How to Rebuild a Shut Off Valve | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace the shutoff valve underneath her kitchen sink.
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Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: $30
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Rebuilding a Shut Off Valve:
Wrench
Screwdriver
Shopping List:
Valve stem repair kit
Steps:
1. Shut the water off to the house.
2. Pull the handle off the shutoff valve using the screwdriver.
3. Loosen the gland nut behind the handle using the wrench.
4. Unscrew and remove the valve.
5. Screw in the new valve from the repair kit.
6. Tighten the gland nut back over the new valve with the wrench.
7. Put the handle back on with the screwdriver.
8. Turn the water back on.
Resources:
Richard repaired the stem on the kitchen faucet shutoff valve using a multi-turn valve stem repair kit, manufactured by BrassCraft (www.brasscraft.com/).
Everything else he used to repair the shutoff valve, including the wrench and the screwdriver, can be purchased at home centers and plumbing supply stores.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Rebuild a Shut Off Valve | Ask This Old House
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[@togacruiser]

A very important step was left out. ALWAYS put a wrench or at least hold the pipe that goes into the wall so as not to over torque the soldered copper pipe. If you crank down on the large valve nut to loosen or tighten and pop the copper connection it’s plumber time.

[@fransiscon]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@VamooseRooter]

Richard’s Master Plumber hands are calibrated to torque to the exact force. He doesn’t need to hold back u like your mortal hands

[@bill619]

Made that mistake on a toilet shut off valve… nut was corroded so I put some muscle into it and twisted the copper pipe. $570 later, the plumber soldered on a new valve 😒

[@TooBlessedBabyDoll]

I just rebuilt my shut off valve under my kitchen sink. My 1st KZbin success!!🏆 Thanks for this video! ❤️

[@AAtta-3286]

Much appreciated the video. I had a shutoff for my humidifier that started leaking after 18 years and wouldn't turn off. Saw the video and purchased one at Home Depot and took 10min to replace.For those worried about plastic , I also saw metal replacements. Thank you This Old House. Great videos.

[@Wesmancan]

I still love this show. Have been watching forever. Very informative.

[@stever5887]

Rich finally used a smooth-jawed adjustable wrench to remove something instead of chewing it up with a pair of Channelocks! I knew he had one in his tool bag; I think it just kept getting worked down to the bottom. On a nut that size, he might have used the closed end of a combination wrench to ensure he didn't round-over the nut; just an observation. I think many of us would have changed out the entire valve, but he did this repair to show us an alternative and to save the homeowner some money.

[@MrWolfSnack]

It is not necessary to replace the entire valve. Like in my house from 1949, the valves were designed and intended to be taken apart and cleaned yearly.

[@classicalconcerto6742]

Love you guys, This Old House!!!

[@irrelevant2235]

This was a very helpful video! Thank you very much for taking the time to post it.

[@rogeranderson1722]

Thanks for a great instructional video! .... the BrassCraft valve stem repair kit for $3.00 at Home Depot worked like a charm .... it also saved me a lot of time and trouble by not having to replace the shut-off valve 👍👍👍

[@georgemallory797]

Thanks for the positive message. I will copy your success.

[@flat-earther]

@@georgemallory797 Did you succeed?

[@jackmyhre8759]

@@flat-eartherit’s been 4 years. They flooded their house and drowned 😢

[@poma9878]

Thank you for making this video. It saved me so much time and hastle.

[@jacksonryan2052]

Worked like a charm! Thanks guys!!!

[@KnowledgeSharingTech]

Thank you very much. This was really helpful.

[@reggie583]

The place near me doesn't sell the kit, but they do sell replacement washers. I brought the stem with me and they fit it on right there.

[@mygiguser]

Great video, this should have more views!!!

[@Newberntrains]

Thank you went to change the faucet like she was and my water didn't shut off or slow down one bit same with my toilets all new valves for me but glad I know how to repair em 😁

[@petethehandyman9185]

Nice video,well done

[@japan5865]

Beautiful

[@tancore1]

Life saving video

[@Techmatt167Official]

At least she was smart enough to make sure the water completely stopped before taking the sink apart.

[@lincolnmicrophonellc]

yea I wasn't smart enough to make sure the valve was operating as specified before removing the toilet, clean up time is never fun

[@DuncanCunningham]

i'd probably of taken the washer off the new one and put it on the brass fitting and reused that.

[@__-pl3jg]

Haha, exactly what I said.

