Plumbing advice

[JMEZARIC3]

We are snowbirds with a Patio Villa built about 16 years ago. All the water supply shutoffs are plastic.In May I was closing down the house for the summer and the main water supply shutoff was hard to close. Is it time to replace all the shutoffs with metal shutoffs? What is the cost?

[retiredguy123]

I may be a good idea to replace the main water shutoff valve. I don't know what it would cost to replace all of the valves, but it will not be cheap. Also, it would probably not be worth doing. With 2 bathrooms and a kitchen, you probably have at least 9 valves, plus the valves on the washer, water heater, and refrigerator. If you have a leak, you can always shut off the main valve. I would suggest buying some First Alert water alarms to place under toilets, in the water heater drain pan, and near the washer. They will sound an alarm if water gets on the floor. You can get a pack of three alarms for $30 on Amazon. Cheap insurance.

[Kilmacowen]

I had a Nova whole house filter installed and they put in a new shutoff ,which was included. He told me that the original one needed to be replaced. Now I have one that is waist high and easy to turn on and off. I turn it off when I head north, no need to shut any other valves. When I return, I turn it on slowly. Love my Nova filter.

[davem4616]

Nova installed a new shut off value for us when we put a whole house water filter in also. It's now in a place that is much easier to turn off/on when I need to.

Any plumber should be able to change a shut off valve for you.

If you're concerned...replace it for peace of mind. You're closing up the house, who needs to worry about something like a valve when they're back north?

[RARO1]

I may be a good idea to replace the main water shutoff valve. I don't know what it would cost to replace all of the valves, but it will not be cheap. Also, it would probably not be worth doing. With 2 bathrooms and a kitchen, you probably have at least 9 valves, plus the valves on the washer, water heater, and refrigerator. If you have a leak, you can always shut off the main valve. I would suggest buying some First Alert water alarms to place under toilets, in the water heater drain pan, and near the washer. They will sound an alarm if water gets on the floor. You can get a pack of three alarms for $30 on Amazon. Cheap insurance.

This won’t help OP much as there will be no one in the house to hear the alarm, he’s planing on going away.

There are a lot of smart system nowadays that bolt right on top of your main shutoff instead of the manual handle, they can automatically close the water main if they sense excessive flow or if one of the wireless water alarms go off. On most you can also remotely shut the valve right from your smartphone. And the once with flow sensor you can monitor any flow during your time away.

Check some of the system out here:
13 Best Wireless Water Shut Off Valves | Smart Valve Guide | Homesthetics - Inspiring ideas for your home. (https://homesthetics.net/best-wireless-water-shut-off-valves/)

[dewilson58]

We are snowbirds with a Patio Villa built about 16 years ago. All the water supply shutoffs are plastic.In May I was closing down the house for the summer and the main water supply shutoff was hard to close. Is it time to replace all the shutoffs with metal shutoffs? What is the cost?


Sister's house has a very tight shut off.......difficult to move. They created a shut-off "wrench" out of a PVC pipe. It gave them just enough leverage.

[retiredguy123]

This won’t help OP much as there will be no one in the house to hear the alarm, he’s planing on going away.

There are a lot of smart system nowadays that bolt right on top of your main shutoff instead of the manual handle, they can automatically close the water main if they sense excessive flow or if one of the wireless water alarms go off. On most you can also remotely shut the valve right from your smartphone. And the once with flow sensor you can monitor any flow during your time away.

Check some of the system out here:
13 Best Wireless Water Shut Off Valves | Smart Valve Guide | Homesthetics - Inspiring ideas for your home. (https://homesthetics.net/best-wireless-water-shut-off-valves/)
I agree that you can install that type of system, but they are expensive and often require some drywall tear out to access the piping for installation. But, the OP said that they turn off the main water valve when they go away. That is the smart thing to do, which many people neglect to do. The First Alert water alarms are cheap and will notify you of a leak when you are home.

[nututv]

If it's a valve meant to be operated by hand and you can't, it should be replaced. No matter what the cost is fix it as these things have a funny way of costing a whole lot more when they fail.

[karostay]

don't know as if i would go metal shut off..Reason being calcium in the water eats everything

[RARO1]

I agree that you can install that type of system, but they are expensive and often require some drywall tear out to access the piping for installation. But, the OP said that they turn off the main water valve when they go away. That is the smart thing to do, which many people neglect to do. The First Alert water alarms are cheap and will notify you of a leak when you are home.

As long as the valve isn’t inside the wall the majority of these system will work Without any drywall work, you can get the guardian leak prevention system for $300 and that included 3 water sensors.

Guardian Leak Prevention System - No tools/pipe cutting and works with copper, PEX, or PVC pipes from 1/2" to 1" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07665QCT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_jPS6EbETB035D

B-hyve Is selling a 3 pack of their Wireless water alarms for $99, this will send a notification to anyone you choose.

Smart Flood Sensor for Smart Homes from B-hyve | Orbit Irrigation (https://www.orbitonline.com/product/b-hyve-smart-flood-sensor/)

[rjm1cc]

If it's a valve meant to be operated by hand and you can't, it should be replaced. No matter what the cost is fix it as these things have a funny way of costing a whole lot more when they fail.

That makes sence, but if you have problems with your hands the value may not be the problem and making a tool to help turn the value makes sence.

[D.Lawrence]

They only are expected to last about 5 years, small price to pay , have it changed out to prevent possible flooding in your home, $ 50. Item, instaln is $ 100. It is located above your hot water tank. Replace it before it leaks !! Do it on your schedule, avoid the flood.

[queasy27]

Is it time to replace all the shutoffs with metal shutoffs? What is the cost?

Plumbers hate those plastic valves and every company I've used has required that they be changed to metal when new toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. are installed. They won't do the work otherwise.

Each one cost about $60 to replace.