Installing a washing machine valve is much like installing an outdoor faucet; in fact, it’s common to utilize outdoor spigots as washing machine valves. If your house has copper piping, which most houses do, then you are going to need to solder a tee onto an current water line. One of the secrets to leak-proof soldering would be to be certain there’s absolutely no water in the pipes. That means turning the water off and thoroughly draining the pipes before beginning. Once the tie-in tees are installed, the remaining portion of the job is uncomplicated.

Locate a 3/4-inch cold main water line to which to connect the cold water spigot and a 3/4-inch hot main line for the hot water spigot. It is often easiest to tie into the pipes which enter and leave the hot water heater.

Turn off the water to a few of the lines and open a faucet below the tie-in point for water to drain. If you can’t locate a faucet located below the tie-in point, open any faucet — which will at least ease the water pressure.

Cut the pipe in the tie-in point with a pipe cutter and permit water to drain into a bucket. Water might keep on dripping for some time, so it’s a good idea to wait 30 to 45 minutes before proceeding.

Sweat a 3/4-by-1/2-inch tee to the pipe which you just cut, using soldering flux, lead-free solder and a torch. Assemble the line which goes to the washing machine, using 1/2-inch copper fittings and pipe. Dry-fit the fittings and pipe to deliver the end of the line to an appropriate point behind the washer. Solder the fittings and pipe when you’re certain everything fits.

Solder the valve on the pipe if it’s a slip connection. If it’s a threaded connection, solder a male threaded adapter on the pipe, then wrap the adapter with Plumbing El Paso repair specialists tape, and screw to the valve. Use two pairs of adjustable pliers to screw to the valve. Secure the pipe with one pair of pliers while you flip the valve with another.

Secure the valve to the framing by screwing a pipe clamp to a fireplace using 1-inch screws.

Repeat the procedure to install another valve.