My ball valve is broken, what should I do?

Ball valves are widely used in household plumbing, garden hoses, and even factories. These valves easily control the flow of liquids or gases.

A ball valve contains a small ball with a hole inside. Turning the handle causes the ball to rotate. Align the hole with the pipe, and liquid will flow. A quarter-turn to block the hole stops the flow. The advantage of ball valves is that they are easy to use and work quickly with just a quick turn. They are also less prone to leaks than other valves. Whether you are filling a swimming pool or transferring chemicals in a factory, ball valves are an excellent choice.

Common Problems with Ball Valves

Leakage

• Stem Leakage: Fluid leaks from the valve stem due to worn packing or O-rings.
• Post-Close Leakage: A small amount of fluid leaks even after the valve is closed due to prolonged inactivity or damaged seals.
• Seat Leakage: A poor seal between the ball and the valve seat causes internal leakage.

Operational Malfunction

• Stuck Valve: The valve cannot be fully opened or closed. The handle is difficult to turn, possibly stuck in the open or closed position.
• Partial Close: The valve cannot be fully closed, possibly due to worn valve seats or misaligned components.
• Abnormal flow: Reduced or blocked flow can occur due to internal deposits, incomplete ball rotation, or misaligned components.

Handle

• A loose, damaged, or difficult-to-turn handle can affect valve operation.

Most problems stem from improper maintenance. Failure to clean the ball valve can lead to dirt accumulation; lack of lubrication can cause wear on parts; improper installation (such as installing the valve crookedly) can cause damage; and extreme temperatures can also cause problems: low temperatures can cause metal cracking, while high temperatures can melt PVC ball valve components.

How to Fix Ball Valve Problems

You can fix many ball valve problems yourself. Let’s start with leaks.

For Leaks

• Stem Leaks: For minor leaks, tighten the packing nut; for more severe leaks, replace the packing or O-ring, and lubricate the stem if necessary.
• For Leaks After Closure: First tighten the valve fittings. If that doesn’t work, replace the seals or simply replace the valve.
• Valve seat leakage: Clean the ball and valve seat; if the wear is serious, replace the appropriate valve seat

For stuck/difficult operation

• Initial Treatment: Turn off the main water supply ,cycle the handle repeatedly to loosen the valve. Gently tap the valve body (avoid hitting it hard on PVC valves),to remove any debris from between the ball and the valve body.
• Lubrication and Penetration: For metal valves, spray penetrating oil such as WD-40 (let it sit for 10-30 minutes)，to remove rust and lubricate. For PVC valves, avoid using lubricants that may corrode the plastic.
• Decompression and Physical Assistance: Release system pressure and attempt to rotate the valve. Use a pipe wrench if necessary, but be careful not to use excessive force,and damage the components.
• Advanced Treatment: If the above methods are ineffective, disassemble the valve to clean internal deposits. If components are severely worn, replace damaged parts (such as the valve seat or ball) ,or replace the entire valve.

For traffic anomalies

Flush the system to remove debris; disassemble the valve to clean the ball, valve seat and internal passages; inspect the ball and valve body and replace worn parts if necessary.

For handle

Tighten the retaining nut if loose. Lubricate the handle mechanism if it is difficult to turn. Replace the handle with an adapter if damaged.

How to Care for Our Ball Valves

Proper care can prevent most ball valve problems.

1. Clean the ball valve regularly: Wipe off any external dirt. If it’s a three-piece valve, disassemble it annually to clean the interior to prevent clogging.
2. Lubricate the ball valve: Keep it moving. For metal valves, apply a light lubricant,  to the stem and ball area. For PVC valves, use a plastic-safe lubricant. Every six months or more (or longer if you use the valve frequently).
3. Inspect the ball valve frequently: Check for leaks, rust, or loose parts. Turn the handle several times, to ensure it rotates smoothly. Detecting minor problems early , can prevent major repairs later.
4. Install properly: A bent ball valve can stick or leak. Do not overtighten the fittings; only tighten them snugly. Follow the included instructions.
5. Use the ball valve correctly: Do not force the handle. If it’s difficult to turn, stop the machine and inspect. Always open or close the valve fully; leaving it half-open causes additional wear. 6. Protect ball valves from the weather: Cover outdoor metal valves in winter to prevent freezing. Keep PVC ball valves away from heat sources like stoves.

Choose the right ball valve when purchasing.

1. Choose the right material. For home water systems, brass or PVC ball valves are good choices. Brass is rust-resistant, while PVC ball valves are inexpensive and suitable for cold water systems. For chemicals or hot liquids, choose a stainless steel ball valve—it is corrosion-resistant.
2. Check the size. Before purchasing, measure the pipe diameter (e.g., ½ inch). Valves that are too large or too small will not work.

Look for a full-bore ball valve. The hole in the ball matches the pipe size, allowing more fluid to flow.

3. Check the quality. A high-quality ball valve feels solid and has a smooth-turning handle. Choose WESDUN brand ball valves，their ball valves have a long service life.
4. Choose the right type. Three-piece ball valves are easy to disassemble and clean. Two-piece ball valves are more affordable but more difficult to repair. If you are likely to require maintenance, purchase a three-piece ball valve.
5. Check the pressure rating. Make sure the ball valve can handle the system pressure. Most home water systems use low-pressure ball valves, but high-pressure ball valves require a more robust model.

Ball valves are simple yet important. They help control water, gas, and other fluids in our daily lives.

Understanding how ball valves work, fixing minor problems, and properly maintaining them can save time and money.