PVC Ball Valves.....Hard to Turn...

[Player101]

Hi:

I was wondering if anyone else has this problem with ball type valves and if they have any suggestions to solve it. I installed a couple of PVC ball type valves that I purchased from Home Depot in my pool plumbing. I am using these valves to by-pass the solar panel at night and on cloudy days etc. Anyway, the ball valves work great, but they can be hard to turn. Sometimes, they are so "stiff" I need both hands to turn the valves. My wife can't even turn them. Other times, they can be easily turned with one hand without much resistance. I was told that this was typical for these valve types.

Has anyone experienced this with PVC ball valves? Is there anything I can do to get them looser, or will they loosen up with use and time?

Thanks...John

[ScottS]

Mine are the exact same way. Even before installed I had a hard time moving them if they weren't opened or closed for a while.

As far as getting better with time, I am unsure of that. I've had mine installed for a year now and still find myself cursing at them sometimes :)

I then remember the alternative, having water pouring out all over the yard, or having to find the plug for the skimmer that never seemed to stay in the same spot.

[Player101]

I am wondering if there are alternative valves that could be used that aren't as hard to turn......or...I may have to make a handle that is wider to turn the valves.....(longer handle with more torque)

[duraleigh]

Yes, there are altenatives. Brass gate valves or, better yet, brass ball valves. About quadruple cost for the ball valves but they are really nice....very easy to turn.

[mshumack]

Depending on the size of your piping (1.5 inch?), I would suggest the Jandy, Hayward, Pentair/Compool type valve. They have two-way (same effect as ball valve) but are easy to operate and can be rebuilt. I don't know how small (pipe size) they come in but you could always use a reducer. They're not cheap (around $50) but they will turn when you need them to.
Good Luck.

[ChuckD]

Yes, the Jandy would be a big improvement. Not only in the ease of turning but also the flow design. I replaced the old Hayward 3-way that joined my skimmer and main drain to the filter basket, and it solved my problem with losing prime. The water just flows more efficiently thru it.


Chuck

[blue_steel]

Most pool stores sell "Jack's Lube" or "Magic Lube". It's purpose is to make O rings seal well. It is supposedly safe for rubber, plastic, etc. I took off the fittings on our PVC ball valves and rubbed some on the ball part. Now they turn easily.