installing shut-off valves

mjarema414 · 12-22-2011, 08:43 AM

Hey all, I'd like to install shut off valves in my upstairs bathroom and kitchen. It's an older home with copper pipes. The pipes have a 3/8 thread fitting where the faucet hoses just connect to the pipe. What type of connector/adapter would I need to put on a 3/8 shutoff valve? I'm having a tough time figuring this out. Not much of a plumbing expert but I feel I can do this rather than getting someone out to do it. Thanks.

joecaption · 12-22-2011, 09:07 AM

First we need to be clear on what you have there now. You said it's 3/8" threaded pipe, did you really mean it's 3/8 tubing? Or it it really pipe. 3/8 threaded pipe measures about 1/2 OD.
First you have to figure out how to shut the water off at the source, open the faucet to relieve pressure, then remove the supply line, remove the fitting that's on there now, clean off the pipe threads, apply teflon pipe dope, then Install a 3/8 FPT (female pipe thread) to 3/8 compression right angle 1/4 turn shut off valve, no extra adapers needed.

mjarema414 · 12-22-2011, 09:57 AM

Thanks Joe. I'm pretty sure it's 3/8 tubing. I've shut off the water at the source a few months back to install a new faucet. I think I get what you're saying. Really appreciate the info.

joecaption · 12-22-2011, 10:02 AM

A picture would help us out.

mjarema414 · 12-22-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecaption

A picture would help us out.

Will do. I will post one tonight. Thanks!

ben's plumbing · 12-22-2011, 06:02 PM

its going to be 1/2 copper pipe with a 1/2 copper x 3/8 male to accept supply......does it come out of wall or up from floor...

mjarema414 · 12-22-2011, 08:56 PM

installing shut-off valves-forumrunner_20111222_205515.jpg

Does the fitting just come off the copper pipe with a wrench? If so, I will be able to do it. Didn't want to get into anything crazy. Thanks.

jproffer · 12-22-2011, 09:39 PM

I'm almost sure you could find a shut-off valve that would fit the threads between the hose and the next piece down.

jproffer · 12-22-2011, 09:41 PM

I would disconnect it at the lines shown....JUST the hose to the faucet...but either place would probably work.

rjniles · 12-22-2011, 10:08 PM

Cut the copper below the fittings and install 1/2" compression by 3/8" compression straight stops.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

mjarema414 · 12-22-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jproffer

I'm almost sure you could find a shut-off valve that would fit the threads between the hose and the next piece down.

I tried that but didn't work out. Bought 2 different sizes and both did not screw on to the existing thread.

ben's plumbing · 12-22-2011, 11:03 PM

you have to cut off copper just below crome adapter...install 5/8od x 3/8 od crome compression 1/4 turn ball valve...as rjniles has picture of....no soldering.. clean of the line with all the green with some emery paper... before installing valve..

epson · 12-22-2011, 11:52 PM

should look something like this

mjarema414 · 12-23-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben's plumbing

you have to cut off copper just below crome adapter...install 5/8od x 3/8 od crome compression 1/4 turn ball valve...as rjniles has picture of....no soldering.. clean of the line with all the green with some emery paper... before installing valve..

rjniles suggested 1/2od x 3/8od. Should I go with 5/8od x 3/8od as you suggested? Not sure which ones to get. Thank you.

hammerlane · 12-23-2011, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epson

should look something like this

No should look like this:

Sorry Epson

Heres a decent video from Brasscraft on how to install a compression fitting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0UW5QHRg34

The video shows an angle shut-off. You would use a straight shut-off like the one pictured by myself or Epson. Just make sure when you start tightening the compression nut on the 1/2 copper that the valve itself does not turn at all during any of the tightening.