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Budget Plumbing
Today we are going to show you how to change a ball valve in a cold water storage tank. The principle is the same whatever ball valve you replace be it a water tank or a toilet ball valve. If you do not wish to replace a ball valve and only wish to repair it please see our guide to repairing ball valves.
Tools you will require:
Adjustable spanner
Grips
Small Flat bladed screwdriver
Okay let us begin replacing the ball valve:
1. Start by isolating the water supply to the ball valve. If you are unsure on how to do this please see this guide on how to isolate water supplies.
2. Remove the insulation and lid from the tank so you may access the ball valve.
3. If the water level is above or just below the ball valve try opening the hot tap on the bath to lower the water level in the cold water storage tank to a more suitable level, say 6 inches below the bottom of the current ball valve.
4. Grip the body of the valve with your grips and use the adjustable spanner to turn the nut connecting the ball valve to the water supply anti-clockwise until disconnected.
5. Still holding the ball valve with your grips undo the backnut of the ball valve in the same manner, removing the reinforcing plate if there is one.
6. The ball valve should now be free to be extracted. Sometimes they can be a little stiff.
7. The nut that connected the water supply to the ball valve is more than likely a swivel fitting. These fittings contain a ½ inch fibre washer. You must always replace these even if they do not appear worn. You may need to gently prise off the old fibre washer with the small screwdriver. Do not leave any remnants of the old washer on the fitting.
8. Replace the ball valve with a new part 2 ball valve and float. Do not forget to replace the reinforcing plate if there was one. Take care not to over tighten.
9. Adjust the height of the ball float by slackening off the adjusting nut. Ideally you want the water level between 4-6 inches below the bottom of the ball valve. Try to gauge as accurately as you can where the ball float should sit and tighten back up the adjusting nut.
10. Restore the water supply to the ball valve and adjust the ball float accordingly. Once the water is at a satisfactory level and the ball valve has stopped flowing check the swivel nut for leakage for the next 5 to 10 minutes.
11. Replace the lid and insulation.
If you are in any difficulty call you local Worcester plumbers for assistance