Pressurized Water Line Drain Petcocks

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Phil&Sher

Great idea! I'm pretty sure that most of these brass valves have the same type of design, and it would probably be much easier to get a good seal on the seat than the whole barrel. I don't plan on opening it again either


Thanks, I'll try it first.....

If you don't plan on opening it again, then a threaded plug or cap for a permanent closure is better than any valve. And if events conspire to make you open it again someday, you can unscrew a cap or plug by slapping a wrench on it. Don't pay extra for a convenience that you don't expect to ever need.

[Phil&Sher]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

If you don't plan on opening it again, then a threaded plug or cap for a permanent closure is better than any valve. And if events conspire to make you open it again someday, you can unscrew a cap or plug by slapping a wrench on it. Don't pay extra for a convenience that you don't expect to ever need.

I'm not sure where you're suggesting that I could install either a cap or a plug on the bottom of the petcock valve. I'd rather not have to cut into the sheet metal pan under the trailer to access the whole valve, or remove a closet to get to it from above. The inner barrel of the petcock seems to be flared at the bottom to hold the wing nut and I can't remove the inner barrel. A little pipe dope or epoxy is cheap. I must be missing something here?

[Siegmann]

I too could not figure out any way to cap that valve. The pipe dope was cheap, quick, reversible (it doesn't set up) and it worked!

[Ruebel]

I have a low point drain that drips. I spray the threads down with WD-40 and then open and close the drain several times until it seals. This has been working for me for several years now.

[Phil&Sher]

Originally Posted by Ruebel

I have a low point drain that drips. I spray the threads down with WD-40 and then open and close the drain several times until it seals. This has been working for me for several years now.

Thanks. I'm afraid I may be past the WD-40 fix, unfortunately. Mine is leaking with enough pressure that I have to press my finger against it really hard to stop the leak. I'm going to try both pipe dope and plumbers putty.