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Shut Off Water Supply — Shut Off the Water Supply

Beginner3 hours

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How to Replace a Bathtub Faucet Valve: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 1 of 5

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In this video

Locate the water shut-off valves under the sink for both the hot and cold water lines. Turn both valve handles clockwise until they are fully closed to stop the flow of water to the faucet.

Goal: Shut off water supply

  • To close valves, always turn them to the right (clockwise).

Used in this video

  • Shut-off valves (Handle Type: Straight) — Shutting off the water supply to the faucet.
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FAQs

What specific type of replacement valve should I buy for my bathtub faucet, and are the listed tools all I'll need?

You must purchase a replacement valve that is compatible with your specific bathtub faucet brand and model. Take a photo of your existing valve or faucet to a plumbing supply store for an exact match. The listed tools (adjustable wrenches, screwdriver) are essential, but also have penetrating oil and a utility knife on hand for stubborn parts.

What's the most critical safety step, and how can I avoid common beginner mistakes like leaks after installation?

The most critical safety step is ensuring both hot and cold water supplies are completely shut off before starting, then double-checking by trying to turn the faucet on. To avoid leaks, ensure the new valve is properly seated and the retaining nut is snug, but do not overtighten. Test for leaks slowly as you turn the water back on, inspecting carefully.

The project is rated 'beginner' but estimated at 3 hours. What makes it take that long, and what if screws or nuts are corroded?

While the steps are straightforward for a beginner, unexpected issues like corroded screws or a seized retaining nut can significantly extend the time. Using penetrating oil and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes can help loosen stubborn parts. Patience and having the right-sized adjustable wrench are key to success.

I'm struggling to remove the old valve even with a wrench and penetrating oil. Are there any alternative methods or tools I should try?

If the retaining nut or valve is extremely stubborn, you might need a specialized valve puller tool, which can often be rented or purchased at a hardware store. Ensure you're turning the nut counter-clockwise. If the new valve doesn't fit, double-check its compatibility with your faucet model, as slight variations can prevent proper seating.

Transcript
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going to go down below here and shut off the water. Alright, first we'll start with the cold water, and for those of you who have a hard time figuring it out, you'll always close to the right, always clot what you see. We're going to close our cold, and then we'll jump over here to the hot, and let's shut that all so. Okay, back up top.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.