Some months after I turned this saddle valve off I turned it back on. It leaked with increasing flow until it was completely turned on. Then it stopped. Is this ok? Is it normal? Or would I be wise to replace/repair the valve.
Water – Saddle valve leaks t turn on
leakssaddle-valvewater
Related Solutions
I have one that does the same thing; it just needs a little more twisting force to get it past that "locked" position. I've always been able to do it by hand, no tools required.
Saddle valves are terrible as actual valves. They are a cheap/easy way to tap an existing water line, but that's it. After you use them a few times, you just can't rely on the needle to cleanly seal against the punctured hole of the copper pipe, and to cleanly come back out again.
In your case it also looks like there may be some galvanic corrosion on the valve, which might also be corroding around the needle and blocking flow.
Replace with a better valve
There are many ways to do this of course, but it basically means:
- removing the existing saddle valve
- cutting out the small piece with the hole in it
- putting in a tee
- putting in a valve
If you really can't get any water to come out of the compression valve, then this would be the best way to fix it (and probably never have an issue again).
Use a real downstream valve
You can get away with using a saddle valve.. if you never actually use it as a valve.
Basically, use the saddle valve but put a better valve downstream. In your case, you can use a 1/4" or 3/8" (I can't tell from the photo) compression valve on the flexible copper tubing -- assuming you can get water to come out of the saddle valve.
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Best Answer
Saddle valves are notorious for leaking and failing in just a few years. The best repair would be to install a T at the point the saddle valve is attached. This is something most DIY folks can do with plastic or copper pipe a bit more difficult if galvinised pipe. If you stay with a saddle valve get the best quality one you can find.