Water Valves in the Home: Maintenance & Replacement

Ever wonder how water gets delivered to your home? Why do we use faucets in sinks, a different type of handle in showers, and yet another in outdoor spigots? And how does water get into washing machines and dishwashers at the right time and leave the house in the proper pipe?

Once you start examining the plumbing in a home, the intricacy and complexity are astounding. Most people realize that water flows in and out of homes using a complicated network of pipes. However, fewer people think about the valves that regulate how, when, and where the flow of pressurized water is allowed to enter the home plumbing system from public lines or private wells.

While pipes are unquestionably an essential part of plumbing, water valves have made it possible to harness the power of pressurized water. Without these amazing devices, modern plumbing could not regulate the water's force, flow, or pressure. Without a system of valves, every time a person opened up a spigot, the full power of a municipal water supply would burst forth.

Instead, modern homeowners can turn on a trickle of water when needed or let the water fill the washing machines quickly. Today, residents may enjoy a high-pressure shower or gently turn on the bathroom tap to rinse a toothbrush. And all of this happens smoothly, reliably, and effortlessly because of a wide range of water valves installed in almost every part of the home.

NPR’s Adam Frank recently asked readers,

"When was the last time you thought about what happens after you flush the toilet? Happily, nobody thinks about it because … engineers … made the sewers (and all the other parts of our civilization) work. It's a process that has never stopped.”

Because of hundreds of years of improvements, in modern structures water can be used in a variety of ways and in a range of locations. An assortment of valves are used to meet the many needs of residential piping systems, as these applications often require a very specific type of valve.

Where are Residential Home Valves Located, and What do They do?

Residential and industrial water supplies are often configured in different ways for different needs. In this article, we discuss the use of water valves in residential applications.

Water valves are present in almost every area of the home. Valves regulate water flow anywhere water is dispensed in the house, including sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, water heaters, and outdoor spigots. They're also used to regulate the flow of water into and out of appliances, including ice makers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

However, no matter where water valves are located or what purpose they serve, they all have one thing in common: it's essential to keep valves in good working order and replace them promptly if any wear is detected.

A failed valve can allow the full force of a water line to explode inside a dwelling. Keeping valves working at maximum capacity is just as crucial as having sound pipes. They both work together to keep the house dry while delivering water to specific parts of the home when it's required.

Home Appliance Valves

When people think of plumbing, they think of pipes, sinks, and bathrooms, but they sometimes forget that many of the appliances in our homes also require plumbing to work. Although few people see the water hookups and valves inside their appliances, dishwashers, icemakers in refrigerators, and washing machines all use water. These devices all need valves to regulate the flow and pressure of incoming and outgoing water.

A dishwasher inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. When dishwashers don't fill, a faulty valve is usually the cause.

A washing machine has a water inlet valve that connects two water hoses to the machine, controlling the flow of hot and cold water. A problem with the valve can cause the washer not to fill correctly or not fill at all.

Many of today's refrigerators are equipped with an automatic icemaker. When the ice maker makes ice, a switch closes the electrical circuit and energizes the solenoid-operated water valve. The incoming water is frozen into cubes and automatically dumped into an ice bin.

How Difficult is it to Replace a Water Valve?

In the world of home plumbing, not all valves are created equal. A wide range of water valves is essential to keeping a home dry, safe, and functional. The range of water valve replacements requires various skill levels and a variety of common and highly-specialized plumbing tools. Some valves are simple to evaluate and replace, while others are relatively complex and should be handled by an experienced plumber or electrician. The location of the water valve will also affect the complexity of the job. Some water valves are easy to locate and simple to work on. Others require time to secure safe access and should be handled by skilled technicians. In this article, we discuss the location of most water valves, but placement is not standard across all applications. Different models, appliances, and home systems use different configurations of valves.

Homeowners can Prolong the Life of Water Valves

Water valves exist throughout the home. There may be ten or more valves in an average home – in sinks, tubs, showers, water heaters, toilets, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers, dishwashers, for outdoor spigots, and main gate valves. Some valves are simple, and some are quite complex. Water valves are not one of those home items you can repair. Instead, when they fail, they must be replaced. However, there are many things homeowners can do to extend the life of their plumbing and their water valves.

Water Valves Education 101

It's smart for any homeowner to become familiar with all the water valve locations in their home. Find the main water line and learn how to turn it off. In many home emergencies, shutting off the home's main water line may save the homeowner from additional damage. It's a good idea to keep any tools needed for quick shut-off nearby.

Besides knowing how to shut off the main water line, every resident should learn to shut off water lines to a home's sinks, toilets, washing machine, and other water-reliant appliances. Knowing how to turn off the water supply quickly is an essential step in containing leaks that could cause pipe damage and result in significant water damage to the home.

