Abstract: A method of replacing an inlet valve for a hot water tank, comprising removing the existing valve and inserting a new valve particularly adapted for use in the present invention. The new valve is connected to the pipe end portion of the inlet pipe by means of a compression nut and a ferrule, with the compression nut attaching to exterior threads on a first connecting portion of the valve. Then the flex tube connecting member is interconnected with the exterior threads of a second pipe connecting portion. The valve itself is a gate valve with a full flow through passageway, and the two exteriorly threaded connecting portions are to be connected to the compression nut and the flex tube connecting nut, respectively.

Abstract: A method of repairing a leak, where there is a water network with a main shutoff valve. An isolation valve is inserted in the pipe a short distance upstream of the leak, and the leak is repaired by using the local isolation valve to keep water from the repair location. This enables the main shutoff valve to be opened and distribute water to the other areas of the network. The isolation valve is particularly arranged to become a permanent part of the water system after the leak is repaired.