[@mr.whythesciencemagicguy]

I also would swap out the washers if I have time, but it is faster to just swap out the stem with washer together. Also, the washer may get damaged when I pry it off and reseat it on the new stem, especially if the replacement washer is old stock that may be brittle.

[@mr.whythesciencemagicguy]

I don't know if a brass stem is better than a plastic stem, or how much longer it will last. I have used both with good results.

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@mr.whythesciencemagicguy Considering my valves lasted 80 years with brass stems, good luck getting plastic to last that long.

[@mr.whythesciencemagicguy]

@@MrWolfSnack I have done that too on some valves, only cost $2 for the kit at home depot.

[@revenant6910]

Thank you so much!1!

[@rcusa4863]

Great instructional video by Richard, and smart homeowner. Because it shows one of the advantages of Brasscraft Multi-Turn valves vs Solid Metal (e.g. Brass) 1/4 Turn valves--they can be repaired easily. But, it also shows the disadvantage of Multi-Turn values vs Solid Metal 1/4 turn valves---they have rubber seals that deteriorate. Multi-Turn valves are best for tight spaces behind/under toilets because of the fact they are so easy to repair when a Toilet is in your way. But, everywhere else, Solid Metal 1/4 turn valves are the best choice. The argument about the plastic stems in multi-turn valves in not a big deal in my experience since the rubber seals deteriorate long before there are any plastic issues--unless of course there are young children in the house who like playing with the valves; then, it should be Metal all the way!.

[@toupsclassroomtoupsclassro9557]

great reply I think Richard it the Tom Silva of plumbing but here I think it would be best to keep the brass part rather than the plastic? also, I never know if I would turn it 1/2 way say or all the way open if I get the same flow. Your thought pls ty

[@VV-th5is]

What can I do if shutoff valve is stuck, and plastic stem is stuck in the housing and I cannot remove? The valve is also soldered, I am trying to avoid calling a plumber.

[@lincolnmicrophonellc]

The best!

[@rogerdevero8726]

You have the BEST 'How To' videos: clear and professionally produced. Thank You Romans 10:9-10

[@danbergdoll6800]

Love your scripture choice.

[@maximusmax4557]

I just came from a plumbing supply retailer, who told me stop valves are not rebuildable. He said, "Most people just replace them." I said, "Yeah, but I don't have the tools and equipment to replace it, I wanna just rebuild it." Not to mention the fact that the valve is in a tight spot, which isn't easily accessible. I think for a few bucks, I'm gonna give a rebuild kit a shot. For the cry-eye!

[@lambertj.2892]

Good for you. I did the same with this $3 kit and it worked perfectly.

[@MRrwmac]

Richard, I’m guessing you (being the old professional that you are) didn’t leave that plastic piece in but pulled it out after the cameras were off and replaced it with the metal part but with a new washer???

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@jjj-iz6pp]

Beside turn off main shut off valve, do you need to turn off water heater valve?

[@adam10532]

Is this kit going to fit all multi turn angle stops?

[@arttra9158]

Actual taps get used all the time and take years to break down. These shut of valves never get used but they are always knackerd madness.

[@gene6867]

Thanks for the chuckle, that’s so true

[@VV-th5is]

I have a plaster stem and it is stuck n the housing, cannot pull out. Any suggestions on how to remove?

[@ScubaCat3]

It's just a 00 washer. No need to get rid of the brass.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Yes. And I have recently repaired some hose bibbs with 000 washers.

[@rreingold]

Does that kit have a part number?

[@cup_and_cone]

Plastic stem...no thanks.

[@Brian-Burke]

I same pretty much the exact same thing. I consider that a downgrade.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@smd11873]

Using the plastic was definitely a surprise!

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@rickwashek478]

I ca not believe a plumber would remove a brass fitting and replace it with plastic. !!!

[@phillipangell5131]

Rick Washek I've been plumbing for 17 years and in that time the quality of plumbing stuff has got steadily worse, especially taps and gate valves

[@tsw199756]

I noticed they didn't show it leaking with the new plastic stem...lol

[@kingokafor6215]

Plastic seems to work just fine Everytime I've used it; maybe you guys just didn't think to used it back in 1950😁

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

Jeeze people complain about just replacing things and now that he repaired something rather than replace it, you still find something to complain about.

[@tsw199756]

King Okafor you can keep the plastic. My buddy's house flooded for 2 weeks when the plastic valve on his 2nd floor toilet broke in the middle of the summer when he was on vacation. Water ran thru his entire house for 2 weeks. No plastic for me...

