Repairing Guides

how to repair a gate valve

by Prof. Adrian Dibbert PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Turn off Water Supply. Turn off the water to the home from main supply valve.
  2. Disassembly of Gate Valve. Loosen the nut on the hand wheel attached to the stem. ...
  3. Cleaning. Clean all the parts with solvent and wiping rags to remove dirt and dry them. Avoid the solvent getting contact with your skin or eyes.
  4. Inspecting the Parts. Inspect bonnet and valve body for any cracks, slashed mating surfaces, damaged threads and erosion. ...
  5. Repairing the Valve. Replace the damaged or defective parts. Replace packing ring and all sealing components inside the valve.
  6. Assembling the Gate Valve. Screw the stem into bottom of bonnet completely. Turn the stem back three full turns. Keep the stem in this position.
  7. Turn the Main Supply On. Turn the main water supply on.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace a gate valve?

This calls for the replacement of the valve. Different factors can affect how much the process may cost. Only replacing the valve costs about $150 to $300 on average. The cost can spike up to $600 if there are any additional repairs and replacements involved. Factors That Can Affect Your Main Water Shut Off Valve Replacement Cost:

How do you dismantle a gate valve?

a. Operate the gate valve to the fully open position. b. Clean the remaining medium out. c. Use wrench to remove the flange bolts, hold the appropriate parts of the gate with a sling and lift the gate valve with suitable lifting equipment. d. Disassemble the flange, inspect and clean valve chamber, gate, stem head, flange gaskets, etc.

When a gate valve will not completely close?

The typical reaction when a gate valve will not close fully is to exert addition force on the handle. This is absolutely the wrong response and can cause permanent damage to the valve and a loss of water supply or even worse an inability to turn off the plumbing water line.

How to tell if a gate valve is open or closed?

How can you tell if a gate valve is open or closed? As the operator rotates the handle counterclockwise, the stem lifts out of the handle, opening the gate. A clockwise rotation of the gate moves the stem back into the gate and closes the valve.

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Can a water gate valve be repaired?

A malfunctioning gate valve is not difficult to repair, but it is even easier to prevent. These problems are typically caused by mineral buildup, so you should fully close and open your gate valves every few months to clear potential problems.

How do you fix a leaking water gate valve?

First shut off the water to the leaking water valve. Next remove the handle from the stem and then loosen and remove the packing nut. Remove the old washer and slide on the new one. Reinstall the packing nut, tighten lightly with a wrench (don't over tighten at this or any other point) and reattach the handle.

How do you fix a faulty gate valve?

2:166:21How to free a jammed gate valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what I what I do to try and release a stuck gate valve is just gradually turn it a bit in a bitMoreAnd what I what I do to try and release a stuck gate valve is just gradually turn it a bit in a bit like. So just get it to move a bit.

How do you fix a gate valve that doesn't close?

The first step if a gate valve will not close completely If the handle of the valve does not turn freely then loosen the packing nut just above the valve body and around the stem of the valve. Loosening it just one turn should be fine – just remember to tighten it back up when you are done.

Can you repack a gate valve?

1:292:57Gate Valve Repacking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo install the new packing remove your packing from the shipping tube packing comes in differentMoreTo install the new packing remove your packing from the shipping tube packing comes in different diameters. And lengths depending on the size of the gate valve you are repairing.

How do you stop a leaking valve?

0:3615:13How To Fix A Main Water Shutoff Valve Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all you'll do is just adjust your crescent wrench. And then just give it a quarter turn or halfMoreSo all you'll do is just adjust your crescent wrench. And then just give it a quarter turn or half turn in the clockwise.

Can you disassemble a gate valve?

0:261:24Disassembling a Gate Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYeah.MoreYeah.

Why would a gate valve leak?

Gate valve mostly leak from the gate valve gland. This is due to a build up of deposits against the seal and the seal getting a bit displacement. To stop the leak on the gate valve gland, all that need to be done is just to tighten up the gland nut as shown in the picture (1).

