Tried to turn off valve and handle (made of plastic) broke off. The thing that the handle turns is surrounded by a large nut, which I guess I could take off. I'm wondering if one can replace the handle, or whether it will be necessary to replace the whole valve. Looks like the valve goes on to 5/8 inch copper pipe.

Thanks.

Did just the handle break off, or did the stem that the handle hooks to break off? If handle broke, you can grab the stem with a pair of pliers and turn it off. If stem broke flush with packing nut, then you can remove packing nut, remove stem with washer, and replace only stem and washer if you have the same brand and model of shut off valves to rob parts from. Personally, I would just replace the complete valve. Remember, you must shut off main water in house to do either of these repairs. Good luck and let us know if you need further assistance. Lee.

Hi all:

Lee covered this very well as usual... ;) However, if the home isn't too old and only the handle broke off you should be able to remove the handle screw and purchase a new handle replacement at a local plumbing supply store OR you could just buy any 5/8" O.D. (or 1/2" copper tubing size... same thing) brasscraft shutoff and just remove the handle and swap over to your shutoff... stems are the same size.

PS: If you end up trying to swap stems that can work as well, but be sure to match up the straight stem with a straight valve and an angle valve stem with an angle valve... ;)

See image below... does the handle/shutoff look like yours, except your handle was plastic?

Back to you...

MARK

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi all:

Lee covered this very well as usual...;) However, if the home isn't too old and only the handle broke off you should be able to remove the handle screw and purchase a new handle replacement at a local plumbing supply store OR you could just buy any 5/8" O.D. (or 1/2" copper tubing size...same thing) brasscraft shutoff and just remove the handle and swap over to your shutoff...stems are the same size.

PS: If you end up trying to swap stems that can work as well, but be sure to match up the straight stem with a straight valve and an angle valve stem with an angle valve...;)

See image below...does the handle/shutoff look like yours, except your handle was plastic??

Back to you...

MARK
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Thanks Mark. Actually it's the plastic stem that broke, and part of it is still inside the valve. I guess that means it will probably be easier just to replace the valve. In order to do that. Looks like I can turn the big nut to get the old valve off. -- Thanks again, Lou

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mygirlsdad77

did just the handle break off, or did the stem that the handle hooks to break off? If handle broke, you can grab the stem with a pair of pliers and turn it off. If stem broke flush with packing nut, then you can remove packing nut, remove stem with washer, and replace only stem and washer if you have the exact same brand and model of shut off valves to rob parts from. Personally, i would just replace the complete valve. Remember, you must shut off main water in house to do either of these repairs. Good luck and let us know if you need further assistance. Lee.

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Thanks Lee. Actually the stem (plastic) broke at the nut. Once I remove the packing nut, would I just be able to put a new valve on there? Thanks again. Lou

See The Image below will show you how to replace the stem or the valve assembly, Thanks.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by afaroo

See The Image below will show you how to replace the stem or the valve assembly, Thanks.

John

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Great diagram John. Just what I need to give me the confidence to go ahead. Many, many thanks. Lou