Most plumbing systems depend on angle valves to provide correct water flow to various areas of your house. Usually found in most parts of your home, they resemble little contraventions. Under your washbasin, bathtubs, etc., you will discover them. Knowing the kinds of angle valves and installing them in your house can guarantee a smooth and efficient water flow.

This tutorial will cover the many kinds of angle stop valves we offer, their purposes, and detailed walk-by-step installation instructions for your houses.

What is an Angle Stop Valve?

This type of valve looks like a shut-off valve that controls how water moves to specific home fixtures, allowing repair without turning off the whole water supply. When the water supply comes from a wall, the angle stop valve—which differs from other stop valves—changes the direction of the water flow by ninety degrees.

They are discovered mostly underneath toilets, bathtubs, water heaters, etc. In an emergency, they provide a fast means of stopping water supplies.

Types of Angle Stop Valves

Angle Stop Valves come in different types, each serving a different purpose depending on the material used, connection type, and how it operates.

1. Compression Angle Stop Valves

These are among the most often occurring forms of angle stop valves. Since they are so simple to install and repair, they are usually utilized in homes; this makes them attractive for those who want to do it themselves.

It makes use of a compression mechanism with a ferrule for installations. It is made with different materials like the 1/2 x 3/8 brass shut-off compression angle stop valve with a temperature rating of 10 to 100 degrees and a Psi of 125. It has a zinc handwheel valve operator, and it is chrome-plated.

2. Sweat Angle Stop Valves

These are also known as soldered valves used to control water flow in plumbing systems. Unlike its other counterparts, it uses heat when fixing; hence, they’re” or “so “dere” on cop “er pipes. This method is effective because it ensures a secure and durable connection that is leakproof and serves you for a long time. It consists of a body, a stem, and a seat.

They are made of different materials like copper or brass, making them anti-corrosive, just like the 3/8 Sweat x 3/8 OD Straight Brass Stop Valve. It is a straight type of angle stop valve with a modern design and a lever for easy operation.

3. PEX Angle Stop Valves

These are specially designed for PEX pipes, a polyethylene pipe used in domestic plumbing systems. Using a crimp mechanism, they fasten the PEX tubing to the end of the valve.

They come in either brass or plastic material. The plastic materials can be sturdy and durable to an extent. You can also check out the chrome-plated brass 1/2 x 1/2 PEX Angle Stop Valve (1/4 – Tum Handle). They are easy to install and efficient for indoor use. In most modern plumbing systems, they are present due to their simplicity and flexibility.

4. Push-Fit Angle Stop Valves

We mentioned that the compression angle stop valves are easier to fix, but the push-fit angle stop valves are simpler. You simply push it onto the pipe, which locks in under pressure from the plumbing system. It eliminates the need for special tools or fittings. They are also suitable for quick repairs in cases where there is no time to use other angle valves or make a significant change of flow in a plumbing system. It is also compatible with different pipe materials like CPVC, Copper, and PEX.

The John Guest’s Guest’s/8 plastic Push-In Stop Valve is a good choice if you need any valve change in your home.

Installing an Angle Stop Valve

Installing the stop valve is easy with the proper knowledge, but you need to be attentive to know when there is a problem. This will bring about durability and efficiency and still prevent future incidents that may occur. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your valve:

• Know What You Need: Know the type of valve needed for your pipe heads. This will prevent you from buying the wrong one and reduce costs.
• Turn the Main Supply: Ensure you turn the main water supply off to stop water flow during installation.
• Drain the Water Line: Make sure that the water line of the affected valve is drained properly to reduce pressure.
• Take out the Old Valve: Use the appropriate tools to remove the old valve from the pipe, clean the pipe and endings, and clean the previous threads used in the last installation, if any.
• Install the New Valve:
• For compression valves: Make sure the pipe is clean and tight to seal correctly. After that, slide the nut and ferrule onto the pipe, attach the valve, and tighten the nut with a wrench. Make sure you do not over-tight.
• If it’s for the sweat valve, apply flux (plumbing paste) to the pipe and valve and leave to dry. Heat the connection with fire or a torch until the solder used melts and forms a bond where it is joined.
• For the Push-Fit Valve, Just make sure it locks in place when you push the valve onto the pipe.
• As for the PEX Valve, use a PEX Crimp or Clamp tool to fasten the new valve onto the PEX tubing or any compatible material.
• Look out for Leaks: After you have connected the valves, turn the water back on from its main supply and check thoroughly for leaks around the new valve you just installed. If there is any, tighten the connections till it stops.
• Testing the Valve: Turn on the valve and turn it off to know if it works properly.

Conclusion

Angle stop valves play important roles in plumbing systems as they ensure water flow from supplies to different fixtures in the home. Knowing the various angle stop valves and how to install them will enlighten you on how to take on plumbing replacements confidently. If you have issues getting the right tools to work with or still find it hard to install your valve heads, Contact Plumbstar for all your Plumbing-related issues. We will be glad to help you out.