Question: Good morning, Robert, I’m a long-time reader, but this is a first for me, writing in with a question. I usually hire out maintenance due to schedule and lack of technical skills, but I’d like to try this one myself, with your guidance, if you will. I have a pot filler in my kitchen and it has started to leak occasionally. Not much, just enough to let me know, so little that I thought I just hadn’t shut it off properly. There are two valves to operate it, and I’ve double-checked that both are shut off completely. Is this something I can look into on my own? Where do I begin, or do I need a plumber?
— Zach P.
Answer: Zach, you can investigate this if you have a few tools. First thing is to find the shut-off for this valve. Most new installs will have a single shut-off for the pot filler but in the event you do not, you will need to shut the house down temporarily, while you investigate.
The good news is that once you figure out which valve it is, you can turn the water back on while you acquire parts, since the leak is not bad. I recommend looking up the manufacturer of the pot filler and get the spec sheet/parts replacement sheet for it.
Disassemble the first valve and inspect the O-ring inside. If there is any sign that it is affected, this is likely the issue. If not, it could be the valve itself has gone bad. You will need to do this for both valves, and I do recommend changing both at once since you will already be in the project. Order parts and then reinstall in reverse order.
When you turn the water back on, do it slowly and with several faucets in the open position, so air has means to escape. You will likely hear a lot of air pockets making their way out. This is normal. Allow this to happen, and once this ceases, it is a good time to turn the faucets off and check the newly installed valves for any leaks. At this point you should be good to go. Best of luck on this first project.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
