Soldering Water Valves
Summary: Should you solder water valves when they are open or closed? Correct soldering depends on the type of valve.
Hi Tim,
Do I leave the valves open or closed when you solder them in the line?
David Griebel
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Hi Dave,
It depends upon the type of valve! If you are soldering a traditional valve that has a rubber or plastic washer, then you open it. It you are soldering a ball valve, you keep it closed.
Once the solder is set, you should try to slowly cool the valve body to stop the heat transfer towards the actual washer and ball.
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Comments:
Steven Genest 13 Feb 2008, 22:41
Hi I am wanting to change my old bath tub tappes that are rubber washer to
washerless tappes but I don't know how to start. Can you give a few
pointers?
AsktheBuilder 15 Feb 2008, 08:49
Steven,
Sure, read all of my past columns that have anything to do with installing faucets. You will discover many tips!
Thomas Husebye 13 Jul 2008, 07:54
Hi Tim,
First off, I just discovered your website and it looks great! If any of your readers are installing Dahl mini-ball valves (compact ball valves), please note that they must be left OPEN when soldering. I cannot speak to other manufacturers' valves, but that is definitely the case with Dahl valves. Happy Soldering! Thomas Husebye
Larry Garner 19 Dec 2008, 09:36
How to solder ball valves in line. I have been told both options.
On brass and bronze ball valves,two piece, keep the ball closed so as to keep the heat away from the seats...On three piece, disassemble, solder the tail pieces in line, re-assemble the valve. Other view for two piece valves is to open the valve so the heat generated moves down both directions. which is correct? Thank you
Thomas Husebye 19 Dec 2008, 11:53
Hi Larry,
For our valves (I work for Dahl), it is imperative that our mini-ball valves be left in the open position. Leaving it closed would prevent the heat from dissipating; by isolating the seal on the hot/soldering side, irreparable damage may be done to the seal. Also of note is that fact that, although our modular design results in screwed-in ends that sometimes have an external hex and could result in our valves being identified as 2 or 3 piece valves per your post, our valves should NEVER be disassembled in the field under any circumstances. The ends double as the seat rings for the seals and are assembled into the bodies at specific torque levels that could not be duplicated in the field without the proper tools or specifications. As mentioned in my previous post, this is specific to Dahl mini-ball valves and I cannot speak on behalf of other manufacturers. Best regards, Thomas Husebye
boris khantsis 17 Jan 2010, 16:25
I have Grohe centerset two-handle faucet, model 86 07L.
It's dripping. I try to removed the handle, but it doesn't have cap just solid metal. I need to have access to remove/replace cartridge. Please advice. Thanks, Boris. View all comments |
