Plumber replacing shut-off valve on residential water supply line
Water Supply Services

Shut-Off
Valve
Replacement

A valve that won't close in an emergency is a liability. We replace main shutoffs, fixture stops, ball valves, gate valves, and appliance supply valves — and verify full-turn operation before we leave.

Ball Valve Standard

Gate valves always replaced

Operation Verified

Full-turn test before we leave

Same-Day Service

Valves on every truck

24/7 Emergency

Active leak valve failures

What We Replace

Every Valve Type

CRITICAL

Main Shutoff Valve

The single most important valve in your home. We replace failing gate valves with full-port ball valves — quarter-turn operation, reliable closure, and rated for decades of service. Curb stop coordinated when needed.

IMPORTANT

Fixture Stop Valves

Under-sink, toilet, and tub stop valves replaced with new quarter-turn ball valves. We replace the supply line at the same time — old braided lines are a water damage risk.

IMPORTANT

Appliance Supply Valves

Washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and water heater shutoffs replaced. We also replace aging supply hoses — burst washing machine hoses are a leading cause of home water damage.

STANDARD

Ball Valve Installation

New ball valves installed on supply lines, branch lines, and zone shutoffs throughout the home. Full-port valves for maximum flow; rated for hot and cold water service.

STANDARD

Gate Valve Replacement

All gate valves replaced with ball valves. Gate valves corrode, stick, and fail — especially on lines that haven't been operated in years. We don't leave gate valves in place on critical shutoffs.

EMERGENCY

Emergency Valve Failure

24/7 response for valves that won't close during an active leak. We carry common valve sizes on every truck so we can make the repair immediately — not schedule it for next week.

Why It Matters

Gate Valve vs. Ball Valve

Gate Valve — Replace

Round Handle

  • Requires many turns to open or close
  • Gate corrodes and sticks in one position
  • Gate can break off inside — valve becomes inoperable
  • Fails silently — looks fine until you need it
  • Common in homes built before 1990

Ball Valve — Install

Lever Handle

  • Quarter-turn lever — open or closed in one motion
  • Reliable operation even after years of no use
  • Full-port design — no flow restriction when open
  • Visually obvious: lever parallel = open, perpendicular = closed
  • Industry standard for all new residential plumbing

Don't Wait

Warning Signs

A valve failure during an active leak turns a minor repair into a major flood. These are the signals that your valves need attention before an emergency forces the issue.

Call Now — 313-427-4780

Main shutoff is a gate valve (round handle) over 15 years old

Handle that spins freely without stopping water flow

Valve handle that won't move at all — stuck open or stuck closed

Dripping at the valve stem, body, or supply connection

Visible corrosion, green staining, or mineral buildup on the valve

Water still flowing after valve is fully closed

Fixture stop valve that hasn't been operated in years

Washing machine supply hoses that are more than 5 years old

Common Questions

Valve FAQ

Q

How do I know if my main shutoff valve needs to be replaced?

A

Turn it off completely and check whether water stops flowing at all fixtures. If water still trickles through, the valve is failing. Gate valves (round handle) that haven't been operated in years are especially prone to this — the gate corrodes in place or breaks off inside the valve body. If your main shutoff is a gate valve over 15–20 years old, we recommend replacing it with a ball valve before you need it in an emergency.

Q

What is the difference between a gate valve and a ball valve?

A

A gate valve uses a threaded gate that rises and lowers to stop flow — it requires multiple turns to open or close and is prone to corrosion and failure when left in one position for years. A ball valve uses a quarter-turn lever to rotate a ball with a hole through it — open is aligned with the pipe, closed is perpendicular. Ball valves are far more reliable, faster to operate, and less prone to failure. We replace all gate valves with ball valves.

Q

Can a leaking shut-off valve be repaired instead of replaced?

A

Sometimes. A leak at the packing nut (the nut just below the handle) can often be stopped by gently tightening it a quarter turn. A leak at the valve body or the supply connection usually means the valve needs to be replaced. We assess each valve and give you an honest recommendation — we don't replace valves that can be repaired.

Q

How long does a main shutoff valve replacement take?

A

Most main shutoff replacements take 1–2 hours. We shut off the curb stop, drain the supply line, cut out the old valve, solder or press-fit the new ball valve, restore service, and pressure-test before we leave. In most cases you're without water for less than an hour.

Q

What are fixture stop valves and why do they fail?

A

Fixture stop valves are the small shutoffs under sinks, behind toilets, and behind washing machines. They're typically compression-style valves that see very little use — which is exactly why they fail. Rubber seats and packing dry out and crack when a valve sits in one position for years. When you need to shut off a toilet that's overflowing, a stuck stop valve turns a minor problem into a flood.

Q

Do you replace appliance supply valves?

A

Yes. We replace supply valves for washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators (ice maker lines), water heaters, and any other appliance with a dedicated shutoff. We also replace the braided supply lines while we're there if they're showing age — a burst washing machine hose is one of the most common causes of serious water damage in Michigan homes.

Coverage

7 Metro Detroit Locations

Mission Complete

Southeast Michigan's Most Trusted Plumbers