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Beyond problems with pipes, homeowners will come across shut-off valves and gate-valves in need of replacing. Older types of valves, used exclusively up until 20 to 30 years ago, should eventually be changed out for what’s called a quarter-turn ball valve.
A stainless-steel ball that allows water to pass through it when it’s in one position, but if it’s turned in the other position, it prevents water from passing. Theey are much better than shut-off and gate valves, which depend on washers or a gate to drop down in front of the water.
You can have quarter-turn ball valves retrofitted into your home by Duluth plumber. Be sure to replace the valves on your water meter, which is where you can completely shut off the water coming into your home. They should be changed sooner rather than later. If those valves are loose and still letting water through, you won’t be able to shut off the water into your home in the case of an emergency. You may not have a problem with them until you try to turn off the water and they break or malfunction.
Preventive Maintenance
Staying on top of aging valves and pipes is one way to avoid expensive plumbing emergency repairs later on. Call Duluth plumber now to do some preventative maintenance.
You can spend a couple hundred dollars and change out four to six valves in your home – that includes labor and parts (an average ball valve is about $8). Imagine the amount of damage you’ve prevented if those valves aren’t allowed to break and flood your basement.
A ball valve can last 10-30 years, which is a wide range, depending on how frequently it’s used.