Ball valves control the level of water in your cold water tank. Over time the valve can become
seized and will need to be replaced. When a ball valve stops working correctly, water will start
dripping or flowing from the overflow pipe of the tank.
1 Turn Off Water
Turn off the water at the mains.
2 Unscrew Feed pipe
Wear protective gloves, knee pads, goggles and a dust mask as fibreglass insulation can cause respiratory
and skin irritation. You should also avoid disturbing the insulation as much as possible. Lay an MDF board
(or similar) over your attic insulation so you can kneel down comfortably beside the cold water tank. Using
an adjustable wrench, unscrew the feed pipe instantor fitting.3 Detach Feed Pipe
Pull the copper pipe away from the ball valve housing.
4 Undo Retaining Nut
Undo the retaining nut outside the water tank and remove the ball valve by pulling the valve body from the
water tank.5 Insert New Ball Valve
Insert the new ball valve assembly, checking to make sure that the ball is securely attached. Pass the
threaded valve housing assembly through the hole in the water tank and tighten into place with the
retaining nut.6Reattach Feed Pipe
Push the copper pipe, complete with its olive (the soft brass ring at the end of the pipe), into the valve body
and tighten the instantor fitting firmly but carefully. It may be necessary to change the olive if it shows
signs of damage. Dry the fitting thoroughly.7 Check for Leaks
Turn the water back on again at the mains, and check the new joint for any leaks by holding a dry cloth
directly underneath the newly tightened fitting. If the joint is tight and there is still some water escaping,
you have a damaged or deformed olive and you will need to replace it