Plumbing Valve Repair Pacific Grove

There are several typical signs that suggest a plumbing valve might need repairs. One is that the valve just leaks, dribbling water onto the things below it. Another is that the valve isn't easy to turn in either direction when it should be, and it certainly shouldn't be turning itself and causing a leak where the valve assembly is mounted. On top of these symptoms, some people have commented that the valve has begun to make noise; the sound is only coming from the valve when water is flowing through it. The noises can be fairly loud—a few people have said that their plumbing valves have been "squealing" recently. If you hear your valve making noise, that's another good reason to replace it.

The best way to avoid problems with plumbing valves is to maintain them well. Check all of your valves periodically for any signs of wear and tear, like corrosion, rust, or leaks, and make sure they're operating smoothly. A number of things can be done to make that happen and to ensure the lifespan of your valves is long. For instance, when was the last time you considered the lubrication of your valve components? A stiff or stuck valve can be a disaster, so it might be a good time to add that task to your valve maintenance routine. Another thing to consider is the draining of your pipes. It might sound like a no-brainer, but it's ultra-important to drain your pipes before cold weather hits to prevent them from freezing and becoming damaged.

It is optimal for plumbing valves to be examined annually, at the very least, to confirm that they are functioning properly. This necessity is heightened in homes with plumbing systems that are middle-aged or older, as well as in homes exhibiting signs of plumbing-related difficulties. Regularly scheduled inspections—plumbing pressures permitting—help to ensure that minor problems do not progress to the point of incurring significant repair costs. Such inspections can also be thought of as "preventive maintenance."

When you set out to repair a simple plumbing valve, the first order of business is to gather the necessary tools. These typically include an adjustable wrench, pipe tape (also known as Teflon tape), and pipe-cutting tools such as a hacksaw. The nature of the repair will often dictate whether you need a completely new valve or just certain parts to restore your old valve to working condition. The common screwdriver may also figure into the equation, as some valve designs require it to tighten or loosen certain components. Knowing which tools to use is step one. Step two? Keeping your work area dry and tidy; it’s a plumbing repair, after all.

Your ability to fix a leaking plumbing valve reduces down to two main factors: how comfortable you are with plumbing tasks and how experienced you are with them. Many homeowners can handle simple sink and toilet jobs that involve tightening a fitting, replacing a washer, or even using a bit of plumbing putty. They may even feel quite comfortable doing those tasks. But if you have a significant leak from a valve, or your valve is part of a more complex, or even a not-so-complex, system, hiring a pro just makes sense. And they can tackle it without worrying about "future complications" if they did repair it all DIY-style.

When a plumbing valve has become stuck, the first step is to see if it can be freed up with the use of penetrating oil. Apply a few drops of this lubricating oil to the valve stem and allow it to sit for several minutes to work its way down inside. After that, try turning the valve again. A wrench can help with this if you're using it wisely (i.e., without so much force that you're risking breaking the valve). If after several attempts, the valve is still immobile, then its replacement is probably indicated. At that point, contacting a plumber might be the best option.

Disregarding a bad plumbing valve can be risky for several reasons, not least of which is that it can lead to higher water bills because of leaks or inefficient water flow. Even a slight leak can cause problems over time: water making its way into the wrong places can damage walls, floors, and supports to the point where they might need replacing. And for all the reasons that indoor plumbing has the potential to cause the kinds of problems that make a homeowner cry "Oh, my God!"—increased usage of a consumer product that promises to make life easier not being one of them—mold and mildew are right up there.

How long it takes to fix a plumbing valve depends on how complicated the problem is and how easily the valve can be accessed. A straightforward fix—say, tightening a fitting that's come loose or replacing a worn-out washer—can often be done in under an hour. But if the valve itself needs to be replaced or if it's discovered that the nearby plumbing has also gone bad, the whole job can stretch out over several hours. Plumbing is a bear, even when it's working smoothly, and repairing it can take a while.

It is usually required to turn off the main water supply before carrying out a plumbing valve repair to stop water from flowing and potentially creating a flood or causing more plumbing problems while the valve is being repaired. After the main valve is turned off, a faucet is typically opened to let the remaining water in the pipes drain out (with the expectation that there may still be some water in the pipes). Repairs are made with the expectation that there will be no water in the valve.Once the repair is done and the water supply turned on again, the expectation is that the repairs will hold and that there won't be any water leaking out.

Some valves are more likely to need repairs than others because of their design and materials. For instance, gate valves are prone to corrosion and can become stuck over time. These are the sorts of valves that might require maintenance or even replacement from time to time. Ball valves, on the other hand, are typically more durable and require much less maintenance. Plastic plumbing valves usually don't last as long as metal valves, though some, like PVC, can withstand certain conditions quite well. Regular inspection and specific knowledge about the kind of valve you're dealing with can help you get on top of any potential issues before they turn into something really problematic.