Install shut-off valves

You may not have noticed it but there’s a small valve below all the plumbing fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms that controls the water flow to those fixtures. It is also called a stop valve because it allows you to repair the fixture without turning off the water to the entire house, an important feature when there’s a leak or overflow. Having a shut-off valve is a good safety precaution, because you can stop the leak quickly.

You’ll find these valves and flexible supply tubes sold in the plumbing section of hardware stores and home centers. You can install two shut-off valves for $30 and save 80 percent. To do it yourself you’ll need basic plumbing tools like a basin wrench and an adjustable pipe wrench and, of course, a bucket and a sponge or rags. Or hire a plumber who will charge $153, which includes labor and material, to replace two valves.

When shopping for shut-off valves, you should know what valve style you are replacing and what type of water pipes you have: plastic, copper or galvanized. There are two styles of valves used at sinks: a right-angle stop valve for when a water pipe enters through a wall, and a straight stop valve for when water enters through the floor.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$153 -- $30 -- 1.2 -- 1.5 -- $123 -- 80 Percent

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