DIY Guide: How to Replace a Compression Shut-Off Valve in Copper Plumbing

by Kim April 9, 2021

written by Kim April 9, 2021

How to Replace a Compression Shut-Off Valve in Copper Plumbing

Overview

Replacing a compression shut-off valve is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to replace shut-off valves when you’re replacing other plumbing fixtures, such as toilets or faucets, to ensure they’re working properly.

Materials and Tools

New compression shut-off valve
2 channel-lock pliers
Tubing cutter (optional)
Compression sleeve puller (optional)
Rag

Safety Precautions

Turn off the water supply at the main shut-off valve before starting any work.
If you’re only replacing a hot-water shut-off valve, you can turn off the hot water at the water heater.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with plumbing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the Old Valve

Disconnect the flexible supply tube from the outlet nipple on the shut-off valve.
Grip the valve with one pair of channel-lock pliers and turn the compression nut with another pair of pliers to loosen it.
Slide the valve body off the end of the water pipe, then slide the compression ring and compression nut off the pipe.
If the compression sleeve is stuck on the pipe, use a tubing cutter to cut back the copper and install the new compression valve on a new section of pipe.

2. Install the New Valve

Clean the pipe with a rag.
Slide the new compression nut onto the pipe, followed by the compression sleeve.
Slide the valve onto the water pipe, making sure the pipe is fully seated into the valve’s socket.
Slide the compression ring and nut up against the bottom of the valve and thread the compression nut onto the valve body.
Tighten the nut as far as it will go by hand. Holding the valve with one pair of pliers, tighten down the compression nut with another pair of pliers. Another one-quarter turn of the nut with pliers is usually sufficient to fully tighten it.
Reattach the flexible water supply tube to the outlet on the valve. Tighten fully by hand, then another one-quarter turn with pliers.

3. Turn On the Water and Check for Leaks

With the shut-off valve fully closed, turn the water supply back on at the main shut-off valve.
Check for leaks at the compression fitting on the valve.
Slowly open the new shut-off valve while continuing to look for leaks at both the compression fitting and the flex tube fitting.
If you see any water seeping, tighten down the nuts a little further until the leaking stops.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the compression sleeve is stuck on the pipe and cannot be removed with pliers, use a compression sleeve puller.
If you notice a leak after installation, shut off the water, remove the pressure from the line, then tighten the compression nut a little more and recheck it.
Compression valves can sometimes have slow leaks. Check back a few times in the hours after installation to make sure there is no seeping water.

Kim

Nestled comfortably between the bustling art scene and the vibrant scientific community thrives Kim, a multifaceted artist and staff writer at LifeScienceArt. Their path to creative expression wasn't linear. While a degree in social studies equipped them with a keen understanding of human systems and interactions, a deep-seated love for the natural world and a burgeoning desire for sustainable living nudged them in a different direction. This fascination with the delicate balance of our planet blossomed into a multitude of artistic expressions – drawing, sculpting, and capturing the essence of nature through the lens of a camera. Kim's artistic journey is a testament to their boundless curiosity and a rejection of rigid categorization. They seamlessly navigate between mediums, wielding charcoal to translate the intricate details of an ecosystem onto paper, meticulously crafting models that capture the elegance of biological forms, and using light and shadow to sculpt captivating narratives about the environment. Their artistic voice is as diverse as the ecosystems they strive to represent. Kim's passion for environmental stewardship extends beyond the realm of art. Their decision to pursue a career at LifeScienceArt is a testament to their desire to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and artistic expression. They believe that by translating complex scientific concepts into visually compelling narratives, art can become a powerful tool for environmental advocacy. Kim's writing for the art section is infused with this very philosophy. Their words weave together scientific Erkenntnisse (German for Erkenntnisse: acquired knowledge/discoveries) with artistic flair, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the urgent need to protect it. Mirroring their artistic eclecticism, Kim's taste in music reflects a similar disregard for genre boundaries. Their playlists might seamlessly flow from the haunting melodies of Björk to the infectious grooves of Fela Kuti, with a detour into the experimental sounds of Radiohead. This eclectic mix fuels their creativity, offering a constant source of inspiration that transcends categorization, just like their art.