Yesterday was plumbing issues day at my house. I will convey the mistake that should be obvious to anyone with experience shortly.
One of our toilets seemed to get very noisy on refill suddenly. I checked it out and it was filling fine, I assumed that because this toilet was the only one still with the original flow valve (ballcock in older speak - yes, I just wanted to write that 🙂 ) it was hard water build up (the plumber who helped said the same). I found that I could not turn off the shutoff so I called a plumber.
The plumber told me it was stupid money ($350) to solder a new valve on it. He then told me that they do not do this, but you can replace the core/cartridge of the valve. $6 at home depot. This is what I did, and also got a new fill valve and feed line. 45 minutes later all parts are done.
I had turned all the water off and drained the lines to clear a knock that had built up. I also turned off the washing machine supply at the taps as well.
Sure enough, I turned the washer supply on again and both the hot and cold had a small leak right out of the valve. Off to Home Depot again, the cartridge was $14 or the while valve was $8. Two new valves that I took apart and replaced. I did the supply hoses from older rubber only to rubber metal mesh ones as well.
The moral: do not touch anything that does not need touching, but I am glad I did those valves and feed lines as well.
