Installing under-sink water filtration system

KE2KB · 03-17-2009, 05:10 PM

Hi;
I just ordered an under-the-sink water filtration system.
It comes with a plastic ball valve for shutting off the supply during filter change.
Honestly, I don't think I want to trust a $3.50 ball valve in the water supply line. I'll probably come downstairs one morning to find a flood in the kitchen and the basement.

I think what I will do instead, is eliminate the ball valve, and just use the shutoff for the faucet when I change filters.

Has anyone had any experience with this? Would you trust the $3.50 plastic ball valve?

Thanks

FW

downunder · 03-17-2009, 06:50 PM

I use them all the time on irrigation lines and never had any trouble. Water leak on a ball field and water leak in the house are two different things though.
Just my 2c.

KE2KB · 03-17-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downunder

I use them all the time on irrigation lines and never had any trouble. Water leak on a ball field and water leak in the house are two different things though.
Just my 2c.

I guess once I receive the unit I'll check it out and make a decision.
I really don't need the ball valve though, since there is already a shutoff on the supply under the sink.

On the subject of leaks; Why is it that I always seem to be hearing about someone's refrigerator (ice maker) water line bursting?
Is the tubing of such poor quality, or is it that people just don't know how to install it?
Maybe they kink the tube, or damage it during install?
Just curious. I don't have an ice maker on my fridge.

FW

downunder · 03-18-2009, 08:00 PM

Obviously (I suppose) you need to have a way to cut off the water supply/pressure when you need to change the filter. The main reason you would want to use the ball valve that is included with the kit would be if there were no other cutoff nearby- say you had to go to the basement, cut the water off, go to the filter and change it, back to the basement. Since you have the supply cutoff already there, as it should be, I wouldn't use the ball valve either. Just be thankful I suppose that the mfg thought ahead enough to include the valve.
My personal practice, and I have been ridiculed a few times, is that I always put a cutoff somewhere near any fixture. That way, not only is it more convenient as in this case but you only have to cut off the supply where you are working and not the whole house.

KE2KB · 03-18-2009, 09:07 PM

The shutoff valves under the sink are old, but still functional. I would like to replace them because when I was replacing the faucet last month, it was not easy to get the valves closed completely. I had to use the wrench on the handle.
But replacing the valves would involve a lot of work. I would have to cut the pipe, and solder in the new valves. It would be easy anywhere but under the sink.
Still, I may decide to do it later, after several filter changes. The job would be the same whether I do it during installation of the filter, or later on.
Maybe I can just get new washers, or restore the seats, whatever it needs.

FW

Chemist1961 · 03-19-2009, 07:30 AM

KE2KB
I have installed water systems with a standard saddle valve no issues, used flex pvc with no issues for fridge and humidifier and water filters.

IMHO install the new shutoffs now at least for the sink. I prefer compression and braided flex lines for simplicity rather than solder in tight spaces. If you ever have an emergency issue you want a ball valve that anyone can use i.e. wife and kids, rather than looking for your wrench in a panic to comlete the shutoff.

Also, for added security seems to me there should be a flood safe auto shutoff supply line available for your water filter. While this may be overkill I have seen them for dishwashers and washing machines. Maybe this would be the lesser of two evils for you and put you at ease.