Repair & Leak Detection Frisco

When it’s not completely obvious there is a serious pipe or slab leak, some initial tests and observations need to take place to rule out some other less common problems. Unfortunately, for that testing to be conclusive, some items must be properly functioning and in good working order. Those devices are the various water supply shut-off valves.

There are typically two types of water shut-off valves used in this area of Texas. Those are:

-Gate Valves: These are older-style valves. They are also less expensive and therefore often used in the new construction process. They look and operate very much like a hose spigot in that they require you to turn the handle multiple revolutions to fully open or close. The problem with these is that they have a fairly short life span and rely on a rubber gasket that seals the water off as it is tightened. This rubber gasket deteriorates over time and ceases to fully or properly function. This is compounded when the valves are in the ground and exposed to groundwater, mud, and various minerals in the soil. The handles and stems tend to rust off, disintegrate, and/or eventually collapse or form a water leak.
-Ball Valves: These are not new, but the engineering has changed to make them better. These types of valves are far superior to a standard gate valve and the only type Earl’s Plumbing will ever use. You will not find a gate valve on any of our trucks or in our shop unless it is part of the replacement hose spigot. Because of the slightly more expensive price, these are not as common as the standard gate valves. A ball valve usually operates by using a single handle lever that turns only one way and only turns a quarter turn open or close. There is no tightening required. The quarter turn lever stops at full open and stops at full close. Pretty simple, yet superior.