Leaking Galvanized Valve
#1
02-01-02, 09:49 PM
Leaking Galvanized Valve
My house has the old style galvanized pipe. The first shut off valve after the pipe comes out of the slab is located @4' above the floor. When trying to turn off the supply to the house, water shot out of the valve. I managed to get it down to a steady drip ( about 5 gallons per 24hours). There are two unions between the floor and the valve. The pipe appears very corroded & am afraid that if I attempt anything on the pipe, it will break before I get it anywhere near loose enough to replace the pipe. I should note that there is an additional shut-off on the other side of the meter that I didn't realize was there when I first started this process.
My questions:[list=1][*]What if the pipe breaks? Are there threadless unions for galvanized supply pipe?[*]Are there any applications that may loosen the threads before I attempt this?[*]If the pipe breaks off at the floor level, then what?[/list=1]
My questions:[list=1][*]What if the pipe breaks? Are there threadless unions for galvanized supply pipe?[*]Are there any applications that may loosen the threads before I attempt this?[*]If the pipe breaks off at the floor level, then what?[/list=1]
#2
02-02-02, 04:39 AM
Valve
After reading your post I guess I'm a little confused(nothing new),LOL. If I follow you right, the line (please specify size) comes through your floor and then there is a valve (specify type),then there is a water meter,2 unions, your valve in question. I've worked in this field for about 20 years and I've seen some pretty poor looking pipes in my day and the integrity of them was quite good and vice-versa.Could be that the galv. coating (which isn't much) came off and it just kept creeping along the pipe due to condensation. I'd check to see if the line coming in to the meter isn't the responsibility of the water district? If it is you may be able to shut off from there and replace the needed fittings. As far as threading the pipe there is a threading die and handle(you should be able to rent or borrow
one from a supplier) and simply rethread the pipe.
As for loosening the threads, heat (a torch) can do miracles, if you have one or can get one.Hope this helps, please let us know how you made out.
one from a supplier) and simply rethread the pipe.
As for loosening the threads, heat (a torch) can do miracles, if you have one or can get one.Hope this helps, please let us know how you made out.
#3
02-02-02, 06:19 AM
If I understand this correctly, The first valve, is located 4 feet above the floor and BEFORE the water meter and any other valves. And, that's the one that's leaking This would be the main shut off for the house. Under no circumstances should you screw with this valve until the valve at the curb box has been located and provisions made to turn it off. If you break this, you better know how to swim. In our area,as I'm sure most others, the line between the curb box and the house is the responsibility of the home owner. The water company should be able to come and locate the valve for you and turn it off so repairs can be made.
#4
02-02-02, 07:12 AM
Sorry, I haven't done this before. The Main shut off is before the leaky valve in question. I have a way to shut off the main supply. I have no idea what type of valve. The pipe is 1 1/2" O.D. The valve had a round handle that you turn until it is either all the open or closed. I'll try the heat & see if that works.
Thanks
Thanks
#6
02-02-02, 10:12 AM
Member
Tell me where the water came out of, was it at the handle area? Were the packing nut screws onto just below the handle.
This is a common thing with old gate valves, if it is at the packing nut, have you tried just to tighten it down?
This is a common thing with old gate valves, if it is at the packing nut, have you tried just to tighten it down?
