Can A Leaking Pvc Ball Valve Be Repaired

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Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?
Author: Anonymous User Dear All; I've just done a lot of replumbing (got rid of a ton of corroded gavanized -- big improvement), and of the 10 or so 1/2 inch PVC ball valves I put in, 2 leak from around the stem. I have two questions: 1) Is there any way to fix that (silicone, glue, whatever) without just replacing the valve? 2) Is there any good way to test (or see) if a PVC ball valve will fail before putting it in? Thanks, spudbeach
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Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?

Author: Anonymous User

Dear All;

I've just done a lot of replumbing (got rid of a ton of corroded gavanized -- big improvement), and of the 10 or so 1/2 inch PVC ball valves I put in, 2 leak from around the stem.

I have two questions:

1) Is there any way to fix that (silicone, glue, whatever) without just replacing the valve?

2) Is there any good way to test (or see) if a PVC ball valve will fail before putting it in?

Thanks,

spudbeach

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Re: Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?
Author: packy (MA) go get 2 of the same valves. loosen the packing nut and remove the stem and handle from the leakers and replace with new ones. make sure you shut off main first!!
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Re: Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?
Author: hj (AZ) Why would you use PVC valves of any kind inside a house? I hope they are not on the hot water piping.
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Re: Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?
Author: Anonymous User Id turn my water off every time i left the house
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Re: Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?
Author: hj (AZ) Since something could break at 2:00 a.m. it might be wise to turn it off before going to bed also.
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Re: Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?
Author: Deb (ID) Most (if not all) code prohibits PVC from being used inside the foundation of a home for water distribution. It is allowed outside for cold water only. The pressure rating for PVC pipe goes down as the temperature goes up. PVC also becomes brittle with age. I wouldn't sleep well at night either. Although I'm sure that you have put alot of work into this project, I would encourage you to rip all the PVC out and replace with CPVC or PEX (if you want to use plastic). If you use CPVC, use male and female brass adapters (female plastic fittings are not allowed anywhere in a water system and male plastic adapters are just not a good idea). You may not be able to resell your home with PVC water piping. This should also probably be permitted and inspected. Deb The Pipewench
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Re: Leaking PVC valves -- any hope?

Author: Deb (ID)

Most (if not all) code prohibits PVC from being used inside the foundation of a home for water distribution. It is allowed outside for cold water only. The pressure rating for PVC pipe goes down as the temperature goes up. PVC also becomes brittle with age.
I wouldn't sleep well at night either. Although I'm sure that you have put alot of work into this project, I would encourage you to rip all the PVC out and replace with CPVC or PEX (if you want to use plastic). If you use CPVC, use male and female brass adapters (female plastic fittings are not allowed anywhere in a water system and male plastic adapters are just not a good idea).
You may not be able to resell your home with PVC water piping. This should also probably be permitted and inspected.
Deb
The Pipewench

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