In its simplest form, a preventive maintenance program involves: Locating and mapping all valves in the system. Recording pertinent information. Cleaning out valve boxes or vaults. Operating all valves to ensure they function properly.
dont use things like wd-40, oil, glycerin based jelly since they will affect the plastic.
Hard water deposits can make ball valves stick, so if you live in an area with known hard water, test the valve's looseness more frequently to help keep it loose. Ball valves are meant to be fairly stiff to keep them from leaking, though not to the extent where they can't be turned by hand.
Using the latest and greatest ball valve in your plumbing can help save more water. It also helps you save money while helping the environment. A ball valve life expectancy is about eight to ten years.
Ball valves are durable, reliable and securely shut off flow even after sitting idle for long periods of time. Because of this, they are frequently used as fluid and gas flow cut-off valves.
Liberally apply PVC cement first to the pipe end, and then apply sparingly to the valve socket. (Do not get cement onto the ball or ball cavity). Give the pipe two applications of cement, one before and one after coating the valve socket.
Excessive friction/torquEIn a ball valve, a minimum seal force is required to prevent leakage. In the most extreme circumstances, the valve can become locked in position, being unable to be closed or opened and as the torque is increased, mechanical failure of the seat occurs as it is torn to pieces inside the valve.
A variety of factors can contribute to ball valve failure including poor design (chemical compatibility, rated pressure/flow rate, etc.), faulty installation, and/or improper operation.
Because there is no 'stem' inside a ball valve, raising or lowering a gate (such as in a gate type valve), it is very unlikely to ever fail or break. Most NYC water main contractors prefer to use a ball valve as the main control valve on all domestic water service lines up to 2″ in diameter.
Take valves apart before solderingTo keep the heat from damaging the rubber or plastic parts inside, disassemble valves before soldering. Luckily, ball valves are not easily damaged by heat. Just be sure to open the valve and concentrate the heat at the fitting ends of the valve body.
In case of rust, simply apply WD-40 Penetrant spray to the affected join and wait until it is loose enough to remove by hand. Reassemble the component parts and spray with silicone spray. Then screw back onto the water pipe. Run some water through it to check pressure and clear the remaining residue.
A stuck valveis one that no longer slides readily in its guide. A stuck valvemay refuse to open, or once open it may refuse to close. Eithersituation is quite serious. Stuck valves are usually caused by a build-up of deposits and/orcorrosion on the valve stem.
