Fixtures, Valves & Shutoffs
Knowing where the shutoff is matters more than knowing how to fix the leak. This lesson covers the main, fixture shutoffs, valve types, and the install sequence for a toilet or faucet swap.
The lesson
The water main + house shutoff
Water enters through the main at the meter (utility-owned) and the customer shutoff inside or just past the meter. Know this location for EVERY job — first thing you ask the customer. A burst pipe with no accessible main = thousands of dollars in damage.
Valve types
Ball valve — quarter-turn, on/off, modern standard. Gate valve — multi-turn, often seizes, older homes. Globe valve — used for flow control (hose bibs). Stop-and-waste — has a bleeder for draining outdoor lines. Check valve — one-way flow (prevents backflow).
Fixture shutoffs (angle stops)
Every toilet, sink, and faucet should have its own shutoff at the supply riser. If it doesn't, your first repair recommendation is installing them — saves the customer from shutting down the whole house for any future repair.
Toilet swap sequence
Shut off supply → flush + sponge tank → disconnect supply line → unbolt closet bolts → lift toilet straight up → scrape old wax ring → inspect flange → set new wax ring → drop new toilet on bolts → press down evenly → tighten bolts gently (overtightening cracks porcelain) → reconnect supply → test flush.
Faucet swap sequence
Shut off both supplies → disconnect supply lines → loosen mounting nuts under sink → lift old faucet → clean sink deck → drop new faucet through holes → secure mounting hardware → reconnect supplies (Teflon tape clockwise on threads) → check for leaks under load.
Tool list
- Basin wrench (for those impossible-to-reach faucet nuts)
- Channel-lock pliers
- Adjustable wrench set
- Toilet auger
- PTFE thread tape
- Sponge + bucket
Safety — Read or get hurt
- !!Closet bolts overtightened = cracked toilet base + flooded floor. Tighten only until snug.
- !!Old shutoffs may break when turned — be ready with a main shutoff plan.
- !!Toilet wax rings only seal once — never reuse one, even if it 'looks fine'.
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