Service valve (repair or replace)

These type of valves isolate various sections of a system to allow for it to be serviced or repaired. Knowing how to repair or replace a valve will save you money and get you out of trouble in an emergency. There are many different valves used in domestic plumbing. In order to carry out work on one of these valves you will need to switch off the water and drain down the appropriate section of plumbing. Chessington Plumbers are experienced in all plumbing issues.Replacing a Service Valve.If the leak cant be fixed, you will probably need to fit a replacement with one of the same type and size. Some valves have a specific direction of flow so before removing the old one, make a note of the direction of flow for you reference.Undoing the Valve.To carry this out you should use two wrench tools. Holding the main body with the first wrench to prevent it from moving as pressure is applied. Use the second to undo the nut. Repeat this on the other end of the valve and gently ease the valve away. The fitting is often quite tight as the pipe sits inside the valve at both ends. With the valve removed, you now need to take the olives mounted over the pipe work off the pipes. Olives are squashed tight against the pipe in a compression fitting so they may be difficult to remove. Use a junior hacksaw and cut through the olive at an angle being careful not to cut or damage the pipe at all. Finally, clean up the pipe ends using a wad of steel wool.Fit the New Valve.Run the nut onto the pipework, then the olive and then carry out the same for the other end. Fit the valve onto the pipe work this may require a little work. With the valve in position double check the flow direction. Hand tighten the compression nut on both ends. When the nut feels moderately tight, give another half turn to fully tighten but dont overdo it. Remember, you can always nip it up a bit but if its over tightened youll be back to square one. A Chessington Plumber can replace valves.*switch water back on and check all work for leaks.