Valve Care and Repair

When a Rotary Valve Becomes Hard to Turn and/or Leaks

A valve, generally, leaks either thru the valve stem or from the backwash port. This is usually caused by grit getting in under the handle and, consequently into the hole in the valve cover. The valve key stem becomes scored and then doesn't seat properly after changing valve positions.

You may be able to temporarily get by with your valve, as is,...if after you change valve positions "press the handle all the way down on the end and let go", allowing it to pop into place.  Most times that will overcome the resistance caused by the "scored" Valve key/valve rotor stem.  Valve key/Valve rotor is what the handle attaches to and creates a seal in the directional port chambers. If you continue to do this without repair, you will ruin the valve cover.

When replacing parts do the following:

- Make sure you pay attention to how the handle fits on the valve key stem. If put on backwards it causes everything to reverse.

- To remove or replace the pin from the handle you will need to relieve the tension of the valve spring by either using a vise or couple of clamps. If you have four strong hands you can skip the clamps.

- When you have the cover detached from the valve key stem, very lightly sand any scored marks on the stem and also in the hole where the stem fits.