Replacing the main water shutoff valve involves locating the valve, usually near where the water enters the home, testing the old valve, and removing it to install a new threaded ball valve. It is important to prepare the work area by laying down drop cloths and arranging tools. The water must be turned off, either by calling the water company or using the shutoff valve. Once the new valve is installed and leak-free, recharging the plumbing system by opening faucets pushes air out of the lines.

1. Replacing main
water shut off valve

2. Main water shutoff valves can become clogged with
mineral deposits and grit, causing slow leaks. With the
right materials and correct procedure, it’s a safe and
easy repair. It’s frustrating when you experience
gradual leaks. And, what’s the cause of those? Well,
mineral deposits and grits could block off the cutoff
valves!

3. Replacing the main shut-off valve is quite easy and
requires three steps only. First, locate the valve, then
test the valve. And finally, remove the valve and place a
new one. While you replace it, make sure you’re doing
it fast. Otherwise, you might lose gallons of water.

4. Here are some tips about replacing the main water shut
off valve:

5. 1. Locate The Main Shut-off Valve
It’s a common problem finding the main shutoff valve.
As it’s not located somewhere you can easily find it,
most people cannot find it.

6. Firstly, look for the main water shutoff valve on the
inside of your house. It’ll usually be situated on the
home’s perimeter. This is where the water plunges into
the house first. Also, this is where the water main
generally starts at the street and runs straight to your
house.

7. 2. Prepare the Work Area
While the goal is to quickly and easily remove and
replace the main water shutoff valve, it’s important to
prepare the area to make the process as streamlined as
possible.

8. Attach the jumper cables to the pipe on either side of
the valve. The electrical system is commonly grounded
through the main water line, so by attaching the
jumper cables, you create a path for the electricity to
flow in the case of a short in the system. Lay down a
drop cloth and set up a bucket underneath the valve
with a towel close at hand to wipe up any water that
may miss the bucket.

9. Take out the flux paste, blow torch, grit cloth, pipe
brush, new ball valve, pipe cutter, channel locks, fire
extinguisher, soldering blanket, a roll of solder, gloves,
and safety glasses. Arrange these supplies so that they
are within reach and neatly organized.

10. 3. Turn off water
Once you’re oriented and know where your main water
shut-off valve is, you’ll need to turn off the water. If you
haven’t done this before or feel unsure how to do it, I
recommend calling your water company to cut off the
water to your house. Usually, they can do this the day
you call.

11. You’ll also want to make sure you have a plan of how
you’re going to replace your valve before you start
cutting pipes open. Sometimes it’s as easy as changing
the old valve to the new valve. However, in some cases,
you need to do a little planning.

12. 4. Install the New Valve
You probably have a 3/4-inches pipe leading to and
from the leaky valve. Buy a threaded replacement ball
valve; it’s a far better choice than the older gate-style
valve. Screw on the new ball valve, install the old nipple
and the new leather washer (use Teflon tape or pipe
dope on the threads). Tighten the coupling nut, turn on
the water and check for leaks.

13. 5. Buy a Leather Washer
Since you have to replace the leather washer, you have
to get a new one. Leather washers are difficult to come
by. So search for them in a plumbing supply store or
search online. Some plumbing supply houses sell
neoprene washers but neoprene ultimately dries up
and cracks. So, I highly suggest going for a leather
washer.

14. 6. Recharge the Plumbing System
With the new valve installed and leak-free, you can
recharge the plumbing system by turning on the water
and opening nearby faucets. The water will slowly
begin to pour out of the faucet, pushing air out of the
system.

15. 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.

16. End Words
Now you know how to replace the main shut-off valve
without turning off the water. We’ve given you the
complete guide. But if you face issues, get a plumber to
fix them.

17. Plumbing 911 is a family-owned and operated company
servicing Medina, Stark, Portage, Summit, Cuyahoga,
and Lake counties. If you need any help with replacing
the main shut-off valve, our expert technicians will be
able to remedy the problem for you.