Ball Valve Leak

[blawford]

I have installed a re-circulation port in my boil kettle in order to avoid having to stir during cooling and for whirlpooling.

The port is about 3/4 of the way up a 33 ltr plastic bucket. It seemed fine when I installed it but the combination of heat adding flexibility to the plastic and the weight of the hose when connected pulls the valve down quite a bit, which caused a leak on it's second use.

I am wondering if I need a better washer, or whether I should be supporting the weight of the ball valve to keep it level somehow? Anyone got any recommendations on the subject.

 

[Clint]

Get a bit of timber,cut to req length and stuff it under...you could even cut a "V" in the top and secure it with a bungee round the bucket...

 

[Dutto]

Or alternatively, you may be able to find the right size of spiral wound gasket here ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_s...++gasket&rh=n:79903031,k:spiral+wound++gasket

 

[blawford]

Or alternatively, you may be able to find the right size of spiral wound gasket here ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=diy&field-keywords=spiral+wound++gasket&rh=n:79903031,k:spiral+wound++gasket

For the uneducated, what is a one of those and how will it help me?

 

[Dutto]

A Spiral Wound Gasket is made up of a "V" shaped section of stainless steel which has a sealing element inside the "V".

The two elements are wound in a tight spiral between thinner internal and external washers that hold the spiral in place.

Because the "V" shaped spiral is slightly wider than the washers, when it is tightened up the "V" shape squashes into the sealing surface to provide a very tight seal that is supported on both sides by the washers.

Unlike other types of gasket the spiral wound ones don't deform outwards, can provide a much better seal than ordinary seals made from plastics and the washers provide support for such connections as a tap.

Hope this helps!