Replacing a PVC Ball Valve Handle
|
|
Time to read 5 min
PVC ball valves are a simple, yet effective way to control flow in a countless variety of applications, including pools and irrigation. They resist corrosion to an extreme degree and can handle a reasonable range of temperatures and pressures. PVC, however, is not rated for hot water use and can become brittle with age, so sometimes leaks occur. PVC ball valves most often fail around the handle. Luckily, replacing a PVC ball valve handle is easy!
These types of ball valves have stems with O-rings that can fail when pressure or temperature limits are exceeded. On some of the older, more common styles (shown on the right), the handle itself can crack quite easily. Whether or not this causes leaks, it is awfully inconvenient and can make valve operation difficult if not impossible. Keep reading this article for tips on how to replace a ball valve handle.
Replacing a Push-On Handle
The two major types of handles found in PVC ball valves, regardless of body or end type, the those with a screw and those without. In this section we will focus on those without a screw. These handles snap on the top of the valve's stem. Despite not being screwed on, they remain in place very well.
Before removing the handle, make sure your system is shut off. To remove it, you just need to firmly tug at the handle until it pops off of the valve. You can often find replacement handles for sale on their own if you know the model number of your PVC ball valve. If you cannot find just the handle, you may want to just buy a whole valve. This will give you a back-up valve body if you ever need it.
Replacing a Screw-On Handle
Some of the more heavy-duty PVC ball valves have a handle that screws into the stem. This makes the connection stronger, but also makes removing the handle more difficult. Fixing a cracked ball valve handle is not difficult, even when it is screwed onto the valve's stem. You will need a small flat head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver.
Before removing anything, be sure to turn off the system so the valve is under no pressure during the repair. Using the flat head screwdriver, pop off the small cap in the center of the handle, under which will be a Phillips-head screw. Use your other screwdriver to remove the screw. This should loosen the handle and allow you to remove it easily.
Just as with push-on handles, screw-on handles for PVC ball valves are not very difficult to find on their own (for very low prices) if you know the valve's model number. This is a simple solution that will save you time and money compared to a full valve replacement!
Read this thread on Hometalk for more insight on what to do with a leaking valve!
Replacing a PVC Ball Valve
Sometimes, replacing a handle is not enough, and regular PVC ball valves only allow for certain parts to be replaced. If you are using a true union ball valve, you may be able to replace the stem, ball, handle, or ends individually, but that is not always the case. When the valve is beyond repair, the only option is to replace it.
If it is a threaded valve, you can unscrew the ends of the old valve and simply place a new on where it was. If it is a socket valve with cemented connections, you will need to cut the valve out. This could make it difficult to replace the valve. Sometimes re-plumbing a whole section of the system is easier, but it is different for every application.
For tips on replacing individual valve parts, check out this article from Do It Yourself!
Better Valve Options
The pictures and examples we used above were of the most common types of PVC ball valves. However, other, more durable versions are available as well. Below are a few examples of high quality, durable PVC ball valves that are not as crack-prone as the valves above.
Deluxe Compact PVC Ball Valve
These deluxe PVC ball valves have more structurally-sound body shape and handle than traditional flat-handled PVC ball valves. The handle on these valves does not require a screw, which makes handle removal and replacement extremely simple.
True Union PVC Ball Valve
True union ball valves have ends that act as union fittings, allowing the valve to be easily unscrewed from the system. These valves also have thicker, stronger handles than the type shown at the top of this article. True union PVC valves can last you a long time due to how easy they are to maintain.
Push-On Handles: For common snap-on styles without screws, shut down the system and firmly tug the handle upward until it pops off the valve stem.
Screw-On Handles: For heavy-duty styles, pry off the center plastic cap with a flathead screwdriver, remove the exposed Phillips screw, and lift the handle off.
Full Replacement Alternative: If a replacement handle cannot be found or the valve body is leaking, the entire valve must be unscrewed (for threaded styles) or cut out and re-plumbed (for socket/cemented styles).
FAQs
How do I know if my PVC ball valve has a push-on or a screw-on handle?
You can easily tell by looking at the center of the handle. A screw-on handle will have a small plastic cap in the middle; popping this cap off with a flathead screwdriver reveals a Phillips-head screw underneath. A push-on handle is a single, solid piece of plastic with no center cap or visible screw, relying on a tight snap-fit directly onto the valve stem.
What should I do if I can't find an exact replacement handle for my specific valve model?
If you know your valve’s model number, you can often buy a matching replacement handle directly. However, if the handle is discontinued or hard to find individually, the most cost-effective trick is to buy an entirely new, identical PVC ball valve. You can simply pop the handle off the new valve to use on your existing setup, leaving you with a spare valve body for future repairs.
Is a leaking PVC ball valve always caused by a broken handle?
No. While a cracked handle makes the valve difficult or impossible to turn, leaks usually stem from deeper issues. The stem underneath the handle relies on rubber O-rings to create a seal. If your system exceeds its pressure or temperature limits—such as using standard PVC with hot water—these internal seals can fail and cause a leak, meaning you may need to replace the entire valve or upgrade to a more serviceable True Union valve.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
