Leaking ball valve (with pic)... looking for guidance.
 

http://i.imgur.com/e8SCL.jpg

As you can see in the picture I've got a small bead of water forming in the crack where that collar meets the main body of the valve.

It forms whether I have the valve open or closed. It's not much, maybe a couple drops a day, but as you can see it's already taking its toll.

Did I just get a bad valve, or is it more likely that I overheated it when soldering? Whatever the case, there's a leak and it needs to be stopped! :)

Is there any solution beside taking the whole thing off and replacing it? You know, like some sort of magic plumbing trick?

Any help/suggestions/comments appreciated. Thanks

Doesnt look like the valve re re-build able. I would replace it and get one that is rebuilds if seals fail.

Agree with robs660. Forget the soldered one and get a compression 1/4 angle stop instead. Much easier to install for a DIYer.

Thanks gents.

Something along these lines, VIPlumber?

http://i.imgur.com/NQXsQ.jpg

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Followup: I'm assuming removing the old valve will be as simple, if not simpler, than when I put it on. Safe assumption?

I only ask because I've never had to do it before. In other words, nothing has ever gone wrong like this before. :no:

looks ok to me.

and for future reference when you solder valves on, you need to remove the workings so none of the rubber gets deformed.

Noted.

Thanks for your help. :)

no worries. and thanks for not asking how I know that :)

Yes something like that, although being a sharkbite type it'll probably cost 5x more than a brasscraft one. As for the removal of the old one, you'll have to clean off all the old solder and the other debris one the pipe completely. Bring back the copper finish if you can, that way whichever type you choose will have the best chance of mating and sealing with as smooth a surface as possible.

Sometimes fittings come from the factory with defects, and it just needs to be replaced. Nothing to do with your install, so chin up.:thumbsup: