Replacing a shutoff valve

Where does the pipe going down from the valve go ? Is there another fitting you can see, or does pipe disappear into floor or wall ?

Unless there is a fitting called a "union" somewhere close, you are into major wrench work.

Can't you just replace the valve stem (kit), after you turn off the water meter?

The pipe goes into the ground...

I put one more view at:

I suppose I can, but I really wanted a ball valve...

Judging from the condition of those pipes plus the nature of the question you asked, I'm thinking that ain't no DIY project. I'm thinkin'

I understand that. If you start cutting pipes, wrenches, etc.. You may have future leaks in the future. A stem kit would an easy fix for the valve IMO.

How much does a pipe fitter cost...?

After your advice I contacted a friend who does this type of stuff, he will do it.

Thanks!

If it involves cutting pipes, I'll do what you are suggesting. If somehow I could take the existing valve out easily, I would replace it with a ball valve.

However, as I wrote earlier to Wade, I am going to get my friend involved. If he thinks it is beyond his experience, I'll call a plumber...

Thanks for your advice!

That horizontal line has been opened in the not _too_ distant past--the nipple still has a Home Depot price tag on it with tape not dope. Looks like may have used black iron instead of galvanized for it, though.

My guess would be there's union there; the q? is what's on the other side of that tee before can break that run???

That is a gate valve but he still may be able to rebuild it. If not then you are unscrewing pipe until you get to the next union. I would seriously think about cutting it out and replacing as much as you can with PVC. It is a lot easier to work with and it will never rust like that did. One hard and fast rule, always put PVC into metal, never the other way. Do Not put a female PVC fitting on a metal pipe. It will crack. Always use a metal coupler and screw in a PVC male adapter with teflon dope.

You are "screwed" Somewhere you are going to need to cut our a pipe nipple and replace it with a union coupler. You will likely have to remove a LOT of pipe to do it properly

So water comes up, through the valve to the "T" where it goes in through the wall and out to???

Heard the expression "beggars can't be choosers?

The horizontal line goes to the sprinkler system, I'm estimating that it was put about 15 to 20 years ago. When I bought the house 11 years ago it was there.

If you mean by the other side of the tee, the side towards the wall, that's where the pipe enters the crawlspace. The water then gets distributed to the bathroom, kitchen and the garage.

Deguza

Interesting idea. I'll pass it on to my friend was going to help me. But see what he says about the PVC.

Deguza

I can understand that, but looking at the existing pipe you may be in for a bit of work. Some joints will be opened or disturbed doing the job and they may be in need of replacing too. Be prepared to do some other work along with the valve.

The pipe enters the crawlspace. The water then gets distributed to the bathroom, kitchen and the garage.

The other side of the T feeds the sprinkler system.

Deguza

I think you are right Ed. You folks made the project a lot clearer for me.

What I was hoping was that somehow I can take the existing valve out by turning it around after taking the handle and the rest of the sticking parts out.

After all, somebody was able to put together the whole contraption without soldering anything.

I was thinking I could reverse the process of putting it together.

Deguza