I am replacing the water supply valves for a sink fixture with new decorative supply valves. I've got the valves removed from the wall, however, the old nut that goes around the copper pipe from the wall (that connects the valve) is not coming off. I know there is a little brass ring that goes around the pipe that keeps the nut on, but I don't know if this little brass ring is soldered on or will it come off with a little force. I just don't want to damage the cooper pipe by pulling on the nut too hard. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by rinnerarity

I am replacing the water supply valves for a sink fixture with new decorative supply valves. I've got the valves removed from the wall, however, the old nut that goes around the copper pipe from the wall (that connects the valve) is not coming off. I know there is a little brass ring that goes around the pipe that keeps the nut on, but I don't know if this little brass ring is soldered on or will it come off with a little force. I just don't want to damage the cooper pipe by pulling on the nut too hard. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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Here's a picture FYI. Thanks.

The little ring you are talking about usually stays in place as well as the nut that is behind it . If you want to remove the little ring the best way is to cut the pipe off behind it. Im not sure of your exact application but unless you have enough pipe sticking out of the wall to cut the pipe then install new nut new compression ring(this is the little ring you are talking about)then new decorative valve I would consider just using the old nut with the new valve. I have never tried to remove one but it will be very tight and you could get the pipe out of shape trying to remove it. If anyone knows atrick for getting these off I bet Speedball does he will probably be on later. Whatever he tells you go with it he knows his plumbing. Good look , post back if I've missed anything

Just saw your pic looks like you don't have much pipe there. I believe I would just try using the old nut with the new valve assuming of course they are the same size.

The one on the right is a compression fitting. The only way to take it off is to cut it off. I As you tighten the fitting the brass ring crimps on the tube and distorts the tube slightly. Usually the piece of pipe is not re-useable.

To get an idea how they work go purchase compression fitting and a piece of pipe. Install one and try to get it off.

I can't figure out what happened to the one on the left.

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Originally Posted by ac101

just saw your pic looks like you dont have much pipe there. I believe I would just try using the old nut with the new valve assuming of course they are the same size.

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I would use the old valve except that the new one I am putting on is a decorative valve and a different color than the chrome one I have now. If I pull the cooper pipe out slightly, I can push the chrome nut back with my fingers and I see the gold ring around the pipe, but it seems to be on there pretty tight. Glue or solder? I don't know. My home is new construction only about 6 years old and I live in So. California. If I cut the pipe behind the nut, I won't enough pipe.

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Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

The one on the right is a compression fitting. The only way to take it off is to cut it off. I As you tighten the fitting the brass ring crimps on the tube and distorts the tube slightly. Usually the piece of pipe is not re-useable.

To get an idea how they work go purchase compression fitting and a piece of pipe. Install one and try to get it off.

I can't figure out what happened to the one on the left.

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I just read your message after I posted a reply to another response. Both of the right and left valves are the same, both are on the same way. I guess it seems I have no choice but to cut the pipe behind the ring and hope I have enough pipe to put on the new valve. If I don't have enough pipe after cutting it, can I join a bigger piece of copper pipe with a coupling or does a whole new pipe need to be installed that goes into the wall? Thanks again.

I am fairly certain that the only way to remove the old nut and ring is to cut it off since you don't have enough pipe you would either have to cut and extend the pipe (this probably would invlve a plumber)or just use the old nut. I wish I had better Ideas for you. What finish is on your new valves. Maybe you could either paint the nut to match your new valve finish. IF you decided to do that be sure absolutley no overspray gets on the threads for the nut or the pipe itself it could cause it not to seal properly.

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Originally Posted by ac101

I am fairly certain that the only way to remove the old nut and ring is to cut it off since you dont have enough pipe you would either have to cut and extend the pipe (this probably would invlve a plumber)or just use the old nut. I wish I had better Ideas for you. What finish is on your new valves. Maybe you could either paint the nut to match your new valve finish. IF you decided to do that be sure absolutley no overspray gets on the threads for the nut or the pipe itself it could cause it not to seal properly.

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I am probably going to have to cut it, the new finish is an Oil Rubbed Bronze and I already tried using the new valve with the old nut and the threading doesn't seem to be the same. I can only get it to turn about 1/4 turn then it stops. Thanks for the help.

Post back if we can help anymore, Good luck!

RINN you might do a bit of searching at the hardware store. You can add a new compression coupling that can accept an adapter that fits your new fixture. It will stand out from the wall about an extra inch but most people don't go looking under sinks.