How much does it cost to replace a gate valve?

It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.

What are the parts of a gate valve?

A gate valve has seven main parts, which can be seen in Figure 3, which are: handwheel (A), stem (B), gasket (C), bonnet (D), valve body (E), flange (F), and gate (G). A flanged gate valve or threaded gate valve is the most common connection type to connect the valve to an application.

How do you test a gate valve?

Standard Gate Valve Test Method:Open the gate plate.Allow the pressure inside the valve to rise to the specified test value.Close the gate plate.Immediately remove the gate valve to check for leakage on both sides of the gate plate sealing. If you find any leakage, immediately replace the valve with a new one.

What causes a shut-off valve to leak?

Since cut-off (shut-off) valves are rarely used, the washer inside the valve can become hard or covered with mineral deposits over time. When you close the valve then open it again, the washer on the valve stem may not seat properly, causing it to leak around the valve stem nut.

Why is my water valve leaking?

When tightened, the packing nut on your main water shut-off valve binds down the “packing material” against the washer to seal off water. Over time, though, this packing material can harden or disintegrate. And when this happens, it won't form a solid seal and will cause leaking.

What are the parts of a gate valve?

A gate valve has seven main parts, which can be seen in Figure 3, which are: handwheel (A), stem (B), gasket (C), bonnet (D), valve body (E), flange (F), and gate (G). A flanged gate valve or threaded gate valve is the most common connection type to connect the valve to an application.

How do you repair a brass gate valve?

1:234:23Gatevalve repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow often the problem with these is that the debris gets stuck right in the bottom there and itMoreNow often the problem with these is that the debris gets stuck right in the bottom there and it stops the valve closing.

How does a gate valve work?

It has been used for more than 100 years. A gate valve works by raising and lowering a gate into a seat with a screw mechanism to control the flow. One of the weaknesses of the gate valve is that is shouldn't be left in a partially open position.

What are the weaknesses of a gate valve?

One of the weaknesses of the gate valve is that is shouldn't be left in a partially open position. If left like this, the closure element will become worn, thus losing its seating integrity. Repairing a gate valve is possible with some specialized tools. Advertisement.

How to remove retaining nut from gate?

Remove the retaining nut from the top of the gate and then remove the gate from the valve by turning it counter-clockwise. Examine the gates stem washer for evidence of damage. If the stem washer is damaged, replace it with a new part from the hardware store.

Can you close the main water valve?

You may have to close the main water valve to the home if there is not another option. If it is your main water valve that needs repairing, you will need to contact the city to turn off the water at the street. Open a valve downstream of the gate valve to remove the pressure from the pipes.

How to remove a gate valve?

First, shut the water off at the curb or meter. Never remove a valve or faucet that is under pressure. Then, open the gate valve fully. Remove the top of the valve housing by attaching a wrench to the top of the housing. Do not loosen the nut on the valve stem.

Why are gate valves used?

Gate valves are often used for main supply valves in houses. Since they don't depend on washers to stop the flow of water, they are useful in spots where a washer might harden, decay or become dislodged over a long period of disuse. That is not to say gate valves can't develop problems of their own over time when neglected.

How to get a gate to close?

The cleanest, simplest approach to getting a stubborn gate to close is to flush it out. Start by closing the gate valve as far as possible without applying excessive pressure. Then, open a faucet inside the house to provide an effluent outlet. Since the goal of this exercise is to flush debris out of the plumbing system, a bathtub or outside hose bib is the best choice. Most other household faucets are equipped with aerator screens that will capture and may become clogged with debris. Open the gate valve as far as possible. Close the gate val ve. Again, don't apply too much pressure when closing the valve to avoid damaging its inner workings. Repeat the cycle of opening and closing the valve until the gate seats fully or the gate stops making any progress toward closing. The action of moving the gate inside the valve channel, combined with the resulting water turbulence, usually breaks loose and flushes any built-up debris out of the valve. If the valve stops making downward progress without shutting off the water flow, try taking the valve apart for cleaning.

