Shut Off Valves

[Radiant heating newbie]

Hi I just wanted the experts opinion on sink and toilet shut off valves. How often do you replace them in your own property? My property is 20 years old and wanted to know if all of you after certain amount of years replace them or you wait for a problem. Thanks for the help.

 

[Sylvan]

If they are globe type, they usually have a washer, so replace after 30 years

If they are 1/4 turn ball valves, replace them every 50 years

This depends on the quality of the water

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Radiant heating newbie]

better info below.

 

[Radiant heating newbie]

What i have are angle valves with the cheap white plastic handles. I think I will go with globe or 1/4 turn valves. Does it mean I should bite the bullet and replace every single valve?

 

[Slomoola]

If they are globe type, they usually have a washer, so replace after 30 years

If they are 1/4 turn ball valves, replace them every 50 years

This depends on the quality of the water

You must have some goooooood water brother.

City water in my area is full of chlorine and so on. You can smell the chlorine in the morning brushing your teeth. Eats rubber washers and O-rings for lunch.

 

[Slomoola]

My opinion, I would rather not use shutoffs at every faucet. Anything water touches degrades. Shut off at the main. Exercise the city's water main valve not mine.

Having said that, I have 2 main shutoffs. One valve for each end of the house. Still have toilets/showers if one side has a pipe/fitting issue. Best idea I came up with. Sometimes it takes days for a plumber to show up.

 

[Sylvan]

You must have some goooooood water brother.

City water in my area is full of chlorine and so on. You can smell the chlorine in the morning brushing your teeth. Eats rubber washers and O-rings for lunch.

NYC water is second to none. I was in Norman, OK and I could not drink that chit, let alone shower in it. Terrible smelling


New York City drinking water is world-renowned for its quality. Each day, more than 1 billion gallons of fresh, clean water is delivered from large upstate reservoirs—some more than 125 miles from the City—to the taps of nine million customers throughout New York state.

 

[Radiant heating newbie]

hi I am in NJ. However we do have the same setup. My city used to have reservoirs in the city itself with rain water. Now all of the water comes from Northern NJ from two reservoirs. The water is good but our water system is ancient and many water main breaks and boil water advisories.