the cause of those? As soon as the solder melts, wipe away the excess solder with a damp rag. A few of these other costs you may incur are related to other damage that may have occurred to your water system because of the leak. If your main water shutoff valve is in a basement with easy access, the repair may be straightforward and within your abilities. Steps: Replacing the main shutoff valve is a risky job that should be left to professionals only. Looking For Experts To Solve Your Plumbing Problems? By submitting your email, you agree to our, How to Repair a Damaged Main Shutoff Valve, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Upgrade older gate valves to a more reliable ball valve. How much does replacing the main water shut-off valve cost to replace it? But there are additional costs to consider when replacing your main shut-off valve. Close the new valve. Expert assistance for this segment was provided by A.E. As soon as the solder melts, twist and pull the valve off the copper tubing with a pliers. ball valve Leather washers Shutoff Replacement Procedure Youll need around $375 to $600 to replace it. Expect some water to come out and fall into the bucket. Main water shut-off valve replacement costs can vary depending on the type of valves that you use and the materials that you need. Standard propane doesn't burn hot enough to effectively solder plumbing, but methylacetylene-propadiene propane (MAPP gas) does. How To Change a Main Water Meter Shutoff Valve LIVE! Rotate elements in a list using a for loop, US citizen, with a clean record, needs license for armored car with 3 inch cannon. Typically, the flow of water into the home is controlled by the main water shutoff valve, so without this valve in place, you will need to have the water shut off outside the home at the curb stop. 4. Check your progress and stop cutting before you reach the copper. Trenching and dirt work can be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars per excavation foot. If piping must be replaced or accessing the valve requires demolition, costs can escalate rapidly. 6. Removing the valve stem allows any remaining water to drain out, making the unsweating process easier. [3] How to Install a New Bathroom Faucet in 8 Steps, How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink, Stop Plumbing Leaks With Ball-Type Shutoff Valves, How to Repack a Stem Seal on a Street Valve, Fix a Leaky Shutoff With a Supply Valve Piggyback, How to Change a Shower Head in 3 Easy Steps, How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), The Best Patio Furniture Sales to Shop This Summer, Expert Tips for an Easy Faucet Installation, How to Locate Your Gas Shutoff Valve and Water Shutoff Valve, learn if we think one typeof water valve is better than the other, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you notice a loss of water pressure or leaks at any point in the pipe, it might be time to replace the valve. Quarter-turn valves are also operated by a handle on the valve stem. All Rights Reserved. There is PVC glue that can be used to stop water leakage. For replacing a compression valve, you will need a drop cloth, grit cloth, a bucket, a towel, compression fittings, a threaded ball valve, Teflon tape, a pipe cutter, channel locks, a pipe wrench, gloves, safety glasses, and jumper cables. Complete DIY projects like a pro! It only takes a minute to sign up. If not, yes, close the valve fully, then remove the handle and the 'packing nut' or 'gland nut' and takle to local plumbing store to pick up new packing. Loosening the multi-turn handle allows water to flow through the valve. Hold the valve with a wrench or a pliers and tighten the nut a one-half to three-quarters turn (follow the manufacturers tightening instructions). Now, you need boxeslots of boxes. Loosen the connection nut and remove the old valve. Your problem is very common with old multi=turn valves. Tighten them until you encounter resistance, but don't tighten them to the point that it's impossible to remove them. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. We've described the procedure for you A-Z. Replacing main water shut off valve (2022 Update) I called out a plumber today to replace our main water shut off valve. Put on a leather glove and grab a damp cotton rag (microfiber cloth will melt). Some homes have an isolation valve located near the main water shutoff valve. Here are some pricing estimates based on the replacement part (including labor): While the cost of the valve itself can be cheap, expect to pay around $170 to $250 to replace a main water shut-off valve when you account for labor and materials. Otherwise, remove enough old solder to allow the new sweat valve to slide onto the tubing. Shut off the circuit breakers to an electric water heater. In many ways, the easiest and often cheapest main water valve replacements are those located in a basement. If you can unscrew the old valve with the bonding jumper wire in place, fine. This method is commonly used by plumbing professionals to prevent cutting the pipe when there isn't a lot of pipe coming out of the foundation, but if you have enough space, then cutting the pipe on both sides is a cleaner and easier way to remove the old valve. This ease of access translates into repair costs that range from $200 to $750. It was probably produced for you during the final stages of your house purchase. Locate The Main Shut-off Valve It's a common problem finding the main shutoff valve. Most plumbers are familiar with the local permitting requirements and theyll be able to provide you with a cost estimate for the permit. Are you getting ready to move? Richard showed two methods of freezing a pipe when working in a multifamily home or where no outdoor shutoff is available. So measure the length of the stub-out and refer to the valve manufacturers length requirements before buying. It is located outside of the house and in plain sight and with very easy access. Attach the jumper cables to the pipe on either side of the valve to create a path for the electricity to flow in the case of a short in the system. Twist the handle on the sink or toilet shut-off valve to shut off the water. T he main water line is crucial to your home's plumbing system, costing an average of $1,639 to replace. Lets start with the process-. If there are problems, the inspector can often tell you how to remedy the situation. Cut out the damaged main shutoff with the pipe cutter and solder on the new connection as quickly as possible. With the new valve installed and leak-free, you can recharge the plumbing system by turning on the water and opening nearby faucets. With the valve open and facing the correct direction, it's time for the blow torch. Apply the proper pipe joint compound to the pipe threads. Through her design expertise, she provides decor lovers the tips and resources they need to create the home of their dreams. But if the pipe is rusted internally or the threads are rotted, this simple plumbing job can turn into a plumbing nightmare. Remove the stem and wire-brush the opening in the new quarter-turn valve and apply flux to the valve and the copper tubing. If properly installed so the pressure comes in on the bottom of the valve, with the valve fully closed, the stem is on the pressureless side and allows you to remove the handle and the gland nut to replace the packing without taking the system fully out of service. By turning off this isolation valve, you don't need to drain the entire water line.