lutful... of ideas Premium Member join:2005-06-16 Ottawa, ON |
lutful
Premium Member
2013-Jan-12 11:29 pm
no water going to furnace humidiferI did not use the furnace humidifier for a few years and today when I tried to get it going again the water was not coming into the plastic tubing.
The tube is attached to a tiny puncture valve (?) with very thin steel handle. I tried rotating the handle all the way, half way, just a bit, ... but the water just refused to flow.
Should I consider replacing the valve? My biggest fear is rupturing the old copper pipe going to the water heater. |
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robbin Mod join:2000-09-21 Leander, TX |
robbin
Mod
2013-Jan-13 4:23 am
You should just cut it out and solder a tee and real valve in there. Saddle valves like what you have are junk. |
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said by robbin:You should just cut it out and solder a tee and real valve in there. Saddle valves like what you have are junk. What he said. That pipe is already damaged beyond repair, code-wise, in many jurisdictions. I would advise checking the pad, drain, strainer, orifice, and solenoid as well if it's a typical Aprilaire. Parts are widely available. |
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to lutful
First of all... did the valve actuate? If yes try to disconnect the pipe to the valve and see if water is flowing. It is possible that the hole pierced in the pipe got plugged by debris. If water is flowing check the valve, it might be stuck closed or plugged. |
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lutful... of ideas Premium Member join:2005-06-16 Ottawa, ON |
to robbin
said by robbin:You should just cut it out and solder a tee and real valve in there. Saddle valves like what you have are junk. Both furnace and humidifer are really old and there is no solenoid. A float stops the water flowing from this tube onto a rectangular pan. The valve (see photo) is right on top of water heater on the cold pipe. Maybe some "sharkbite" type compression fitting can be used for this? I have never soldered copper pipes and don't have the torch and solder/flux. |
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cowboyro
Premium Member
2013-Jan-13 6:18 pm
said by lutful:Maybe some "sharkbite" type compression fitting can be used for this? I have never soldered copper pipes and don't have the torch and solder/flux. If it ain't broke don't fix it. First check that the saddle valve is the problem. If it is, the easy fix is tightening it and re-opening it so that it pierces the pipe again. As far as soldering - it's really, really easy and the torch and solder are readily available for cheap. |
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rockotman...Blown On The Steel Breeze Premium Member join:2000-08-06 DSotM |
to lutful
I had a saddle valve get stuck shut on the feed to the humidifier at our old house.
I retired it in place and just put in another saddle valve a few inches further on down the line. |
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lutful... of ideas Premium Member join:2005-06-16 Ottawa, ON |
lutful
Premium Member
2013-Jan-13 10:04 pm
said by rockotman: ... put in another saddle valve a few inches further on down the line. Thanks. I will take this approach for now. I was planning to replace the water heater and furnace/humidifer next year. I will make sure they change the pipes and install T valve. |
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cdruGo Colts MVM join:2003-05-14 Fort Wayne, IN |
to robbin
said by robbin:You should just cut it out and solder a tee and real valve in there. Saddle valves like what you have are junk. This would be my vote, even if you use sharkbite fittings, over another saddle valve. Only other thing I'd suggest is shutting off the water first. Otherwise work REALLY fast and be sure you have everything ready. |
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