Valve Visual Inspections

Once a month, residents should take a quick look at shut-off valves and look for yellow, orange, or green stains. These are signs of corrosion. If they are spotted, call an experienced plumber.

Watch Water Pressure

A water pressure gauge will help a homeowner ensure their house's water pressure stays between 40 and 85 psi. Lower water pressure may result in subpar performance. High water pressure will place the plumbing system under stress and will accelerate wear on all water valves.

Replace Hoses

Cracks and leaks in hoses, especially washing machine hoses, can cause major water damage down the line. Many types of hoses should be replaced every three years for optimal performance. Make sure hoses aren't kinked and keep the washing machine at least four inches from the wall to prevent hose damage.

Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Adding insulation to any pipes exposed to freezing weather is an essential step in preventing frozen pipes, damaged hoses, and failed valves. Insulate any plumbing in unheated areas of a house, including the garage, crawl spaces, and basements.

Repair Malfunctioning Appliances Immediately

Even a small issue can be a sign of significant problems. For example, if the dishwasher is making a "funny noise," the hose may have a leak, or the valve may be stuck. Ignoring the issue may result in a burst hose, leaking, electrical problems, or a burnt-out motor. If an appliance is connected to water, the potential damage increases exponentially. Inspecting appliances regularly is a vital part of protecting a homeowner's investment.

Washing Machine Valves Maintenance and Replacement Parts

The water inlet valve for a washing machine has two threaded ports, which are connected to the hot and cold water hoses at the back of the machine. Each port is controlled by a solenoid valve. A solenoid valve is electrically controlled. As the name implies, the valve features a solenoid, an electric coil with a movable ferromagnetic core, or plunger, in its center. When not in use, this plunger closes off a small opening. When in use, an electric current moves through the coil to create a magnetic field. This magnetic field exerts an upwards force on the plunger, opening the orifice to allow water in or out. Malfunctions in the solenoid valve can cause a washer to not fill properly, fail to run, or wash at the incorrect water temperature.

All valves wear out over time and can rarely be repaired. So when a water valve stops working, replacement is usually the only option. But before you replace the valve, it's smart to first clean the two inlet ports. This may restore full water flow without requiring a valve replacement. If that doesn't fix the issue, replacing a bad valve is a relatively simple job, but each washing machine is different. It's imperative to use the parts and procedures that are specific to your washing machine model.

Before working on any appliance, make sure you disconnect the machine's power supply. This can be done by unplugging the unit from the wall, tripping the appropriate switch in the circuit breaker panel, or removing the correct fuse from a fuse box.

The first step in repair is locating your washer's water inlet valve. Look for it on the back of the washer. Water hoses will be hooked up at the rear of the machine.

At this point, it's essential to shut off the water supply to the washer. Once the water supply is off, disconnect both hoses from the back of the washer. Start by confirming that the water supply is in good working order. Place the hoses into a bucket, turn on the water supply for a moment, test that the water pressure is adequate, and ensure that the line is not blocked.

Next, inspect the screens inside the valve. Carefully pry them out with a flat head screwdriver, and remove any debris. Note: if you damage the screens, you will have to replace the entire valve.

The water valve will have two solenoids or coils. Two wires are attached to each solenoid and are held in place with metal slip-on connectors. Take a moment to label each of the wires to ensure they are correctly reconnected later. Next, grasp each connector, one at a time, to disconnect the wire from the solenoid. Pull from the metal connector, and avoid pulling directly on the wire. Needle nose pliers may be needed to complete this task.

A multitester is required for the next steps. Set the multitester to the ohms resistance scale X 1. Place the meter's probes to one terminal. Readings can vary from brand to brand. However, if your test produces a reading of infinity, the solenoid is not working correctly, and the water valve should be replaced.

Replacing a valve is relatively simple. First, turn off the power supply to the washing machine and turn off the water supply. The washing machine's water valve is usually held in place with two screws. Remove the screws. Remove the hose connecting the valve to the fill spout. The hose may be held in place with a screw clamp, or a pinch clamp, which must be taken off before removing the waterline. Discard the used water valve.

Connect your new water inlet valve to the waterline. Firmly attach both water supply hoses. Turn the water on and carefully check for leaks. Once the valve is in place and leak-free, it's safe to restore power to your washer.

Replacing the Valve in a Dishwasher

Like all appliances, a dishwasher can stop working correctly when a part fails. When a dishwasher valve fails, water may stop entering, not enough water may enter, or the dishwasher may leak because too much water is going in.

