We have a single handle washing machine valve that has become very difficult to turn on. It turns off easily, as it always did, but lately the
turn-on requires maximum effort to work. My wife cannot do it at all.
Do we need to replace the valve? Or is there something else I can to
to free it up? Thanks!
It may be time to replace/rebuild the valve. You would have to turn the water off and take it all apart to rebuild it. It may be easier to replace it. They wear overtime and depending on how hard your water is, they can build up sediment. Please post a couple of pics so we can give you better advice. Thanks.
Just a suggestion; Along with replacing/rebuilding the valve, replace your hoses at the same time with some good braided ones.
Thank you, jmon, for the response. I will take it apart and see
what it looks like. Most likely, as you suggest, I will replace it.
Also, regarding the braided hoses, I have them installed already.
Wouldn't be without them after hearing of some true disasters
when the other type gave out. The one that comes to mind
has the washing machine on the second floor! The whole house
was ruined.
I just got a surprise when I called Symmonds, manufacturer of the valve I've written about here. All I wanted to do was ask about my difficulty
moving the on-off lever to see if they had any suggestions. Instead,
they said they would replace it immediately and they sure did. They
Fedexed it overnite and it was delivered the next day at noon.
I had told them I had operated the old one for many years, and I was
was not calling to complain. They said it should not have failed that
way and they would replace it. How about that? I've never dealt with a company like that. Wow!
It's always good to hear good news like that every once in awhile. Good for you. Glad everything worked out for you Jazan and thanks for sharing your experience with the forum.
Some people turn the water supply off when not in use. It is a very good idea as it will prevent a flood if a hose were to burst. I do it when I go off on vacation.
The valve is off and on all the time because that's what the design was made for and these folks aren't only a cut above in what should be done but actually do it.:thumbsup:
These valves should be "code", considered "standard" and should be located above the height of the washing machine for easy access. I've been using one of these for 20 years and always turn off the water when we are finished washing. I've seen too many flooded basements and ruined floors and ceilings.
I've been using one of these for 20 years and always turn off the water when we are finished washing. I've seen too many flooded basements and ruined floors and ceilings.
To manually turn water on/off after every use??? I've repair these types of valves but not never fully understood the poiny of them. Others here seem to think they're quite a necessity.. so every time time you're done using your faucet..the toilet in your house you shut the water off to it? Because we all know how those speedy tubes are gospel right.. ; )
yeah i don't get it either. if i turn the water off, it's the main valve to my entire house before going on vacation. the rest of the valves inside your house are for servicing components without having to shut off the water main. i have never turned off the toilet/sink/washing machine supplies just for the heck of it.
They certainly should be code esp in multi story condos/apts. A couple months ago someone's hose burst in my GFs condo building. Destroyed the unit below. The irony is that the building has single handle valves but the person just left it on all the time.
And you don't need a complicated electronic type to get one that shuts automatically. I installed one that has a simple mechanical spring timer that shuts the valve in an hour or 2 depending on how far you push the lever. Made by Keeney mfg. I've had it a couple months and it works perfectly. Maybe overkill for some but I can't forget to turn to off...
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