AboutDana Bostick Expertise Pretty much any residential plumbing questions. Note: I live and work in Southern California. We do not as a rule use boilers, hot water or steam heating systems or wells so my knowledge in those areas is limited. There are others here that can probably answer those questions better.
"We all is city folk" out here! What is a "well" LOL
Experience Licensed General Contractor with Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical sub-licenses
Question I need to have a water valve replaced. The home depot expert says I can desolder to remove the old valve and solder in the new valve.
When desolder and solder, do I have to aim the propane torch all around the pipe or I can just aim it at one area and let heat conductivity take over (it's right below the wood joist).
Also, I saw some where there is like 3 sizes of 3/4" pipe, j, k, and m. Does a standard water valve fit in all 3 sizes and can I tell without measuring?
Answer Hello David,
Yes, copper pipe comes in three grades; M, L and K. The difference is wall thickness, not outside diameter so the valve will fit on any grade. M is light gauge, L is heavier and K is "industrial, seldom seen in residential work.
De-soldiering a valve, under the house in tight quarters, close to combustibles is difficult at best. Not something that a novice should attempt. The tip off that you are not very experienced in doing this work was asking if you needed to mover the torch around. (yes, you do)
It gets more complicated by having any water in the line and the fact that you will fry the new valve if you don't do it correctly and over heat it. The valve should be taken apart to prevent damage if you can. Ball type valves are NOT easy to disassemble, gate valves are not as hard.
My recommendation is to have an experienced plumber do this.
Like Kenny Rogers once said "Ya gotta know when to hold em and when to fold em".
Good Luck,
Dana
