Water Tank Valves.

Jiles · Apr 18, 2009

I have a large water tank with 2"PVC ball valves. Over several years they have become very hard to operate. Changing them will be a major job.
Is there any way to loosen them up a bit before I break the ears off?

Dan-IA · Apr 18, 2009

With PVC using heat is probably out. I think your only option there is to use a hammer (preferably a rubber mallet) and tap. Do you have a lot of patience?

If not I'd find a sawzall, some pipe fittings, some PVC cement, and maybe a couple pipe wrenches. Then I'd upgrade to metal valves. You can give them a lot more abuse, and the heat wrench becomes an option.

bc · Apr 18, 2009

I'd try some spray silicone lube. Seems to work well for plastic stuff. I've got some of the tight pvc valves too. Guess I'll give them a shot of silicone lube.

kyplowboy · Apr 19, 2009

If you do replace them look around and pay the money for hayward ball valves that have union collars. We use them at work (in a water treatment plant) and if it's valve that has to work when you need it to they are the only way to go as far as pvc goes. You can replace them in seconds with two pair of channel locks.

Good luck.

Dave

Water Tank Valves.

Jiles

Well-known Member

Dan-IA

Member

bc

Well-known Member

kyplowboy

Well-known Member

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