Indeed, if you would like to know more about Speed Fit or pushfit fittings, then see our project here. Choose a spot where you can easily access the valve or valves for use in the future and also a spot where they can be fitted with the minimum of fuss. Isolating valves of all types also come in a right angled form which allows you to fit them to the top of a pipe running along, or up, the wall so that the opening for hose connection is facing out into the room (See below).

Flexible hose tap connector with isolation valve 15mm How do you tell if an Isolation Valve is on or off? Of course it is usually fairly easy to test this by gently turning the valve to see if the water flows into the tap (make sure the tap is turned on) or for an isolation valve of toilet cistern you will hear water filling up the cistern if the valve is open. Both of these fixes are temporary, however, and you will eventually need to replace the valve. Leaking Gate Valve or Isolation valve This is an incredibly useful piece of equipment for the DIY enthusiast especially as it makes tap connection so easy. These flexible hose are also available in Speed Fit connections.Hold the new valve next to the pipework to ensure that no adjustments are needed and that the pipe both sides will sit into the valve the correct amount. If you look inside the end of the valve you’ll see an edge where the pipe should stop. Adding the Olive Of course, it’s too easy if isolation valves were without their problems, right? It’s just another facet of being a homeowner. Can Isolation Valves Leak? Repeat this on the other end of the valve and gently ease the valve away from the pipework. The fitting is often quite tight as the pipe sits inside the valve at both ends and there’s not much play. Removing the Olives Smooth and clean the ends of the pipe using wire wool or a fine grade sandpaper (240 grit or greater). If you are working with copper pipe, ensure that the end of the pipe is totally clean and free or any debris, grease, old paint etc. If you’re fitting your isolation valve in an existing run of pipework then you will need to be a little more accurate with your cuts.

Many traditionalists see push fit as a poor choice and “a bit of a short cut”, but in reality, it’s every bit as good as copper, that’s not to say that copper pipework and fittings have had their day, far from it, copper has many of it’s own advantages and also push fit is yet more plastic!! You will need two pipe wrenches or a wrench and a spanner to suit the size of the compression nut. Hold the body of the valve to prevent it from twisting and exerting pressure on the pipework. Use the second wrench, or spanner, to undo the compression nut.

Replacing a Service Valve

However it can be less easy to tell if it is feeding an appliance, but in most cases, you will be able to hear if the appliance can draw water or not when it is turned on. Most modern appliances will have some sort of display to inform you of any issues, water supply included. If there is no isolation valve underneath the toilet cistern, then it may be elsewhere in the bathroom or in another room such as the kitchen if it is below the bathroom. Sometimes if there is no isolation valve in the bathroom then there may be two isolation valves in another room, one for the cold water supply and one for the hot water supply. These valves will usually isolate the complete bathroom, not just the toilet cistern. Isolation valves are normally fitted to taps on basins, baths and sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, outside taps, cisterns and water tanks and a variety of other fixed or movable appliances. If the screw or handle is lined up with the length of pipework then the isolation valve is open and allowing water to run through the pipe.