Plumbing Advice Please!

[homer]

Hello:

I have a few questions about plumbing I hope someone out there can help me with please! It's time to replace the kitchen taps (single lever Moen). Will go to Home Depot and get a similar rig. My problem is the lines leading to the tap. There is about 2" of clearance between the copper pipes and the wall, and I need to install some shut-off valves. Last time I changed the taps I had to shut off all the water to the house, and I don't want to have to keep doing it. I have just enough plumbing skills to change the taps, but I know my limitations. I was going to hire a plumber to come in and do the shut-offs. Is this going to cost me much? If I had lot's of time I might try it, but I can't be without water too long (family, you know!). And can anyone recommend a plumber in Clarington region as well? Thanks in advance!

Homer

 

[gar]

It usually takes an hour. The close quarters makes working more difficult, obviously the easier it is to cut the supply lines and then solder the shut off valves, the faster the job gets done.

 

[dallassomething]

Home Depot carries a compression fitting 1/2" to 3/8" shut off that you should be able to do yourself, just tighten on with a wrench -
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/compression-straight-stop-chrome-1-2-inch-x-3-8-inch/921500

and an angle one -
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/compression-angle-stop-chrome-1-2-inch-x-3-8-inch/921502

 

[james t kirk]

Compression fittings are never a good idea if the solder kind are an option.

I would solder myself.

That said, if you don't feel confident soldering, just hire a plumber and have him do the whole shebang because it will cost pretty much the same.

If you want to solder, then you need to buy:

Emery cloth
Flux
Lead free solder
Wire brush that fits inside the quarter turn valve
soldering torch
12 x 12 piece of sheet metal
Fire Extinguisher

Cut the pipes

Clean with emery cloth.

Wire brush the inside of the quarter turn valves (where it mates with the copper pipe.

Apply a liberal amount of flux to ensure everything is coated.

drill a hole in the sheet metal and cut a slit to the hole.

Install sheet metal around the pipe to act as a heat shield during soldering

Open the quarter turn valve and install

Apply the heat evenly around the valve

Touch solder to the joint.

When the solder melts, the flux will draw it right into the joint.

Remove heat

Let cool

Remove heat shield.

Clean everything with soapy warm water or windex.

Turn water on and check for leaks (make sure the valves are closed.)

Done

 

[SchlongConery]

The plumber is going to cost you a few hundred bucks.

Just shut off the main water valve and change out the taps. Takes less time to do it again in ten years than it will to find a decent plumber, wait around for him to show up, watch him, pay etc.

No need for shut offs at the fixture IMO.

 

[dallassomething]

Compression fittings are never a good idea if the solder kind are an option.

I would solder myself.

That said, if you don't feel confident soldering, just hire a plumber and have him do the whole shebang because it will cost pretty much the same.

If you want to solder, then you need to buy:

Emery cloth
Flux
Lead free solder
Wire brush that fits inside the quarter turn valve
soldering torch
12 x 12 piece of sheet metal
Fire Extinguisher

Cut the pipes

Clean with emery cloth.

Wire brush the inside of the quarter turn valves (where it mates with the copper pipe.

Apply a liberal amount of flux to ensure everything is coated.

drill a hole in the sheet metal and cut a slit to the hole.

Install sheet metal around the pipe to act as a heat shield during soldering

Open the quarter turn valve and install

Apply the heat evenly around the valve

Touch solder to the joint.

When the solder melts, the flux will draw it right into the joint.

Remove heat

Let cool

Remove heat shield.

Clean everything with soapy warm water or windex.

Turn water on and check for leaks (make sure the valves are closed.)

Done

soldering is definitely better, but homer said he knows his limitations that in my haste interpreted as not being comfortable with soldering - so I suggested compression fittings if he wants to save some coin and do it himself - they work well enough otherwise, homer, follow James' instructions (sounds like he's done it before) and maybe watch a YouTube or two to familiarize yourself with the steps/process he describes. good luck

 

[poorboy]

The plumber is going to cost you a few hundred bucks.

Just shut off the main water valve and change out the taps. Takes less time to do it again in ten years than it will to find a decent plumber, wait around for him to show up, watch him, pay etc.

No need for shut offs at the fixture IMO.

Unless you are a slumlord with a multi unit complex, this is what I would do. How many times in your life are you going to change out your taps? Turning off the master valve is easy and cheap. Just tell everyone when you are going to do it so they aren't surprised.

 

[Magic Hour]

There's a product called Shark Bite that has worked well for me and stood the test of time with hot water to boot. They are flexible steel reinforced line joining instant on compression fittings. You don't need any tools at all and the thing goes on literally from one end to another in 20 seconds. Not sure if they make these for faucets.

 

[homer]

Thanks everybody!

Lot's of good information! I spent some time this morning talking to the plumbing guy at Home Depot. He sold me these:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/add-a-stop-faucet-connection/972129

Which solved my shut-off valve problem without having to do any pipe cutting /soldering etc. So now I just replace the tap set, and the flexible hoses, and hopefully we're in business! Thanks again!

Homer