I'm working on a bathroom faucet that has been dripping. I turned off both shut-off valves (one to the hot and one to the cold). However, I also noticed a yellow lever on a pipe that feeds into the cold water supply pipe. In other words, three pipes come from the bottom of the sink cabinet (the drain pipe exits through the side of the cabinet), two of them combine before they go to the cold water side. One of those pipes has the usual shut-off valve but the other one has a yellow lever. It looks like the main shut-off valve near my water heater. What is this yellow lever for? Thanks for your help!
Bathroom Plumbing – Identifying the Yellow Lever Under the Sink
bathroomfaucetsinkvalve
Related Solutions
The power to the softener is only used to run the backwash and recharge cycle. It will continue to operate without power, and will even continue to soften water for a while (though it does eventually need to be recharged, depending on the hardness of your water and how much you use).
Certain types of bypasses can be used as shut-off valves.
A custom-built one with 3 valves is easy: just close all valves.
There's a type with two valves that can also be used: close one (so the valves are in opposite directions).
Other types that only have one valve/control handle don't shut off the water flowing through them.
Separately, you should have a main-shutoff that is reliable. If you have a leak in your house it will likely cost much more than a valve will. Install a ball (quarter turn) valve, rather than a globe or gate valve -- very reliable, and will easily last at least a couple decades.
Chances are either the valve seal has disintegrated and clogged the line, or other sediment has broken free and done the same.
Disassembling a faucet is usually fairly simple. Remove the set screw retaining the handle, then start removing the exposed nut, washers, and valve components. Lay them out in order for correct reassembly. Check for damage and debris.
If your valves are not soldered in (if they're installed using compression fittings), replacement is fairly simple. It's a good opportunity for even an occasional DIYer to get his hands dirty. Post a photo or accurate description for more assistance.
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Best Answer
Figured it out! The upstairs bathroom valve controls the outside spigot on the back of the house. The valve in our master bathroom controls the outside spigot on the front of the house. Thanks for all the help and comments.