View Full Version : ball valve stem leak
jsadik
08-06-2007, 07:53 PM
I'm a DIY'er with moderate plumbing experience.
I replaced a leakey shutoff gate valve with a ball valve from Lowes. Once I sweat on the new valve I found it to be leaking from the stem. I removed it tonight and installed a new valve, same brand, American Valve from Lowes, and it's also leaking from the stem.
I've sweat soldered ball valves in the past (other brands) without any problems. Is it possible that I'm responsible for this failure somehow, or are these cheaply made, defective parts?
Is there anyway to fix this, like possibly tightening the nut under the handle, or must the valve be replaced?
Thanks...
Dunbar Plumbing
08-06-2007, 08:02 PM
Those are the cheapest ball valves made. They have the greatest profit margins for the seller as well.
Take it out and put in a NIBCO or Watts. If there is a packing nut under the handle, tighten it to see if that stops the leaking.
jsadik
08-06-2007, 08:46 PM
I removed the handle and tightened the nut and that seems to have fixed the leak. Given the "cheapness" factor, should I still worry about this valve or should I leave well enough alone since it's functioning properly now?
GrumpyPlumber
08-06-2007, 09:29 PM
RUGGED fergot "Apollo" valves...my personal favorite, Watts 'er good too.
As for the packing nut you tightened..it's good...for now.
In time you'll see it drip again...I'll second what Rugged said...HD and Lowes carry the cheapest of the cheap.
why not?...most homeowners don't know that.
Dunbar Plumbing
08-06-2007, 09:29 PM
I'd leave well enough alone. There's actually a valve worse than american, it's B&K with the super thin brass socket ball valves.
They are red handled and give it 3 years after they've been installed, they will start cancering out on the outside of the valves.
Legend makes a good valve, along with hammond. I tried my luck at some proplus valves recently and the brass of the ball valve is solid, but the threaded stud of the ball valve is fragile and if you overtighten too much, it strips the threads out too easily.
When I run out *4 left* I'll be ordering 100 NIBCO's.
And yes, Apollo is a good one but hard to find in my area.
jsadik
08-07-2007, 07:02 AM
I'd leave well enough alone. There's actually a valve worse than american, it's B&K with the super thin brass socket ball valves.
That's scary...all the other ball valves in my home are B&K.
Thanks for the advice on the packing nut.
The purpose of the packing nut is to stop leaks at the stem. Some companies send them with the packing loose and expect the plumber to tighten it.