 
Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts
Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by: 
|
|
Author:
varactor (CO)
I recently had some toilet and washing machine shutoff valves replaced with quarter-turn ball valves. I was thinking that they were a better choice than the old multi-turn valves, which had caused me some problems by getting stuck and/or leaking at the packing nut. The plumber told me that the quarter-turn valves should be exercised at least once a year to prevent them from freezing, although he admitted that most people don't do that.
I like shutting off the washing machine valves when I'm not using the washer, which is about every 2-3 weeks. Is that too often? Is there risk the valves might break or leak if overused? If so, I can leave them on all the time - I'd just prefer not to do that. I live in a condo without a main water shutoff, so I'm a little more comfortable with the valves off, especially if I'm away from home for an extended period of time.
For the toilets, I hadn't planned on ever using the shutoffs unless repairs are needed. Is it a good idea to turn the valves off and back on a couple times a year just to exercise them? Or can they stay in the same position for 10+ years and still work?
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
packy (MA)
i installed a couple of real cheap ball valves for the back of my house. they were not needed but i installed them anyway. after more than 10 years i decided to shut them. they worked just fine.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
srloren (CA)
Most of the valves called angle stops are cheap made. There is one brand that is better but the name of it escapes me. I Don't recommend Brass Craft though.
Edited 1 times.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
Curly (CA)
I think it is good idea to exercise valves, it beats going to the gym.
I think it helps, but I have been in the same situation as Packy and they work fine.
I test the same backflow devices year after year with ball valves, same brand,same age, same water company etc. some are easy to turn and some are a real mother, to the point where the stem will finally shear off and valve has to be replaced.
I like Dahl brand 1/4 turn angle stops/washing machine valves.
My 2 cents.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
sum (FL)
I exercise stop valves and hose bibs at all my rental properties about twice a year. Nothing excessive, just turning them on and off a few times.
|
|
Post Reply
|
Please note:
- Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
- Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
- Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
- Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:
Special thanks to our sponsor:
|