Why this hose bib shut-off valve replacement is incorrect.
Apparently the old hose bib shut-off valve in this house broke and needed replacement.
It's always best to have a professional do such work, or, if one is capable of doing one's own work, at least know what products to use.
Do you know why this replacement is improper?
The previous valve is one the bottom. The handle had broken off, likely long ago.
A new lever valve, with the red handle, is on top, and was used to replace the broken valve. You can see it is in the "off "position.
Perpendicular is off, parallel is on.
It could be this valve was turned off for the winter and never turned back on. In this area it is wise to winterize the hose bib to prevent breakage during freezing.
But even if the red lever valve was turned off the hose bib had not been properly winterized.
Why?
See the small button inside the red circle?
That is the bleeder valve.
To winterize the hose bib the water must be turned off indoors. Then the hose bib valve can be opened outdoors. The last step is to break the vacuum inside the tubing, which happens when the bleeder valve is opened, or removed.
When opened that valve breaks the vacuum and bleeds off any air left in the pipe. That allows any water left in the tubing to drain out. If there is no water inside the pipe when freezing occurs the pipe will not swell and break.
However, the red valve you see in the photo has no bleeder valve, and as such the water inside the pipe cannot be released and proper winterization cannot take place. The valve you see was installed properly, but it is not the right valve to use for this application.
My recommendation: proper maintenance requires knowledge, and the right materials. Professionals know what the right materials are, and have the ability to install them. Effective home maintenance is only proper when regular and when the right fixtures and materials are in place.
Coming soon: Jay's Fall and Winter Maintence List. Be ready for winter!
