[Solved] Ball Valve Leaking: A Step-By-Step Guide With Details!
Imagine that you just finished connecting tub drain to waste pipe but when you turn on the water supply suddenly the ball valve leaking starts. It’s a nightmare for an ordinary man who doesn’t know the reason behind it and a solution based on the cause.
One research shows that the maximum leakage rate that counts as normal is around 0.18 cubic inches or 3 cubic cm per minute. So, be sure to check that before doing anything. Plus, the leak of the ball valve happens one time between 3 – 5 years.
On the internet, it is a hot topic that a lot of people are suffering due to wrong placement or debris issues. And, if you are also one of them who are avoiding plumber and extra spending, then this place is best to show you the way to treat the error.
In this guide, we’ll talk about this topic to give proper fixation depending on the root cause so that you can easily fix it without making a mistake. Are You Ready?
Ball Valve Leaking Problem – Possible Causes & Fixes!
In most homes, the leaking of the ball valve happens due to stubborn dirt that opens the sealing to open or perhaps because of damaged surfaces. To fix these issues, you have to clean and seal the surface rightly or replace it quickly. Let’s see how to do it.
Reasons for Ball Valve Leaking | Easy Solution to The Issues |
Dirt and debris in the valve | Clean the surface rightly and seal properly |
Valve gets damaged | Replace with a new one |
Due to the signs of leaky ball valve problems, you can easily fix the error by taking the right action. Maybe you neglect it and after some time the sealing starts to open by itself or the valve is at fault. Perhaps it is tilting at 2 or 3 degrees that cause the surface to leak.
According to UpgradedHome.com,
Ball valves can leak for a variety of reasons. For example, if you can’t fully close the valve due to debris, it can cause leakage. Leaking can also occur due to a damaged seal or valve.
The main reason why the ball valve leak happens on the handle or maybe the direct pipe opening is not sealed rightly that attaches to the main pipe that goes through the drain line.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why the shut off valve under sink won’t shut off water
Sometimes the ball valve can leak if the liquid-based pressure goes beyond the limitation that is around 150 PSI. Now, enough about the possible reasons, why not we move on to the solutions?
How To Fix a Leaking Ball Valve Through Proper Cleaning & Sealing?
The leaking on the CPVC, steel, iron, or PVC ball valve leaking from handle is one of the common problems that a lot of users suffer. It happens literally because of lack of maintenance and wrong sealing method. To treat that here’s what you should do:
- Turn off the ball valve and water supply.
- Next, remove the screws of it using the Allen wrench or screwdriver.
- Then, detach the ball valve and starts to check the parts.
- If you see mildew or dirt on the surface, be sure to take out the fittings and gaskets too.
- Use water and penetrating oil to make the surface rust-free and clean.
- Attach everything back to its place. Also, ensure to use high-quality glue to the parts so that it has good sealing. Insert the ball valve into the pipe and screw in everything.
- Turn on the water supply and that’s it.
Replacing The Problematic Ball Valve to Resolve the Leakage Issue
So, if your ball valve is officially damaged or broken, then it’s time to replace it with a new one. Basically, you’ll need to buy a good-quality ball valve repair kit and gather some tools such as a screwdriver. Now, let’s get into the process:
Step-1: Turn off the water supply line.
Step-2: Detach the handle from the stem. In that case, use gentle pressure.
Step-3: Grab a screwdriver to take out all the screws and nuts that are attached to the ball valve.
Step-4: Take a close look into all parts to ensure no hassle in the future.
Step-5: Clean the surface.
Step-6: Attach the new ball valve, gasket, and other fittings directly to its place. Be sure to use the glue to ensure no leakage.
Step-7: Insert the screws and nuts using a screwdriver. Do not tighten them too much.
Step-8: Open the water supply line. Check if it works rightly or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to replace a ball valve?
The ball valve will require $170 to $210 to install with the help of an expert. However, you may need to include the material, tax, and other fees that are needed during the process of replacement.
And, if you are doing it yourself, then you have to count the material cost only which would be around $30 to $40 per ball valve.
Are ball valves shut off valves?
Yes! Ball valves another name is shut-off valves that people use to maintain the flow of liquid or gas. Most of the time they are used in newer homes to ensure easy opening or closing of the water flow speed.
Can a ball valve fail?
For sure! If you install the ball valve wrongly, then it can be failed due to the chemical compatibility or maybe pressure of water. Apart from these, it can also cause failure due to the high flow rate of water or poor outline of the ball valve.
What is the difference between a ball valve and a gate valve?
Basically, the main comparison between these 2 is the working and looks of them. The ball valve controls the flow of water or gas so that you can close or open it using the 90-degree bar. On the other hand, the gate valve is a solid disk that controls media flow by lifting the bar.
Final Words
Still, biting your nail due to the ball valve leaking even after trying all the solutions? Well then, you better seek help from an expert to fix it ASAP as this might be something serious. Fixing the leaky ball valve needs patience and focus to work but it doesn’t take a long time.
We have given 2 ways to solve the leaking issue of the ball valve based on different conditions. You just have to locate the causes at first before trying the solutions. And, don’t stare at it too long and start to fix the error in order to avoid spending more bucks.
Hope this guide satisfied you with easy repair and solutions that help to solve the outflow of the ball valve. Now, It’s Time To Bid Farewell. See You Soon On Next Article!
You Can Also Read:
- Know What Is A Waste Cap On A Ball Valve to Exact Installation
- Know About Different Types Of Gas Shut Off Valves
- Why Is My Boiler Drain Valve Leaking?