[Ghostseeker]

I replaced a water softener. The shut offs were old and somewhat corroded and leaked when I turned the water back on. I tightened the packing nut and stopped that, but I'm not optimistic it won't be worse next time I need to shut / open them.

Normally I would replace these. However, they are so close to other joints that I don't want to compromise those when I heat up the valves, and then other parts as I deal with that and turn this into a bigger project.

I don't have much experience fixing these. If I open them up and replace the seals, what are the odds this will fix this? I'd rather try that.

Thoughts are appreciated.

 

[jmon]

I agree with you, it would be nice to change them all out for new ball valves.

However, you tightened the packing nut, and all is good now, with your limited knowledge and skills I would leave it alone unless you are willing to redo it.

You can clean up the oxidation blue stuff with a solution of vinegar and baking soda if it bothers you.

 

[Full Moon]

Thanks jmon.

I might not have been clear. I’m comfortable sweating and have done quite a bit of plumbing work, just as a DIY’er. I can pull those valves off, just given how close they are to other soldering, I think that may also be affected, then there’s others close to that. and it could be like a domino affect.

What I don’t have experience with is replacing the washers to repair the valves. Hoping someone can let me know if it’s worth trying that.

Either way I will be dealing with it because I can’t leave it alone knowing it can’t be turned off again.


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[hkstroud]

Get some string graphite packing material (Home Depot), loosen the bonnet nut, Wrap several wraps of graphite and tighten the bonnet nut.

 

[dj3]

Take a wet rag, put it on the fitting that you suspect will get hot and do your soldering.
These old valves have had long and useful life, it's time for new ball valves.

 

[jmon]

Thanks jmon.

I might not have been clear. I’m comfortable sweating and have done quite a bit of plumbing work, just as a DIY’er. I can pull those valves off, just given how close they are to other soldering, I think that may also be affected, then there’s others close to that. and it could be like a domino affect.

What I don’t have experience with is replacing the washers to repair the valves. Hoping someone can let me know if it’s worth trying that.

Either way I will be dealing with it because I can’t leave it alone knowing it can’t be turned off again.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you sweat those old valves off and clean up the solder, you can go all sharkbyte after that. ezpz123z. Just make sure they are pushed on all the way. Or you can solder on new ones, up to you.

I don't think you will disturb the other fittings. As mentioned, you can pack them with wet rags if you want.

 

[bruceb3]

Sharkbites are a temporary solution. They WILL leak eventually. They seal with a rubber o-ring which will wear out.
He's right about wrapping a wet rag around the fittings you're worried about. I rip off 2" wide strips off an old towel, get them wet and wrap them around the pipe or fittings next to where I'm sweating.