Replacing old washing maching shut-off valves.
#1
01-20-19, 06:18 PM
Replacing old washing maching shut-off valves.
Ok. So, these brass valves began leaking several years ago and for whatever reason they were never replaced. Sometimes they'll leak, other times they don't. The problem is, I'm worried about breaking something when I go to unscrew them because they haven't been replaced since my mom got this mobile home about 30 years ago. Is there a way to make it unscrew without breaking anything?
#2
01-20-19, 06:28 PM
Group Moderator
Sometimes all it takes is to tighten the packing nut on the valve stem.
Are you sure they screw off and aren't soldered on ?
Other than that it's pretty hard to comment on the valves without seeing them.
A picture would be helpful..... How-to-insert-pictures
Are you sure they screw off and aren't soldered on ?
Other than that it's pretty hard to comment on the valves without seeing them.
A picture would be helpful..... How-to-insert-pictures
#3
01-22-19, 12:20 PM
Here is a picture of the old valves. I am going to clean up the wall box, replace the valves, and replace the hoses. Can you tell from this pic if they screw off or are soldered on there? I can't take anymore pics because my smartphone camera died on me.
Last edited by PJmax; 01-22-19 at 05:10 PM. Reason: added enlarged view
#4
01-22-19, 05:12 PM
Group Moderator
Very strange. That is a metal valve connected to what looks like possibly PEX or some type of flexible line. The valve will unscrew off that fitting I'm just not sure what that fitting is. It looks like it's plastic.
#6
01-22-19, 08:54 PM
Member
Where is it leaking? Are the shut offs leaking or is it a constant leak into the washer? Also, it the shut offs are leaking, point to where the leak is so we can better guide you.
#7
01-23-19, 09:28 AM
They start leaking when I mess with the shutoff valve or sometimes when the washing machine is getting water. When it starts leaking, I have to play around with the shutoff valve to make it stop. Sometimes it will leak for a while then stop. Since they're not leaking now, I won't bother them because I might catch hell trying to get it to stop. And here are closer pics of the valves I took with my niece's phone. Looking at these pics, can you tell me if the valves screw onto the pipe or does the pipe screw onto the valves?
#11
01-23-19, 05:46 PM
Yeah. Those are the threads. Now I know what kind of shut-off valves to get. Those and the hoses. One last question. I noticed the two shut-off valves are different sizes. Is the hot water valve the smaller of the two?
Last edited by Shawn R; 01-23-19 at 06:02 PM.
#12
01-24-19, 06:18 AM
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
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I’m no expert for sure, but I’m pretty certain the hot and cold pipes going to a fixture are the same size. Your washing machine hoses should be 3/4 inch (well maybe even only 1/2).
I can’t tell from the pic, but is it just that they are 2 different styles and one looks bigger? Can you measure the O.D. of the pipe on both sides at the threads?
The more I think about it, the valves probably should have 1/2 pipe input and 3/4 inch outlet for the washer hose. I think that's pretty standard. Even though your stuff looks pretty old that would probably be correct. Maybe one of the pros will weigh in.
I can’t tell from the pic, but is it just that they are 2 different styles and one looks bigger? Can you measure the O.D. of the pipe on both sides at the threads?
The more I think about it, the valves probably should have 1/2 pipe input and 3/4 inch outlet for the washer hose. I think that's pretty standard. Even though your stuff looks pretty old that would probably be correct. Maybe one of the pros will weigh in.
Last edited by zoesdad; 01-24-19 at 06:32 AM. Reason: added "The more...
#13
01-24-19, 08:58 AM
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,103
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Well I just asked my neighbor and he said it is normal to have the hot smaller that the cold, you get hot water faster that way. I thought they were ALWAYS the same size at a fixture. Apparently not so. A smaller hot can give you hot water faster.
So sorry about leading you astray.
So sorry about leading you astray.
#14
01-24-19, 09:55 AM
it is normal to have the hot smaller that the cold, you get hot water faster that way
#16
01-24-19, 11:28 AM
Member
Now I know what kind of shut-off valves to get.
The valves you have are typically the cheapest valve available and used to be used extensively outside as hose bibs. I'd step it up a bit and use a boiler valve, I think they will last a lot longer.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...F3EB/205812176
