Outdoor shower valve leaking

[bdgood]

Hey there,

I am a novice but have sweated many pipes, etc. I did simple plumbing on my outdoor shower and used ball valves with levers (not the garden hose dial kind). Anyway, one of them is leaking already only after a year or two. It leaks right out of where the nut holds the lever on. There is no adjustment or way to tighten it. It's the cold water one. In the freezing weather I turn off the water from the inside and drain the pipes well but I think this valve must have frozen or something. Here is my question. Are there valves made for outdoors that last longer? If I'm going to replace this thing I'm going to get the best.

Thanks for the help!

 

[havasu]

What type do you have now? I've used those cheap PVC type ball valves, and get about 2 years before needing a replacement. I now use an American Made brass ball valve, and they last for many years.

 

[Matt30]

If they are brass, you should be able to tighten the packing nut, but ill trust your judgement when you say there isnt one. I dont believe you can do anything with PVC

 

[johnjh2o]

There are some cheep ball valves that are sealed around the stem with a O ring that isn't replaceable. Most of your full port ball valves have packing nuts.

John

 

[bdgood]

I have american ball valves, I think from Lowes, the lever has a nut that holds it on. When the lever is removed, there is no other adjustment nut. So I must have the cheap ones. I'll make sure I get the one with the packing nut. Thanks guys!