If you're dealing with a leak or a malfunctioning appliance, the main water shut off valve can save you a lot of trouble and heartache. When you turn the valve off, it completely stops the flow of water throughout your home so you can make any necessary repairs before things get out of control. Over time, this valve can rust or may even break and will need to be replaced. If you're looking to replace yours, read on to learn more about the replacement process, cost, and more.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per valve: | $167.34 | $200.50 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $167 | $200 | |||
Estimate: $184 | |||||
Basic Labor for Shut Off Valve Installation | 2 hours | $136 | $165 | ||
Labor costs for thorough installation. This will start with a full assessment of the space. Your team will plan the layout, acquire appropriate equipment, transport materials, and execute preparation, installation and cleanup. They will shut off water supply, remove the existing valve, install new valve, and conduct a full test to check for drainage and leaking. If needed, demolition and surface restoration of walls, floors, and ceilings will incur additional costs. | |||||
Job Supplies for Shut Off Valve Installation | 1 valve | $31 | $36 | ||
Standard supplies and materials used in the installation process, such as connectors, fittings, and mounting hardware. |
cost to install a water shut off valve | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per valve | $34.77 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 valve | $190.92 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 valve | $173.71 - $208.13 |
The cost for a water main shut off valve is around $250, including labor and parts. The cost for the replacement part alone is roughly around $40, which makes this an intriguing potential DIY project. However, this is a project that may be best left to a professional. A plumber charges by the hour, and shut off valves are usually quick for a professional to install. Before you break out your tools, you should know what valve style you want and what product goes with what plumbing.
When replacing your water main shut off valve, consider the part, the labor, and any additional costs. You need a permit to replace this valve, which could cost anywhere between $50 to $500 depending on where you live. A plumber will charge roughly $200 / hour, and the part itself will range between $10 and $100 based on your needs. The average cost for this job is around $250, but if the valve is difficult to get to, or requires extra work to replace, that cost can go up.
A toilet shut off valve replacement is a relatively simple job. You’ll generally spend between $60 to $150 to accomplish it. This valve is located on the pipe between the wall and the tank, so if the toilet is having an issue, you can stop the water flow to it without disrupting your entire system. A plumber could handle this job relatively quickly, provided there are no complications.
A standard water valve replacement for under the sink is $10 to $30, based on what type you want. There are two types of valves used in sink hookups. Choose a right-angle stop valve if the water enters the sink through the back wall. If it enters through the floor, you’ll want a straight stop valve.
Before you dive into a water shut off valve replacement, ensure you know how to complete the job. The type of plumbing you have (plastic, copper, or galvanized) makes a difference in what you’re going to purchase. These replacement jobs can involve occasional soldering, so if you’re not reasonably comfortable with the skill, you may want to consult with a plumber. If you’re DIY, you’ll need basic plumbing tools, such as a handy bucket, locking pliers, and an adjustable pipe wrench.
When researching “How much to replace main water shut off valve?” be aware that the answer depends entirely on the valve’s location. The parts are relatively cheap, so labor is the biggest cost for replacement. A plumber charges by the hour, which can be anywhere from $40 to $200. If the valve is buried in the basement, you’ll pay to have it dug up. If the valve is somewhere easy to locate and the job is simple, the labor charge will be smaller. Be sure to get quotes from various plumbers beforehand. A simple job could cost less than $300.
First, make sure you’re prepared for the job. Have your new valve purchased and ready to install. You’ll also need a bucket, an adjustable wrench, locking pliers, flame-resistant protective gloves, and a soldering torch if the job requires it.
The connection type of your main water shut off valve should match the size of the pipe and the incoming tube connection.
Before doing anything else, turn off the water. If you have a gas water heater, turn the knob to the pilot position. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the circuit breaker. Open a faucet on the lowest and highest level of the home to ensure your pipes are fully drained before you remove the old valve.
Start by disconnecting the supply tube from the shut off valve, then remove the old valve. Use pliers to loosen the nut and unscrew the valve stem. Screw the valve off and pull it from the pipe so it is completely removed. You may have to melt the original solder to remove the valve if you have copper or metal tubing.
Your new shut off valve should come with a new plate (or escutcheon.) Add the new plate and install a new compression nut into the tubing.
Your new valve is either installed via compression or push-fit. Ensure you understand how to install the type of valve you purchased. Complete the installation from here. If you need to, don’t hesitate to consult a plumber.
This is a job you can DIY, though some knowledge of plumbing is recommended. It’s a simple plumbing job, but older pipes or copper pipes may require extra attention or even soldering. This can make the job take longer. If you hire a professional, you’ll pay for the labor costs, but they’ll bring the correct replacement and may even provide a warranty on materials and labor.
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