The push/pull type valves that are installed in the house in The Villages should be eliminated by code in new construction. Problem solved in the long run for the most part. What’s next? When you buy a new washer the delivery won’t include hooking up the washer hoses. Next they will leave the appliance on the front yard because they would be liable if they ruin your hardwood floors. Customer service is just about non-existent. The stores should include in their price whatever it takes to make the appliance useable or let you know upfront that you have to hire an additional person to finish the job. There are aged widows and widowers who can’t do these so called simple jobs.

We bought a new refrigerator from Lowe’s. The sales people told us to replace the push/pull valve.

We purchased new appliances from HD in 2017; our home was built in 2005. When ordering in the store they quizzed us about the existing valve and said it had to be upgraded before they would install the new refrigerator because (I don’t think) these push-pull valves are up to code today. At the moment I can’t recall if we had the plumber come and replace the same day, but earlier, than delivery or if we just ordered the new parts with the refrigerator and the delivery guys took care of it when they installed the refrigerator, but I know it had to be done. As we do improvements, we are working to upgrade all of the push-pull valves in the house.

Correct! It's a liability issue (even if the HD employee doesn't acknowledge that). HD will not take responsibility for water connections and possible leaks.

The plastic push-puil valves do not turn. You pull it out to close and push it in to open. I don't see any reason to replace one valve unless you replace all of them. You probably have about 10 push-pull valves in your house.

I respect that you are a licensed plumber!
However there is a prevision in the code that allows any plug in appliance that doesn't fall under the code which su*ks. Trust me it is a addendum, the big box stores has taken the position not to take the liability.

Home Depot doesn't have any employees who install appliances. They hire contractors who are not licensed plumbers. But, I think they should connect the water line to the refrigerator as part of the installation, otherwise they haven't installed the appliance. If they are concerned about liability, then they should hire licensed plumbers. If they are concerned about the plastic push-pull valves, then they should bring a metal valve to replace the plastic valve. A metal valve only costs a few dollars. I wouldn't buy a refrigerator from someone who is not prepared to install it.

You do not need a licensed plumber!
I believe this is a unfair ruling by DBPR and Legislation to licensed contractors

see attachment's

I think the plastic push-pull valve issue is somewhat overblown. Most houses in The Villages have about 10 of these valves. Yes, they are cheap, flimsy valves, but I have not heard of many serious water leaks caused by the valves. You can spend hundreds of dollars replacing them, but I don't think many people are concerned enough to do that. And, any valve you install could also cause a water leak.

Glad we are NOT in Canada, aka: NOT a licensed plumberd
 

Been doing my own plumbing for 30+ years with no issues.

Just follow the plumbing books or online tutorials and you'll be fine.

You'ld have to be really daft to poison yourself.

BE careful in Florida my friend it is a whole different world with DBPR and insurance companies. If you have a water leak and your insurance company finds out a hook up was done by a unlicensed contractor they use that as grounds to screw with your settlement, JFYI.

Hooking up water lines
 

In 2013 I was told that this is a Code violation issue. ‘Appliance delivery people’ (I just made up that term, but you know what I mean) are not permitted to connect equipment to “plumbing” (and if a Building Permit is required for a summer kitchen or remodeling, all such ‘plumbing’ is supposed to be done by a licensed plumber and is subject to inspection). I am not sure if it is a County Code issue or State. But, as people mentioned above, you don’t really need to hire a licensed plumber to finish installing a dishwasher/fridge if you or someone you know is handy (or you hire an independent ‘handyman’ that is willing to do it).

read the state law ruling above in pdf form and you have your answer!

With PEX tubing, a crimping devise, shark bites, and just about any imaginable fitting readily available, just about anyone do their own plumbing these days.

An EXCELLENT, and very important point ! Bravo !
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