Leaky ball valve at incoming water line

09-29-2011, 09:17 AM	#1
Bipin1948 Newbie   Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2	Leaky ball valve at incoming water line I have leaky ball valve at the main water line for sprinkler system. I need to sut the main valve for water coming in the home. However, when I sut the main water valve, all the water in the home pipeline and sprinkler system, water heater MAY rush out. Do I need to empty all water before I cut and remove old leaky valve? I am considering replacing the faulty valve with sharkbite 22185-0000 ball valve 3/4". I also intend to use the sharkbite fitting to connect water line from main water line to Water Powered back up sump pump. Please advice me (i) shutting the main water line coming in the home would require empting water from home lines and water heater? (ii) How secure are the sharkbite fittings to use near high pressure water line coming in the home?

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09-29-2011, 09:21 AM	#2
burnt03 Member   Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 236	Leaky ball valve at incoming water line You will have to drain the water from the house lines. Try to get as much out from your lowest point (outside hose, etc) and then cut to drain. That'll also confirm that your main valve works. If there is a valve on the cold inlet pipe at the hot water heater, shut that off and it won't drain as much.

09-29-2011, 09:34 AM	#3
oh'mike Super Moderator   Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,283	Leaky ball valve at incoming water line Quote: Originally Posted by burnt03 You will have to drain the water from the house lines. Try to get as much out from your lowest point (outside hose, etc) and then cut to drain. That'll also confirm that your main valve works. If there is a valve on the cold inlet pipe at the hot water heater, shut that off and it won't drain as much. What he said is the way----no need to drain water heater. I've never used a Shark Bite type of fitting so I'll leave that up to others to comment. I trust a soldered joint and never would consider any other connection on a main line ---Mike---- __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

09-29-2011, 11:06 AM	#4
Mark Potter Member     Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 214	Leaky ball valve at incoming water line I recommend shark bits pricey but worth it haven't heard of leaks and there life span is long like 20 years or so. The 3/4" line runs off the main? how far out from water heater? There are no other shut off valves on Main line?

09-29-2011, 10:43 PM	#5
Bipin1948 Newbie   Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2	Leaky ball valve at incoming water line Thank you for suggestions. The valves are for sprinkler system and water powered sump pump. I have already connected plumbing using shark bits fittings. They were very easy to install and at this time leak free. I just opened water faucet in my basement sink to remove pressure before cutting old faulty valve plumbing.

10-03-2011, 06:21 PM	#6
Mark Potter Member     Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 214	Leaky ball valve at incoming water line 3 shark bites I installed today the prior T was leaking and the left was also leaking I do suggest if anyone uses them make shore the pipes are plumb if there crooked they will leak this was ideal since I had to do this trough the lazy Susan in the kitchen. HP Properties Capital Projects