House inspector David Thompson takes us to California's Silicon Valley, where a couple of high-tech professionals are hoping to buy a 1908 Victorian located in San Jose, Calif. The clients are second-time homebuyers Mina Eng and Corey Wong.
During the inspection, Thompson traced a puddle on the kitchen floor back to a leaky angle valve that he said needed immediate replacement. But that raises the question--what is an angle valve?
If you've ever been under a sink or behind a toilet, you've probably seen an angle valve--also called an angle stop.
They connect the distribution pipes in the walls to plumbing fixtures like the sink, and they turn the water on and off. Without an angle valve, you'd have to shut off the water to your whole house if you wanted to fix a leaky faucet. So they're handy--and pretty easy and inexpensive to fix yourself. Here's what you'll need to know if you want to install or replace an angle valve:
- There are two kinds of angle valves...with threads for galvanized pipes, and with a compression fitting for copper pipes. Make sure you get the right kind and size for your pipes.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
- Add an escutcheon plate for a finished look.
A new angle valve costs less than $10. It's money you'll be glad you spent if you ever need to fix your fixtures.
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