Broken Ball Valve Handle

[Mike Trip]

I recently bought a house in the Orlando, FL area.

The ball valve handle has broken off of the main water supply coming into the house. It’s a 1” ball valve connector and the house was built about 20 years ago. Do you know if the handle can be replaced and steps on how to do that or would the whole section need to be removed and a new ball valve connection installed?

 

[Jeff Handy]

It looks easy enough to replace the lever handle.
You might have to buy a whole valve to get a handle.
Google it.
Looks like the nut on the end comes right off, to secure the handle to the shaft.
You will need a lever handle with a matching cut-out diameter to the round valve shaft, and with two flats that engage the shaft.
In a pinch, you can take off that nut and clamp on a pair of vice grips, or find an open end wrench that fits well on those two flat sides of the valve shaft.
If you can’t find exact matching mounting hole shape and size in a new handle, get one with a smaller hole and file it open larger til it fits.

 

[Jeff Handy]

The valve handle probably did not break off, it was likely removed to prevent vandals from screwing around with the valve, since it is outside the house.

 

[Diehard]

Totally agree with both of the above responses.

Handles are available for various models.

A handle would make it easier to know what position the ball is in because of the built in stops on the top of the valve.

 

[Jeff Handy]

It is a quarter turn valve.
The handle will be inline with the pipe when on, across the pipe when off.
Make sure you install your new lever handle so that its rotation is limited by the little projections at the top and lower right of the valve body.

 

[WyrTwister]

Crescent / adjustable wrench .

I agree , it was probably removed by the previous owner . You may find the handle laying in a drawer / cabinet in the new ( to you ) house .

Wyr
God bless

 

[Mike Trip]

The valve handle probably did not break off, it was likely removed to prevent vandals from screwing around with the valve, since it is outside the house.

Jeff, thanks for the info. I'll start looking for a replacement handle that will fit this valve. I found the handle yesterday in the garage when I was cleaning up, I'll take a picture and post it, but it was in bad shape. The mounting hole area is completely missing, rusted away and corroded. There is a spigot directly above the valve. I imaging water dripping onto the handle over the years and the lawn sprinkler system getting it wet helped cause it to break down. Again, thanks for the info and I'll let you know if I'm able to repair it.

 

[WyrTwister]

Take some good measurements .

I have never had to search for a replacement handle , but you might have some luck doing a google search , using those dimensions .

Since you have a outlet , above the valve , leaking . Fix it too . If available , you might see if the replacement handle is available in stainless steel r brass ?

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus&q=ball+valve+replacement+handle

Best of luck to you ,
Wyr
God bless

 

[Mike Trip]

Take some good measurements .

I have never had to search for a replacement handle , but you might have some luck doing a google search , using those dimensions .

Since you have a outlet , above the valve , leaking . Fix it too . If available , you might see if the replacement handle is available in stainless steel r brass ?

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus&q=ball+valve+replacement+handle

Best of luck to you ,
Wyr
God bless

WYR, I have seen replacement handles and you are correct that I need to figure out the diameter for the handle opening and getting one that will last.

This all started when I noticed a leak on one of the handles in the bath tub. I wanted to take it apart to see if what was going on. Since the bath tub doesn't have any exposed on/off valves I figure I'll shut off the water coming into the house and noticed the handle was broken off. Yes, I could use a wrench to shut the water off coming into the house but its best to fix the main water handle just in case an emergency comes up and it needs to be shut off immediately and no one has to go looking for a wrench. Thanks for the link and info. MT

 

[WyrTwister]

Yes , source a handle . What is really a problem is a valve that does not move , or only turns part of the way off ! :-(

Can you turn off the water at / near / by the water meter ( ours is in the alley & the shut off valve is right next to the meter ) .

Wyr
God bless

 

[Jeff Handy]

You always want at least two different valves you can turn to shut off your house water.
That way, if one is frozen or still passes water, the other one will hopefully work.
Especially if you have an emergency like a faucet or fixture that is gushing water everywhere.
Turn and test them both at least once a year.
Replace or repair if not reliable.