Dual Outlet Angle Stop Valve

There are water shut off valves under almost all kitchen sinks, toilets, bathroom sinks, and laundry sinks. Shut off valves come in many types such as compression angle stops, iron pipe angle stops, and even dual way straight stops. You can get them for many different connection sizes such as 1/2" , 3/8" , and 1/4" connections.

Changing a regular angle stop into a dual outlet angle stop (sometimes called a 3 way angle stop) can provide a connection for an extra water supply line. A dual outlet angle stop valve can be useful for putting in a water filtration system, instant hot water dispenser, adding a water line for fridge, and many other uses.

Here is how you change a normal compression angle stop into a dual outlet angle stop.

1. Begin by making a list of parts to ensure that you have everything on hand before you begin. Look under the sink and make a list or take a picture before going to the store. Make note of what angle stop valve you currently have and what size outlets you will need on the new valve.

2. To remove the old angle stop you will need to shut off the water to the house. Ensure that the water is off by draining it down at an outside hose bib. Leave the hose bib on, especially if it is lower than the angle stop you will be changing, to keep any residual water from building back up in the pipes. This will limit the water you get under the sink when you disconnect the angle stop valve.

3. Have a bowel or towel ready under the angle stop to catch water. Disconnect flex lines from the angle stop and drain any residual water into the awaiting bowl. Hold against the back nut of the angle stop and turn the housing counter clockwise to loosen it. You will need two pliers or wrenches. One pliers to hold the nut and one to loosen the housing at the same time. Once the nut is loosened all the way you will be able to pull the angle stop straight off of the pipe.

4. With the old valve out of the way you can remove the old brass sleeve and compression nut from the pipe. This can sometimes be pulled just straight off by grasping the nut with pliers and pulling it straight out with a firm wiggle motion. A compression sleeve puller could come in handy if you have trouble removing and old brass sleeve and nut.

5. Place the new nut then the sleeve on the pipe. Push both pieces back to make room so you can push the angle stop on as far as possible. Now push the angle stop valve onto the pipe as far as you can. Apply a small amount of pipe joint compound onto the threads of the compression valve before you thread the nut onto the valve body.

6. While holding the angle stop valve in place slide the nut and sleeve all the way up to the valve and thread the nut on as far as you can with your hand. Be careful not to damage the threads on the dual outlet angle stop valve when tightening the valve into place. So if there are compression nuts on the outlets of the valve body leave them until the angle stop is in place. Use one pliers to hold the compression valve in place where you want it and another pliers to tighten the nut firmly. The nut should turn about a 1/4 of a turn after it has been tightened by hand.

7. Before turning the water back on to check for leaks make sure the valve is turned off because many times they are in the on position when you buy them. Now turn the water to the house back on and check for leaks and do not forget to shut off any fixtures that were left open to drain the water down. As long as there are no leaks continue hooking up the flex lines or the new water line now that you have an additional water source under your sink.