[@kennethchang1275]

Does nobody in north America just change the washer. Do they no sell them separately

[@dereklull8212]

Did it work?

[@TheEgg185]

The knob should have been put on horizontally so that it would be easier to turn that bottom nut that it's blocking.

[@waltright648]

How much past finger tight should the stem be tightened? How much past finger tight should the nut be tightened? If the assembly leaks after opening the valve, should the stem or nut be tightened more, or are they maybe too tight? It really would have helped explain what the two rubber washers are for. I had to guess how tight to to make the stem and nut.

[@AStanton1966]

Always open the valve a little before you tighten down the gland nut, the big nut under the handle.

[@tripjet999]

Try doing some MAINTENANCE on that existing faucet once in a while (good heavens, just get under the sink and spin the plastic nut back onto the bottom of the spray hose fitting, to keep it in place) and KEEP IT CLEAN! No need to purchase a new faucet, especially if the one you have has a lifetime warranty - just call the company for no-cost replacement parts. Incidentally, a nice customer rep. at Brasscraft mentioned to me that the packaging costs more than the replacement parts inside! The whole thing should be selling at HD for HALF the three dollars which was mentioned in the video!

[@cgeorge6786]

But it is out of date and so pre 2013 nish. Must throw out perfectly functioning sink in landfill and replace immediately for that reason.

[@tripjet999]

@@cgeorge6786 Yes and then you can complain to everyone else how everything is SOOOO expensive and you can't pay your bills...LOL,

[@lacihalasz]

How much to turn the valve when i am finished the job? Just a little bit or all the way ? Tnx . I have a toilet aqua drainer and a low presure , water is runing very slowly

[@flat-earther]

When you finish open the valve all the way.

[@oshkoshdom2197]

first thing you do when you shut off the water is drain the hot water by turning on the hot water faucet at the lowest point in the house. If you don't when you remove the packing nut water will be everywhere.

[@MyOver50]

I wondered why that wasn't in here myself.

[@MoreLifePlease]

Why did the video stop and go to the commercial before showing that it was a good fix??? We're forced to assume that it was but, weird.

[@greggkuzila7513]

I can't believe that every time you do a plumbing job there's never any stuff under the sink

[@luptonpittman6520]

🤣

[@MAGAMAN]

They also always have a basement or crawl space. Never a slab foundation.

[@WakandaBabe]

It would be nice to see This Old House people going to people's homes/ kitchens that don't look brand spanking new.

[@cgeorge6786]

And some plumbers crack too!

[@WakandaBabe]

@@cgeorge6786 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ricksterling7944]

I can't believe we are using ALL plastic now. I look at this and think "man, that plastic will get brittle and break when you go to shut this off"......I'll pay the extra for brass or real metal!

[@MrWolfSnack]

It's hilarious to ever think a plastic valve will work to do anything.There is a reason why those $50 chinese made toilets only last 10 flushes then bust apart.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

​@@MrWolfSnack plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@MrWolfSnack]

Jammed up with.....what? Exercise and maintain the valves yearly and they won't seize up. Mine are 80 years old and still work. I just rebuilt 5 so far with fresh seals, grease, and packing that were never done since they left the assembly line. I have hard water. Turn the valves fully off and on 4 times for each valve at least once a year and they wont corrode - and thats with no maintenance. Applying grease and some TLC will ensure they will be functional for decades. I would NEVER EVER EVER replace any metal valve with plastic - any plumber doing that should be barred. @@jacksplumbingvideos7147​

[@IntegraDIY]

Did it solve the problem? I wish they were like the original old days and actually completing videos..showing the project from start to finish.

[@stever5887]

That one was cut short at the end, which I didn't care for, either. He did promise to change out the faucet set for her, too, and that didn't happen. I think that would have been a rather lengthy segment, though. They try to focus on one problem at a time, and the valve repair was the main issue here. We may see the faucet set change-over in a separate video some day.

[@stever5887]

When I went back up to the top of this page, they had the follow-up video (changing out the faucet set)already in place to watch.

[@rubix777]

After shutting off the house water, there is usually water in the lines, so before undoing the packing nut, I'd put a bucket to catch the water. I'm surprised not to see residual water coming out of the supply lines especially after seeing water dribbling out of the spout.

[@beav1962]

There was a spigot just above the main shutoff lever. I am guessing that is for draining the residual pipe water at the low point. After doing some kitchen sink stuff last week... I wish I had one of those.

