Why gate valves fail
- Inside a gate valve a wedge drops down across the waterway. Over years of mineral build-up, the stem seizes or the wedge corrodes, so the handle will not turn or the valve does not seal fully. Forcing an old one can snap the stem and leave water running.
- A full-port ball valve shuts with one ninety-degree flick of its lever. You can see at a glance whether it is open or closed, and it keeps working for decades.
The replacement
- Swapping the main valve means stopping the water at the curb stop first, and that is the municipal valve near the property line. In Richmond Hill that is the town's valve, and in many cases the town operates it. We coordinate that shut-off.
- With the supply stopped, the seized valve is cut free and its replacement goes in with soldered, press or compression fittings to suit the pipe. The meter connection is not disturbed beyond what is needed.
Signs you need this
- The main valve handle will not turn
- Water drips from the valve stem
- The valve does not fully stop water
- Nobody at home can say where the main is
- You are buying an older house
Exercise it
- Once a year, turn the new valve closed and open again. That keeps it from stiffening. Show every adult in the household where it lives. A tag on the valve helps in a panic.
- If your house has a separate valve on the water heater, the outside hose bibs and each fixture, those are worth checking too. We can do a full valve check in the same visit.
How the job runs
- 1
The curb stop shut-off is arranged with the town where needed.
- 2
The old valve is cut out of the line.
- 3
A full-port lever ball valve goes in and is tested.
- 4
The valve is tagged and you are shown how to use it.
Richmond Hill note: most houses here sit on York Region municipal water with fairly hard supply, and many basements have a floor drain tied to the sanitary lateral. Mention both on the phone; it changes what goes on the truck.
Want a second opinion on your own pipes first? Dial (365) 363-1575; the person answering holds the wrench.