How to Install a Floating Ball Valve ?

A floating ball valve in your pipeline often needs to be changed and substituted by a new one for repair or renovation purposes. Instead of spending money in hiring professional plumbers, a simple guide shall teach you how to install them all by yourself, saving money as well as precious time.

Step 1: Initial Steps

Before you start, disconnect the water supply to the toilet and flush out the water entirely. This will empty your cistern which is necessary for replacing and installing a floating ball valve.

Step 2: Locate the Point of Installation

You need locate the exactly place where the floating ball valve is set up. Carefully open up the lid of the cistern and keep it aside so that there are no chances of it cracking up. Locate the lever of the flush and pull it out with care that it does not break. If you have a button flush, simply loosen the screws and take it out.

Step 3: Uninstalling the Valve

Take a good look at the internal set up of the cistern and valve components. The float arm is connected to the ball-shaped valve, which has the pin like structure attached. Apply light pressure to make this pin straight. This way the valve sits loose. Next, the cap-like end of the cylinder inside, called the piston, too can be removed after the valve comes off. Sometimes due to long use, the piston gets jammed and does not come off easily. In such a case, apply some lubricant after unscrewing the end part of the piston and leave the oil to work its effect. In about an hour, try removing the piston, it should come off without much difficulty.

Step 4: Install New Valve

Purchase a new floating valve kit from a hardware shop. Read the instructions on its backside before starting the installation process. Clean up the piston stem using a piece of wire wool to rid it off any clogged fragments. Connect the pin to the piston after screwing in the washer. Now the end of the pin that is free must be inserted into the valve. Next the valve must be connected to the floating arm in the place that has a dent made already. You can apply some petroleum to the thread of the piston so that it remains smooth for some time.

Step 5: Final Step

Re-establish the water connection and fill the cistern with water. Check for any leaks or seepage of the water. If no problems are seen, then the installation is a success. Put the cistern flush by screwing it up and place the cistern lid back into place. Check for any water seeping through the flush as well. Your floating ball valve is all set up. Make sure that you do not apply too much pressure on any part during the installation procedure. It might lead to major cracks that could burn a hole into your pocket if it needs to be replaced.