[@sat_sonic]

Should have used 1/4 turn valve and replaced the valve. Only a 5 min job

[@donweimer9264]

Sat Sonic yes, I agree. Get rid of every gate style valve as possible!!

[@arcadion448]

It takes 5 minutes just for the solder to naturally cool down. To properly do it, it'd be at least a 10 minute job. But, agreed replacing the valve is much better.

[@flat-earther]

But you can't rebuild a quarter turn valve when it fails.

[@rickwashek478]

What's better brass or plastic? . I guess if you want to replace plastic parts every year it's ok.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Why do all American homes have a food grinder under the kitchen sink? I never see them up here in Canada.

[@mobiledevto]

for making garbage smoothies.

[@Combat_Carl]

Because we can’t just throw it out the window and let the moose and geese eat it.

[@lambertj.2892]

cause we like to grind our food...Canadians too!

[@n9wox]

Hot water deteriorates the rubber seal. Use a quarter-turn valve with a metal ball valve, far superior.

[@Sal112350]

removing that compression ring is a challenge, you have to buy a tools to remove it. This kit is much simpler, less chance of breakage of the pipe just like what happen to me. I cut it with a hack saw, it damage the pipe, slight leak coming out, I have to cut the piece of damage copper and put on a new compression ring.

[@flat-earther]

But you can't rebuild the ball valve when it fails.

[@n9wox]

@@flat-earther most people don't rebuild inexpensive valves. 1/4 turn valves will last for decades.

[@flat-earther]

@@n9wox I get it but if it's a soldered valve not everyone knows how to solder, but replacing a gasket, almost anyone could do it after watching this video.

[@1088su]

I would just replace the washer.

[@chrisanthony144]

why would you replace metal with plastic?

[@joeschmoe8624]

Full. City. Water pressure

[@chrisholliefield4678]

You guys are funny.... Being a plumber for 20 years I can tell you that most internal replacement parts are plastic now a days. I completly disagree with rebuilding the valve!! I would have replaced it with a quarter turn ball valve style

[@brandonmunsin9310]

as a fellow plumber i completely agree! doing yourself a disservice trying to rebuild. the water is off already put a new valve an be done with zero future worries. these videos are good and bad for diy people.

[@seesaw7289]

@@brandonmunsin9310 I've put in quarter turn ball valves, they've frozen up after just a few years, and the lever has broken off rendering the new quarter turn valve assembly useless.

[@lambertj.2892]

ok, but how do I get the old valve off? Seems like it's soldered on. Easier just to fix the internals and be done with it.

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@lambertj.2892 You would need a torch to heat the solder and pipe cutters to cut the valve off, then solder in a new valve. Also new valves are $16 for metal ones FYI. Spending a $1-$2 to rebuild the valve in place is cheaper. People only replace the whole valve because they are lazy and want money. A valve only has 1 moving part and you'd be lucky to turn it 5 times in 60 years. Not a lot is gonna go wrong on it.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@MrWolfSnack]

"It's out of date and pretty old our faucet". I have that same faucet. It is only 9 years old.

[@flat-earther]

Why is the handle so ugly and why is it pointing almost vertically up instead horizontally doesn't that make it hard to swivel it to change temperature?

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@flat-earther What are you asking me for? I didn't design it. The handle is not straight up, it curves to you, and you push it back and then left or right to turn it on hot or cold.

[@flat-earther]

@@MrWolfSnack You have it so I asked you because it looks weird to me. You say it works so great.

[@SpacewolfDan]

20p for two washers or whole lot more money for a whole valve...

[@AStanton1966]

I had my kitchen redone after 20 years and I have hard well water. You think my plumber would have recommended changing the kitchen shut off valves for some nice quarter-turn ball valves--No! I ended up resweating a new pair a few years later when I replaced my kitchen faucet.

[@flat-earther]

But you can't rebuild the quarter turn valves when they fail.

[@AStanton1966]

@@flat-earther At $12.00 or so a valve, who cares?

[@flat-earther]

@@AStanton1966 Whatever. If the valve is soldered not everyone can solder to replace it, but changing a gasket, almost anyone could do after watching this video.

[@guysolis5843]

Well I'll be damned. I had no idea they made kits for water shut off valves.. I had to shut off my main and found out it didn't cut the water supply off completely. I have a crawl space and had to scoot around bent over like an animal. I was going to sweat the old valve and replace it with a compression fitted valve but opted to rebuild the 63 year old valve instead. It was incredibly easy. I turned off the water at the street and removed the old set up and bought a new flat washer and bada bing. bada boom I saved $500 for the plumber and $35 for the DIY valve..I guess mom was right. There really ISN'T anything I can't do!

