ballvalves

is there any way to make a ballvalve move easier? lube of some kind or just keep playing with it?

 

Working it a bit before you install it seems to get things loose and moving better. Using any kind of lube could be tricky as far as contaminating things go.

 

IME, the cheaper valves tend to be "sticky". You can try working it, as mentioned, but sometimes that will cause them to leak from the stem, so be sure to check it.

 

The tightness is usually the friction between the ball rotating and the nylon or plastic surface it seats against and which causes the seal. Before installing the valve, rotate it to the closed position and apply a thin film of edible food grade silicone grease to the ball then open and close it several times to distribute the grease film. This usually does the trick.

You can get food grade silicone grease at most Lowes, HD or other hardware stores, or at a homebrewing shop where it is used to lubricate O rings on beer kegs and beverage dispensers.

 

"Food Grade" is the key here...many silicone lubricants contain some petroleum in their makeup.

 

thank you. ill try that.

 

also make sure you open up those valves at least once a month (more frequently if possible) so that salt does creep up on the ball