While a faulty valve is often the culprit, other issues may also be causing problems. Before replacing the valve, make sure that the water supply cut-off valve is open. If the float is stuck in its highest position, the fill valve can't let water into the tub. If the float is open, make sure objects or debris are not preventing the overfill float from moving up and down freely.

If this doesn't solve the issue, the water inlet valve may be broken. To replace the valve, start by disconnecting the power source to the dishwasher. This can be done by unplugging the unit, turning off the appropriate breaker, or removing the correct fuse from a fuse box.

Next, turn off the water supply. The water supply turn-off is often located beneath the sink. It's also possible to turn off the main water supply to a house using the main valve.

The water inlet valves on dishwashers are usually located behind the kickplate, or access panel, in the right or left corner. To access the valve, start by unscrewing the access panel and finding the valve. On some models, the dishwasher door must be opened to gain access to the kickplate's screws.

Once the panel is removed, start by checking for leaks. Most dishwashers use compression style fittings or hoses that are simple to replace. The water inlet valve has hoses connected to it. Look for one hose feeding water from the house to the water valve and another hose leading from the water valve that carries water away. Check to see if the hoses are securely connected to the valve and that they are not kinked. Most models use compression hoses, which are fairly simple to replace if needed.

If the valve is loose, it may be tightened, which might fix the issue.

If the valve must be replaced, start by placing a bucket below the hose to catch the water that may run out. The input hose that brings water to the valve is likely to screw in place like a garden hose. The output hose that carries water away from the valve is probably held in place with a clamp.

The water inlet valve will also be connected to two wires. If the dishwasher water inlet valve has two solenoids, then there will be four wires. Take a moment to label each of the wires to ensure they are properly reconnected later.

The wires are connected with slip-on connectors. Grasp the connectors and pull on them firmly to disconnect the wires from the valve's terminals. Don't pull on the wires themselves. Needle nose pliers may be needed to complete this task.

The valve is secured to the dishwasher using screws. Unscrew the valve and remove it.

Install the new water inlet valve by screwing it back into place. Secure it using the screws removed from the old valve. Reconnect the wires and hoses.

Replace the lower kickplate panel. Turn the water back on, and restore power to your dishwasher.

Refrigerator Valve Replacement

Icemakers are one of life’s great conveniences, but like all machines, they require maintenance. Homeowners may find that the ice cubes are getting smaller, or that the trays are overfilling. Sometimes the ice maker works sporadically, or not at all. In many cases, the culprit is a malfunctioning water valve.

An icemaker's valve uses a screen on the inlet to remove minerals and sediments from incoming water. This debris builds up over time and restricts or blocks the water supply. In hard water homes, mineral deposits sometimes build up, causing the valve to stick in the open position, which results in overfilled ice trays.

A break in the solenoid coil winding, or an open coil, can prevent the valve from opening. As currents pass through the solenoid coil, it creates a magnetic field that opens the plunger valve and allows in water.

Before working on an icemaker's water inlet valve, disconnect the appliance's power supply by unplugging the appliance, flipping the breaker off, or disconnecting the appropriate fuse in the fuse box.

Turn off the water supply by closing the shut-off valve in the waterline leading to the water valve.

To test the icemaker's water inlet valve, locate the valve behind the refrigerator. Unscrew the lower access panel.Place a bucket under the valve to catch any water that may spill from the valve and fill the tube.

Remove the water valve's fill tubing by loosening the flare nut on the brass fitting that is found on the inlet side of the water valve.

Remove the brackets that hold the water inlet valve in place. Gently pull the water valve out of the cabinet, and remove the tube from the outlet port.

Look for two wires that connect the terminals of the water inlet valve. Double solenoid water valves will have four wires. Take time to label each wire to ensure that they are correctly reconnected later. Grasp the metal connectors of the wires and remove the wires. Do not pull directly on the wires. A pair of needle-nosed pliers may be helpful in this task.

Using a multitester, use the R X 1 ohms setting to test for continuity. Place each of the multitester's leads on a terminal. The exact ohm resistance rating you should test for may be marked on the valve. Usually, the multitester should read between 200 and 500 ohms.

If the multitester reading does not produce these results, or does not produce the ohm resistance rating marked on the valve, the water valve should be replaced.

Discard the used water inlet valve and connect the new one. Replace the rear lower access panel, turn on the water, and restore power.

Bathtub and Shower Valves

It's easy to notice the water pressure in a shower or bath. This is one of the most common areas to experience leaks, uneven water pressure, low water pressure, or even high water pressure. Shower or tub valves are usually either pressure-balancing valves or thermostatic valves. And this is one of the few valves the homeowners operate directly, every day.

