How to Remove an Angle Valve (Shut Off Valve)
Replacing a valve in any plumbing scenario can be intimidating. It takes time to decide what type of valves to use for your project because a large variety of valves exist. However, before you get to far ahead of yourself knowing how to remove a valve is just as important as selecting a replacement such as a compression valve. Many of the parts and tools you will need for a project like this one can be found at local stores like Home Depot or on-line at Improvement Direct.
Step 1: Determine the type of valve. Determining the type of valve will also determine what types of tools and supplies you will need. In this example a wrench(es), pliers, torch, towels (both paper and cloth), welders glove, and a small container to catch water are necessary items.
Step 2: Turn off the water. Turning off the water so you can do your valve work will vary depending on the time period when your place of residence was built and/or the builder. In my example I always play it safe and turn off the water to the entire house. Please consult your landlord, builder, blueprints, and even your local water company before shutting off your water.
Step 3: Flush the toilet. Flushing the toilet will remove the stored water in the tank that replenishes the toilet when flushed.
Step 4: Remove the tank cover. Check to see if most of the water has drained out of the tank. You will not be able to remove all of the water.
Step 4: Remove the lines from the valve and tank. Have plenty of towels and containers to catch the water as you disconnect the lines running to and from the tank.
Step 5: Remove the front of the angle valve. Sometimes removing the front of the angle valve will help with getting as much of the water out of the pipe as possible. This will help with heating up the valve and pipe when applying the torch.
Warning!!!
Using a torch or any fire/heat source can cause personal and/or property damage if used incorrectly. Contact the proper authorities who specialize in this industry as well as your fire department and county for proper procedures and regulations before using or applying these devices/tools.
Warning!!!
Step 6: Apply the flame of the torch to the desired location. I like to apply the torch to the end of the valve where it meets the pipe. About a ¼ to ½ of an inch of pipe will be inside of the valve. The blue part of the flame will be the hottest part thus decreasing the amount of time the flame will be on the valve and pipe.
NOTE: In small areas, like in this example, please take the time to protect yourself and the project from fire and injury. In this example I used a fire resistant welder’s glove to protect myself and my walls/home from fire. Consult or purchase fire resistant items from your local hardware store like Home Depot to aid you in projects involving fire and heat sources. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions provided with your equipment.
Step 7: Remove the valve. Using a wrench, pliers, or welders glove.
Warning!!!
The valve will be extremely hot. Have a fire resistant container or devise ready to place the hot part inside and transport the part to a fire resistant area/surface like a cement patio outside and let the part cool normally. Applying the part to cold water or a foreign substance could cause the part to shatter and/or send hot water vapor and metal pieces flying randomly resulting in property or personal injury.
Warning!!!
Step 8: Remove any excess material from the pipe. After the pipe has cooled remove any excess material left on the pipe such as solder. It may take a heavy grit sandpaper to get the job done. The most import thing to remember while removing material from the pipe is to protect the integrity of the pipe.
Now your pipe is ready for its new valve. Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions about how to change a valve?
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
3 Comments
you are correct to remove front of valve to let out water, however, i have brasscraft quarter turn valve and there is no nut at the front of the valve to remove, only a scew and a handle and we cannot turn that screw at all. I assume there is a stem in there that could come out, is that correct? Thanks for your reply.
I’m sure that I’m too late to be of any help on your current project. However, I do have a pointer for any future project of this sort. If the pipe extends from the wall as far as shown in the example, I’d forget the torch & cut the pipe near the old valve. Then you don’t need to worry about getting the last bit of water drained from the pipe before being able to remove it. If you do it this way, the shortened pipe will, of course, not extend as far out from the wall & will make it a bit more difficult to safely solder on the new valve- a problem easily correctly by using a valve with a compression fitting (IE no soldering required). If you do the job of removing the old valve with a torch & will be soldering the new valve to the already solder-covered end of the pipe, I’d also forget the use of sandpaper to remove the excess solder. It’s not extremely difficult to do this, as the solder is pretty soft. However, if you’re careful to protect your hand from burning it, the easiest way to remove the excess solder is to wipe it with a thick rag while it’s still hot.
Dave,
Great points! When I started this project I kept going back and forth if I want to cut the pipe or take it off with a torch. At the time I wanted to use my torch because I hadn’t used it for awhile and I wanted to hone my skills using it. I think the next time I have to replace a valve I’ll cut the pipe if there is enough room.
I appreciate your feedback on this post and hope other readers will be able to use your comments or add to them because your suggestion is a good time saver and is safer for the DIYer.
Jeremy