I'm in the process of replacing my bathroom vanity, but I'm having an issue with one of the water line knobs. When I turn it off, it doesn't completely stop the water flow. I'm wondering if I should just turn off the main water line for the house before continuing, or if I can manage to catch the drips with a bucket while I work on it. This is my first time tackling this kind of project, and I'm a bit worried about messing things up. None of the YouTube tutorials really cover what to do for this specific situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you're already in there, I recommend just shutting off the main water line while you replace the valve. If the valve is threaded, it should be pretty straightforward—just ensure you brace the stub with channel locks or a pipe wrench to prevent twisting anything inside the wall. If you're dealing with a soldered connection and aren't comfortable with heat shielding or sweating pipes, grab a Shark-bite quarter turn valve instead. It’s worth checking out some YouTube tutorials for tips, but make sure to clean any rough edges with sandpaper and get a straight cut before you install the new valve.
The safest bet is to shut off the water for the whole house or at least the bathroom. If you're not feeling confident, take clear pictures of the valve, head to a hardware store like Lowe's or Home Depot, and they can help you find a replacement that matches your setup. I wouldn’t recommend just dealing with a leak while you swap out the vanity; it can create bigger issues fast.
It really comes down to the amount of water coming out. If it’s a significant leak, calling a plumber might be best. But if it's just a drip, using a bucket or towels could work temporarily while you replace the supply lines. Just make sure you're ready to get everything reconnected quickly to avoid a bigger mess!