The pressure-balancing valve utilizes a single control and a handle. When the tap is turned on with a shower or tub knob or lever, water is distributed out at a consistent pressure. With the single knob system, turning the valve to the right makes the water colder. Turning the valve to the left makes the water get hotter. There is a diverter in most setups to allow water to be switched from a tub to a shower. Almost all modern showers and tubs also have a built-in volume control, which enables the user to turn the water pressure and volume up for more water or down for less water.

Many baths and showers use a thermostatic valve, which is a more sophisticated type of valve that gives the operator even greater control of the water temperature. These systems allow the user to set a specific temperature for the water before turning the tap on.

Under the Sink Valves

Many people will have some reason to turn off the water supply under a sink at some point in their lives. Whether the sink is overflowing, leaking, being repaired, or being replaced, shutting off the water is a simple step. Sink valves are usually stop-valves. By turning the handles, it's possible to block water flow to that part of the home completely. Stop-valves are extremely common and can be found under most sinks, behind toilets, and in laundry areas.

Valves for Water Heater

Water heaters use a fixture shutoff valve to control the flow of the water into the water heater. When operating a fixture shutoff valve, it's relatively simple to stop the flow of water to the fixture so you can work on it without having to shut off the water to the entire house. The valve is usually located on top of the water heater, on the right side cold line.

Common Water Valves Found in Houses

There are many places valves can be found in a home, but there are also many types of water valves. Water valves are made to suit different functions and can be made of many materials. It's common to find valves made from the following materials: stainless steel, plastic, brass, bronze, cast iron, and galvanized pipe.

Gate Valve

Gate valve, also called the sluice valve, is the term used to describe an internal gate that is opened or closed by turning a knob. Unlike pressure-balancing or thermostatic valves in showers, they are not adjustable. Gate valves are either on or off. Homeowners who use them to adjust water pressure may accelerate the wear to the gate valve and to other parts of the plumbing. Gate valves are most common in industrial applications but can be used in residential builds as well. Outdoor spigots often utilize a gate valve. They are more common in older homes.

Globe Valves

Globe valves, alternately called stop valves, contain a stem that controls a disc inside the mechanism. Although the valve body often has a bulging shape, many globe valves no longer feature a spherical design, despite the name "globe" remaining in common usage. They are easy to maintain, have effective throttling and shutoff abilities, and are frequently used in outdoor residential faucets, boilers, and cooling water systems.

Ball Valves

Ball valves are commonly used for main water shutoffs and for branch line shutoffs. The handle placement indicates whether the valve is opened or closed, and like gate valves, they are designed for "on" and "off" settings. They are called ball valves because they contain a ball with a hole in the middle connected to a lever-type outer handle.

Butterfly Valves

These water valves are similar to ball valves, but they feature a circular metal handle (nicknamed the "butterfly") mounted on a rod. The closed butterfly valve blocks water. Each quarter turn increases the water flow. Butterfly valves are often less expensive than ball valves but are not as durable, and because they require turns instead of flipping a handle, they are slower to operate.

Check Valves

Check valves are used in all kinds of home plumbing applications. These valves are used in places in which the water is flowing in one direction. They are also called non-return or one-way valves. These water valves prevent or "check" backflow if the fluid if the line reverses direction. These valves are usually inexpensive. In addition to being used in safety applications, they are also common in lawn sprinkler systems.

Cartridge Valves

Cartridge valves are more popular than ever. In home applications, these valves feature a movable stem. The stem is raised or lowered to regulate flow. These stems are usually contained within a plastic cartridge. Notably, two-handled faucets frequently utilized two separate cartridge valves: one for the hot water, and another for the cold water.

Ceramic Disc Valves

This valve can be found in many new construction projects. A type of cartridge valve, these water valves use ceramic discs in cartridge housings to regulate flow. The tough ceramic used for the disc is long-lasting and durable.

Compression Water Valve

This older technology is becoming harder to find in today’s homes. In this type of water valve, a compression stem presses against the valve seat. While compression water valves are often inexpensive, the rubber or plastic washers eventually wear out, making them less durable in certain types of applications.

Pressure Relief Water Valves

As the name implies, this water valve was designed to reduce water pressure in plumbing systems to stay within the industry’s recommended limits. These water valves are essential tools for houses connected to high-pressure water from municipal supplies.

Looking for a Specialty Valve for Your Next Project?

There are over 800 different SKUs of water values offered online at McCombs Supply, including refrigerator and ice valves, universal water valves, solenoid valves, washing machine water inlet valves, dishwasher water valves, and more. We carry models for a range of appliance brands, including GE, Bosch, Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Samsung, Hoshizaki, Electrolux, Speed Queen, LG, and more. Get started searching for your part today!