[@willythehero88]

I wished that he would have turned on the water to the home to test the fix.

[@joejr9653]

That was an angle valve. Sometimes under your sink there are straight valves. If you are replacing stems make sure to get the correct one. Angle stems do not fit straight valves and vice versa. Also using plastic probably not the best thing. I would have replaced entire valve, or at least used a brass stem.

[@VV-th5is]

Hi, I have a plastic stem that is stuck in the main housing/seat, how can I remove?

[@VV-th5is]

The valve is shutoff valve is stuck too.

[@Havi71599]

Common sense tells anyone that if the washer worned out on the metal piece than the plastic piece would be even worst; as the washer and the plastic will wear out much quicker having plumber come back to hopefully properly replace and charge owner more plumbing fees. Tricks of the trade to keep them in business.

[@kalijasin]

The plastic ones always break.

[@slimdougmaddox4634]

I would agree with you, if he didnt show her what to do. For $3 and simply need a screwdriver, she doesn't need to call anybody.

[@cllxpy]

12 person

[@Fentertainment]

When diy's don't go right on camera they don't show how something was fixed. I'm taking it that this didn't fix the problem. Why wouldn't they have just replaced the washer?

[@abscomm]

The plastic stem will break!

[@kalijasin]

@John Jones, Only suppose to use them temporarily, until can get a new valve.

[@compactcow]

@@kalijasin don't they sell the valves with plastic stems now? 😂

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@NuclearNinja1979]

Not a fan of the plastic...

[@tannerc900]

Or you can just cut the valve off, put a shark bite quarter turn valve on and then you won’t have to make the same repair a few years later.

[@tatejohnson9487]

I don’t like it’s plastic It’s going to fall apart

[@MrRustedmetal]

should have kept the metal stem. smh

[@robwebnoid5763]

I was thinking that too, remove the rubber washer off the nylon plastic stem & put it on the metal one, then test for leaks. If no leaks, then at least she keeps the original metal stem, which should last longer than nylon. But the video did not even finish with a conclusion, including a leak test as well as fixing the spray wand.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

@@robwebnoid5763 plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@brianprovus4684]

Good video but not going to like because it ends before it is finished.

[@d.b.922]

Why risk the trouble of replacing an old part that could potentially leak again. When you can replace the entire valve and know it would last you a very long time

[@kalijasin]

Dighiño B, less waste? 🤔

[@luptonpittman6520]

Not every homeowner can cut and solder

[@d.b.922]

@@luptonpittman6520 you don't have to solder these valves. Theyres compressed by 2 wrenches 🔧

[@lambertj.2892]

@@d.b.922 so how do you get the old valve off? Mine is soldered on.

[@d.b.922]

@@lambertj.2892 if it's soldered on. You will have to heat it until the solder melts then you could pull it off the pipe . I would advise to call a plumber for this though as it requires some experience and specific tools to get the job done right

[@kalijasin]

New one is plastic. Old one is metal.

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

plastic does not get jammed up like metal.

[@SpacewolfDan]

redic plastic. that wont wear or strip..... put the rubbers back on the old one. so lazy......grrrrrrrrrrr

[@lambertj.2892]

where do you buy the rubber piece?

[@SpacewolfDan]

@@lambertj.2892 id just buy the kit and remove the rubber. put it on the old one. shove the rest in the bin.. you dont chuck brass away. it might be a standard rubber too so once you have the horrible one you know what to look out for.

[@ShrillNathan07]

Hi

[@BobisKool]

Nathan Golenski , what kind of time traveled are you? KZbin said this was uploaded 54 seconds ago, but your comment is 8 minutes old.

[@philzrad]

$30 to replace a $10 part...

[@tinypeanuts]

THIS! Was wondering why not just get a Sharkbite quarter turn shut-off? I got a multi pack after purchasing my old house. So far, 3-4 replaced. I did have to get a new cartridge for one sink handle that got debris in it.

[@cup_and_cone]

The stem kit was $3, but still. Replacing the o-ring in the original fixture would be more robust/piece-of-mind than Chinesium grade plastic.

[@HussainAlMutawa]

Phil Es I think the cost includes the wrench and screwdriver.

[@saulgoodman2018]

Phil, she pays a plumber, because she didn't know how to do it.

[@DuncanCunningham]

$3 for the parts and $100 for a plumber, you get a discount if they get to tease you about trying to fix it yourself or bring along a TV crew.