problems with cold expansion Pex (A type) valves
I’m just curious as to whether anyone else has had experience with early failure of these 1/4 turn valves, branded as Cold-X by Waterline.
The other day I decided I’d finish labelling all of my shut-off valves on my home run lines. In order to confirm which valve was connected to what, I closed each valve and tested what fixture was off. To my surprise, when I turned the one that turned out to be for the shower, water sprayed out the side of the valve body. A bit unlucky I figured, so I replaced it with one that was installed on a dead-end, spare line (replacing that with just a plug, since I figured I’m unlikely to ever use that line). Turn the water back on, and lo and behold the swapped valve also has a crack it, but this one is in a place where the leak happens when the valve is open instead of when it’s closed. This one didn’t even have water present where the crack formed, as it was on the exit side of a valve that’s never been opened.
Now I’m a little concerned about the rest of the valves. These have only been in place for about 5 years. Was I just doubly unlucky, or is there a problem with the quality of these valves? I did a brief search to see if there were stainless versions of these valves, and didn’t see anything.
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Replies
I assume you're in Canada if you're using waterline products. Those are usually sold at home depots.
I find uponor valves and fittings are just excellent quality, I've never had a problem with them and they look and feel robust.
But I do often see 'knockoffs' or lesser quality fittings. There is one particular plumbing supply close to me, that sells lower quality F1960 fittings, and have created enough problems for me that I now refuse to go there for those fittings even in a pinch.
I am surprised they would have split though (without freezing). Even with waterlines 1 year warranty.
Just confirming, did the valve split? Or is it leaking from the valve body seat?
Jamie
I found a place selling the brand M.A. Stewart. Would those be higher quality?
That looks like freeze damage.
The only way that's possible is if it happened before I bought them. The inside of my house has never been below 18C. I don't remember any of the pieces being open bag, but it was 5 years ago. I can't imagine not noticing signs of the valves being used.
To my eye that damage looks to be from frozen pipes not manufacturing defects.
Walta