15mm isolation valves

[Robotstar5]

For one of these? Suitable for water, with a handle. I’ve had one fitted to the water filter on my fridge for years, works grand, no screwdrivers needed!

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We have that type fitted to isolate the outside tap, operated a few times a year with no problems

 

[daleyd]

Have you operated the valve in those 8 years?
My daughters rental hovel had one of those handle types valves for the washing machine. When I tried to close off water to get the washing machine out the plastic handle just rotated over the square drive inside it, as the valve was seized open. Once the handle had fallen apart totally I managed to get a grip with pliers to turn it.

Yes, I change the water filter every 6 months, if I don’t I wouldn’t have a valve on there!

 

[Jelly_Sheffield]

They are the same valve underneath as the screw ones, just with a plastic handle - ours has been there 8 years and hasn’t leaked, maybe I’m just lucky…

The metal handle type is the same basic body too...

But it's specifically the plastic handles (and the replacement of the screw slot with a threaded hole) that I take issue with.

I've never had one leak on me either.

But I've seen more than I care to remember where when you need to isolate the flow, the handle isn't up to the job and just sheers off leaving you having to isolate the water at the main stopcock (which is inevitably a screw-down plug valve) and replace or cap it.

It's like an extra 2½ quid to get the same valve with a metal handle:

Given the inconvenience, time and cost if when it fails at a time when I need isolation, it's false economy to use the plastic handled type IMO.

 

[Mark 5]

Those are just awful on mains water, I can't begin to count the number of them I have seen the ****ty plastic handles just tear off if there's just a hint of scale or corrosion in the pipes...

Not what you want from an isolator, at least the screwdriver type operated type is reliable once you find a screwdriver.

I'm thoroughly in team "use a proper ¼-turn ball valve":

On mains water primary supply fit a stopcock, Peglar brand preferably.

 

[daleyd]

The metal handle type is the same basic body too...

But it's specifically the plastic handles (and the replacement of the screw slot with a threaded hole) that I take issue with.

I've never had one leak on me either.

But I've seen more than I care to remember where when you need to isolate the flow, the handle isn't up to the job and just sheers off leaving you having to isolate the water at the main stopcock (which is inevitably a screw-down plug valve) and replace or cap it.

It's like an extra 2½ quid to get the same valve with a metal handle:

View attachment 475121

Given the inconvenience, time and cost if when it fails at a time when I need isolation, it's false economy to use the plastic handled type IMO.

Agreed if it’s somewhere that you can fit the larger handle why not.

I’ve had some fitted for 8 years and they’ve been ok, as always your mileage may vary…

 

[Jelly_Sheffield]

Have you operated the valve in those 8 years?
My daughters rental hovel had one of those handle types valves for the washing machine. When I tried to close off water to get the washing machine out the plastic handle just rotated over the square drive inside it, as the valve was seized open. Once the handle had fallen apart totally I managed to get a grip with pliers to turn it.

This is exactly what I've experienced time and time again.

Pretty much every rented house I had was the same story, and I've been called out in a panic by multiple friends on the day they were moving out of rented accommodation because they hit the same situation (and figured I would know what to do and/or loan them the requisite tools, whilst also being free, unlike an emergency plumber).

It was also the same when I moved into my own house, only there the previous owner had just left it uncapped and dribbling into a washing up basin for me to deal with.

 

[Jelly_Sheffield]

On mains water primary supply fit a stopcock, Peglar brand preferably.

Oh yeah, the stopcock should always be a screw-down type... Although most houses I've had the stopcock was before the meter, and thus not mine to worry about.

 

[Slowcoach]

If you’re concerned with the bulk would a butterfly valve work, metal handle too.

 

[Shedendman]

Those are just awful on mains water, I can't begin to count the number of them I have seen the ****ty plastic handles just tear off if there's just a hint of scale or corrosion in the pipes...

Not what you want from an isolator, at least the screwdriver type operated type is reliable once you find a screwdriver.

I'm thoroughly in team "use a proper ¼-turn ball valve":

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View attachment 475117

last time i saw summit like that the two ronnies were playing a tune on it

 

[123hotchef]

Just fit a proper valve you tight wad

View attachment 475114

yeah i used these on my gaff

 

[Jelly_Sheffield]

last time i saw summit like that the two ronnies were playing a tune on it

Front to back there's: Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Cold Outside Tap, Cold Kitchen Tap, Hot Outside Tap, Hot Kitchen Tap

To say there's all that crammed in, I am fairly chuffed with how neat and functional it is compared to what came before.

I don't think I have photos of how we inherited it from the previous owner, but more than half the under sink cupboard was a mess of floating unsupported pipe (three different types) with valves and hoses going everywhere...

We had a leak a few months in to owning the house and you could scarcely work out if it called for the skills of a plumber or a vet who did heart surgery on elephants.

 

[MattF]

Just fit a proper valve you tight wad

See, I'm not tight. The exact ones @Kayos told me to get.



F'k me, they aren't cheap though.

 

[brightspark]

See, I'm not tight. The exact ones @Kayos told me to get.

View attachment 475331

F'k me, they aren't cheap though.

better than a valve that wont turn off properly and leaks from the screw a few years later

 

[MattF]

They're not even for owt of mine though. I'm too soft, I am.

 

[Kayos]

See, I'm not tight. The exact ones @Kayos told me to get.

View attachment 475331

F'k me, they aren't cheap though.

They are what I'd use in my house, and complain about the price

 

[brightspark]

They're not even for owt of mine though. I'm too soft, I am.

shoulda fitted some cheapies then

 

[MattF]

What sane man would risk the wrath of his older sister?

 

[123hotchef]

Avoid the cheap isolation valves this one was band new.