Isolating Valve replacement handles?

[S. Endon-Lee]

Hello all,

my washing machine and dishwasher are plumbed in with isolating valves/taps similar to these in the Screwfix catalogue.

?ts=48590&id=18071Now the instructions with the W/M and D/W say to turn off the water after use - which I do - and the handle on the D/W valve is now broken. It was secured by a small screw to the valve body.

The question is, can I get more substantial handles than the somewhat brittle plastic ones? The obvious source is to buy another valve, throw away the valve body and use the handle - but this offends my sensibilities - I would like to get just the handle itself if possible. Screwfix don't seem to do them.

Thoughts anyone?

Regards

Sid

[Grunff]

My God! I reckon you must be just about the only person that does...

If you insist on continuing to turn them off, then your best bet is to buy a pair of bull bore ball valves from SF. These have nice big steel handles which won't break off, and will survive a lot more onn/off operations than the little valves you have.

Don't turn them off after use?

[BigWallop]

Plumbers merchants normally have the chrome heads separate for these valves, so it might be worth a visit to your local one. I know someone told me they got a set from B&Q, but I don't know if they still do them.

[Christian McArdle]

They only tell you do do this so that you won't sue them when it floods. They probably tell you not to leave the machine unattended too.

I have never actually heard of anyone following either piece of advice. I have never seen anyone operate these valves unless intending to disconnect the machine.

Christian.

[Keithc666767117]

easier tp replace valve get quarter turn valve these are very good

[S. Endon-Lee]

Thanks BigWallop.

I hope 'Plumb Center' establishments qualify as plumbers merchants, and aren't just 'sheds' in disguise.

Thanks to others for suggestions on using quarter-turn full-bore valves - I'd love to, but I have restricted space, and I'm not confident in my ability to install them.

As for turning the water on and off, I'm not keen on having a flood in my flat, and I take the view that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A fiend of mine just fractured his water supply pipe and flooded his garage and neighbour's garden to the depth of 10 inches (and his neighbour's garden is BIG) - I've no wish to replicate that in my small but bijou flat.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Regards,

Sid