Valves are the unsung heroes of your plumbing. The main shut-off, the stops under each sink and behind each toilet, the valves on your water heater and the ones feeding outdoor taps all let you control water when something goes wrong. The problem is that most people never touch them until an emergency, and that's when they discover the valve is seized, leaking or won't fully close.
In Markham, many homes still have their original gate-style main shut-off and multi-turn stops. Older homes in Markham Village and Milliken may have valves several decades old. We replace worn and failing valves with reliable quarter-turn designs so you can shut off water quickly when you need to.
Valve Replacement Around Markham
In most Markham homes built in the 1990s and 2000s, the main shut-off sits on the front basement wall close to the water meter, and many are the original gate-style valve that has never been closed. Older houses in Milliken and Thornhill may have valves that are even older, sometimes buried behind finished walls during a basement renovation.
We suggest every homeowner know where the main is and make sure it can be reached. If it's hidden behind drywall, an access panel is a small job that can save a lot of damage. When we replace a valve, we'll also check the stops at your fixtures and point out any that should be replaced soon, so you can plan rather than find out during a leak.
Water heaters, softeners and outdoor taps also have their own valves, and each one is worth checking when we're already there.
Signs You Need Valve Replacement
Consider valve replacement if you notice any of these:
- A valve won't turn. A seized handle is a common problem with valves that haven't been used for years.
- Water still flows when closed. A valve that doesn't fully shut off can't protect you during a leak.
- Drips or corrosion at the stem. Moisture or green buildup around a valve points to a failing seal.
- The main shut-off is an old gate valve. Gate valves are prone to breaking internally when finally closed after years of sitting open.
- You're renovating. A renovation is the ideal time to upgrade valves behind new fixtures.
How We Do It
- 1
Walk through your valves
We identify the valves in your home and check which ones are working properly.
- 2
Plan the shut-off
If the main valve is being replaced, we coordinate with you and, where needed, the municipal curb stop.
- 3
Drain the system
We shut off and drain the affected section to work safely.
- 4
Install the new valve
We fit a quality quarter-turn valve matched to your pipe material, whether copper, PEX or older galvanized.
- 5
Test and label
We restore water, check for leaks and show you how to use your main shut-off.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
A working shut-off can be the difference between a small cleanup and a major insurance claim. We take the time to check your valves, replace the ones that matter most and make sure you and everyone in the house know where the main shut-off is.
- Quarter-turn upgrades
- Work on copper, PEX and galvanized
- Main shut-off walkthrough
- Leak-tested installation
Valve Replacement FAQs
How often should I test my shut-off valves?
Turning each valve closed and open once or twice a year helps keep it from seizing. If a valve feels stiff, don't force it; call us to replace it.
What's the difference between a gate valve and a ball valve?
A gate valve uses a wedge that lowers into the flow and can fail with age. A ball valve rotates a quarter turn and is generally more reliable for shut-offs.
Do you need to shut off water to the whole house?
For under-sink or toilet stops, we usually shut off the main briefly. Replacing the main valve itself may require shutting water at the property line.
Should I replace my toilet and sink valves when I renovate?
Yes. They're inexpensive to replace while walls and cabinets are open, and much harder to reach once finishes are installed.