Your home plumbing system is much like the human body in that regular exercise can extend its life. Throughout the plumbing distribution system is a number of isolating valves which control water to specific areas or devices. The most important valve in the system is the main water supply shut-off, which typically located in the basement at the front of the house. Other valves are installed at the water heater, exterior hose bibs, toilets, dishwasher, furnace humidifier, refrigerator ice maker, and faucets. Most of these valves go unnoticed until a plumbing leak occurs and homeowners scramble to close them. Since they are rarely used it is common that they are inoperative at that critical moment when you need them.
Exercising Valves
Most municipalities, factories and commercial buildings have valve exercising schedules to assure they are working and that employees are aware of their location. A homeowner should follow their example and operate their isolating valves several times a year. Here is a simple process to follow:
1) Every couple of months go through your house and open and close all isolating valves gently.
2) Make sure you support the valve with one hand while turning it on and off several times with the other hand.
3) If the valve won’t budge, do not force it. Instead, grab a can of penetrating oil and give the valve a spray. Then let the oil soak in for at least 30 minutes.
4) Try turning the valve by hand a second time. If it is still stuck you will in all likelihood need to have the valve replaced by a plumber.
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- Ball Valve
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- Gate Valve
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- Saddle Valve
Replacing a Valve
If you’ve followed the above process it is more than likely you have discovered at least one faulty valve. Replacing the valve should be done by a qualified plumbing as soon as possible. Use only ball valves as replacements. While they are slightly more costly upfront, ball valves are worth every penny due to a significantly longer service life. The gate valves that are installed in many residential homes are poorly made and have a high failure rate. If you discover your humidifier or ice maker uses a saddle valve, it is recommended that you replace it even if it works. These valves are highly likely to leak and are banned in many municipalities.
It may surprise you that Home Inspectors don’t test isolating valves considering their importance. This is due to their high failure rate and potential for leakage after testing. Operating every isolating valve would leave us contacting plumbers regularly to fix the valves that broke during testing. We do however advise our clients to check every valve in the house once they taking possession of the home.
