How to Remove an Angle Valve?
2 Answers
Method for removing an angle valve: First, turn off the water supply by closing the main valve. Then, disconnect the metal flexible pipe connected to the angle valve by turning it counterclockwise. Use a specialized wrench to grip the triangular position of the angle valve and rotate it counterclockwise. Avoid using excessive force during removal, as angle valves are generally not installed very tightly unless they are rusted in place. An angle valve, also known as an angle stop valve, is similar to a ball valve. Its structure and characteristics are derived from modifications of the ball valve, with the key difference being that the outlet and inlet of an angle valve form a 90-degree right angle. Angle valves are also referred to as triangle valves, angle-shaped valves, or corner water valves, named for the 90-degree bend in the pipeline at the valve's location.
Removing an angle valve is actually quite simple, and I've done it many times at home. First, identify the type of water pipe, and turning off the main water supply valve is crucial—otherwise, you'll end up with a flooded house once it's opened. Use an adjustable wrench or pipe wrench to directly loosen the nut at the angle valve connection by turning it counterclockwise. Keep your movements steady and avoid excessive force to prevent stripping the threads or damaging the pipe. After loosening, slowly remove the valve, noting that there may be residual waterproof tape underneath—clean it thoroughly to avoid leaks when installing the new valve. Take your time during the process, and place an old towel underneath to prevent scratching the sink or wall. Finally, after removal, test the new valve or plug to ensure no leaks before turning the water back on for a flow test. Each time I remove one, I learn new tricks, like spraying some loosening agent in advance for rusty pipes in old houses to make the job easier.