What is the side guide on a water valve?

The side and bottom guides that permit the gate portion of the valve to close and shut off water flow are ideal capture points for small bits of debris. These have a tendency to build up when the valve is left, as most supply valves are, continually open. In most instances, getting the valve to fully close is a simple task.

What to do if a water valve gate breaks?

If a gate breaks in the closed position there is a way to raise it back up to restore water service. By drilling a small hole near the bottom of the valve body in line with the gate a nail or some other sharp object can be pushed in to force up the gate of the valve.

Why do gate valves have to be closed?

Sediment can block a valve. A gate valve for a property usually has to be closed if plumbing repairs or maintenance are needed inside the building. In some instances, particularly if the main control valve is a gate type valve, the valve may not close completely. In many cases a gate valve repair may be needed.

What happens when a gate valve does not close?

The typical reaction when a gate valve will not close fully is to exert addition force on the handle. Using force to close a valve is absolutely the wrong response. Brute force can cause permanent damage to the valve and a loss of water supply to the building. If sediment or mineral deposits are preventing the gate valve from closing fully, ...

What does it mean to jump a valve?

Jumping a valve simply means to leave the defective valve in place and simply install a brand new valve after it. If legal for your area and for your type of water service line the preferred valve to use is a ball type valve.

What is a full port ball valve?

A full port ball valve allows for full flow of water, is rated higher than most gate valves, is longer lasting, and is not prone to break. Get An Experts Advice Today.

How to open a faucet on a sink?

The proper way to do this is to open a faucet on a sink inside the house so there is a flow of water. Then gently and repeatedly open and close the valve. If the handle of the valve does not turn freely then loosen the packing nut just above the valve body and around the stem of the valve.

Where is the curb valve located?

Sometimes a curb valve will be located in the sidewalk area. This would enable you to close the curb valve and the water by using a curb box key. A curb box key is a specialty water main tool, and come sin a variety of styles. Once the water is closed, you could then remove the broken valve with little trouble.

How to repair a gate valve without replacing it?

If you want to repair the gate valves rather than replace it, as long as the valve spindle is not damage then all you need to do is take the valve away from the gate valve body and clean it up fully making sure there is no deposits left.

What to do if gate valve is seized open?

If your gate valve is seized open and your unable to close it, then the only option would be to drain down. In some cases a plumber can quickly swap the valve over but this doesn’t come with risks. In most cases when you have gate valve problems, it is better to drain down if your gate valve is seized open.

Why won't my gate valve open?

The reason this normally breaks is because, when the valve doesn’t turn off due to a build up of dirty, scale or other, the plumber or occupant tends to over tighten it leading to the thread to break. As an experienced emergency plumber Manchester, Martin Smith explains that if the valve doesn’t turn off with ease, then it is better if you drain down and replace the gate valve at the same time, saving further gate valve problems and causing more costs.

Why do plumbers use brass gate valves?

Plumbers fit brass gate valves because there is no other better fittings out there currently and is found to be a bad habit rather than an educated buy. Martin believes that the market is still wide open to improvement when it comes to gate valve and there operational use.

Where do gate valves leak?

Where do gate valve leak from. Gate valve mostly leak from the gate valve gland. This is due to a build up of deposits against the seal and the seal getting a bit displacement. To stop the leak on the gate valve gland, all that need to be done is just to tighten up the gland nut as shown in the picture (1).

How to replace a valve without draining down?

The best way to replace the valve without draining down is to freeze the pipework and then replacing the valve. The only other way, is to turn the gate valve off and disconnect the bottom pipe.

How long do central heating valves last?

The average valves would last about 25-years, but if the central heating system is well looked after and the hot or cold water has low water deposits in the sense of scale, then the chances are, the valve may last for a longer time.

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