Community Forums

rag_ftw · 06-13-2017, 08:35 PM

Mine failed and I need to get the old one off the lines so I can install the new valve. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to remove the old valve? Does it take some special tool to get the nipples to release the water lines?

WILDEBILL308 · 06-14-2017, 11:59 AM

You should just need a open end wrench or two. Sometimes if the fitting is corroded you may want to hold the valve while you loosen the line.
Where in FW are you located?
Bill

hal1phx · 06-14-2017, 01:56 PM

did mine last year .... just removed the handle which made it a bit easier to get to the valve itself .... ours was on plastic lines to two connecting points .... pretty easy actually .....

rag_ftw · 06-14-2017, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal1phx

did mine last year .... just removed the handle which made it a bit easier to get to the valve itself .... ours was on plastic lines to two connecting points .... pretty easy actually .....

Hal, mine is the same as yours. How did you get the valve off the plastic lines. I have removed the handle and unscrewed the nuts from both ends of the valve but can't pull the valve loose from the plastic line.

WILDEBILL308 · 06-14-2017, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rag_ftw

Hal, mine is the same as yours. How did you get the valve off the plastic lines. I have removed the handle and unscrewed the nuts from both ends of the valve but can't pull the valve loose from the plastic line.

Do you have a picture? They could be "pex" and crimped on the valve.
Bill

rag_ftw · 06-15-2017, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WILDEBILL308

Do you have a picture? They could be "pex" and crimped on the valve.
Bill

Click image for larger version

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ID: 165362

This is an upside down pic of the replacement valve that is identical to the one presently installed.
No pex here, just a compression fitting installed on 13 year old plastic pipe that has gotten very stiff. Just thought someone might have a trick for removing before I go to the trouble of cutting the lines and installing a splice.

sailor_lou · 06-16-2017, 07:32 AM

Hi Robert,

It's been awhile, how are you? I've been able to work the pipe off those fittings in the past, but it did take some effort. I've had good luck by first rotating the valve/fitting and then after I get it to spin I apply a pulling effort. As I said, not easy but I have been able to get them apart. I always thought if that didn't work, heating up the pipe with a heat gun should soften the plastic enough to get them apart. Just be careful not to get it too hot. Good luck.

WILDEBILL308 · 06-16-2017, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rag_ftw

Attachment 165362
This is an upside down pic of the replacement valve that is identical to the one presently installed.
No pex here, just a compression fitting installed on 13 year old plastic pipe that has gotten very stiff. Just thought someone might have a trick for removing before I go to the trouble of cutting the lines and installing a splice.

Small vice grips come to mind to break the nuts loose.
Bill

FOPROMO · 06-19-2017, 09:05 AM

I have just taken the internals out of the new and replaced the old internals with the it. Ten minutes and done.
Other wise it will most likely take a little heat (blow dryer) to remove from the pex.

rag_ftw · 06-20-2017, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOPROMO

I have just taken the internals out of the new and replaced the old internals with the it. Ten minutes and done...

Excellent suggestion. After some additional investigation I discovered the cap that holds the valve in place had broken which was allowing tension to be released from the valve. A little JB Weld and a couple days to harden and the old cap now works work as good as new, even though it is grey! For a plus I still have a new valve assembly that I can install at a later date, if necessary!

Thanks to all for your suggestions!

hal1phx · 06-26-2017, 06:21 PM

Sorry I was late getting back to you Robert .... As Lou mentioned they do get a little "stuck" but will come apart with the twist and pull process.
Glad your back up and running ..... those valves can be a pain when they leak .... they'll fill the water tank to overflow before you know it ..... That's what mine was doing .... so had to change it out

rag_ftw · 06-26-2017, 06:34 PM

Not only was it filling the water tank it was flooding the water compartment! Luckily Leslie heard it running and I turned the water off before it got out of control.

So far JB Weld has accomplished another miracle!

One more reason to turn off city water any time we leave the RV.

Mike D · 06-27-2017, 06:40 AM

The pex tubing is pretty stiff, especially once it ages.

A hair dryer or other heat gun will make the pex tubing more flexible and easier to remove.

Once the line is very warm twist and pull. If you can't twist the line easily the pex isn't hot enough.

Works much better if you can get the water out of the line. It can still work with a wet line, but much slower.