Why Replace Your Symmons Washing Machine Valve?
Alright, let’s be honest: dealing with a leaky washing machine valve is about as fun as finding out your favorite socks have mysteriously disappeared—only this time, it’s the water flooding your laundry area. The Symmons washing machine valve is a steadfast little hero in your laundry setup, controlling the water flow with silent precision. But when it starts dripping, you’re in for a watery headache.
The good news is, replacing that tricky valve isn’t just for plumbers with fancy tool belts. With a little know-how and the right supplies, you can swap out your old Symmons valve like a pro and save yourself the plumber’s bill. Plus, it’s a great flex-skills moment you can brag about at your next BBQ.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you transform into the DIY plumbing wizard of your home, gather these essentials:
- Replacement Symmons washing machine valve — typically the W-400 model [Symmons W-400 Valve].
- Adjustable wrench and screwdriver set — trust me, you’ll need these.
- Bucket or towels to catch any residual water that might spill.
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) for a watertight seal.
- If your pipes require it, flux and lead-free solder for soldering copper pipes — don’t skip this if needed!
- Replacement O-rings and washers (recommended to get a Symmons rebuild kit [Rebuild Kit] to cover all your repair bases).
In case you prefer watching the DIY magic, here’s a solid video guide replacing a leaking washing machine valve to follow along visually.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply (No Surprises Here)
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people jump in without killing the water first (pause for dramatic gasps). Locate your water shutoff valve and turn it off completely. If you’re lucky, this valve feeds only the washing machine; if not, be ready for a house-wide water pause.
Pro tip: after shutting off, turn on the washing machine valve to drain remaining water in the line to prevent unwanted dripping during the swap.
Step 2: Disconnect the Hoses and Remove the Old Valve
Get your bucket handy! Disconnect the washing machine hoses by loosening the fittings carefully with an adjustable wrench. Expect some water in the hoses—catch it like a pro.
Next, remove any trim or protective cover on your valve. Symmons valves like the W-400 often have two stainless steel screws securing the body — unscrew them and gently pull the valve away from its mounting.
Heads up: If you find resistance removing the valve, don’t muscle it. Check for any hidden screws and consider gently tapping it with a rubber mallet to loosen stuck parts.
Step 3: Inspect and Prepare for Replacement
Now that the old valve is out, give the fitting a good once-over. Clean the threads of any old plumber’s tape, rust, or grime. A clean surface is your best friend for a leak-free future. If your pipes are copper and require soldering, clean and prep them with flux now.
You might want to swap out any worn washers or O-rings inside the new valve assembly too — nothing worse than installing a brand new valve only to hear a drip-drip-drip later.
Step 4: Install the New Symmons Valve
Attach plumber’s tape generously but neatly to the valve’s threaded ends for that snug seal. Screw the new valve onto the pipe fitting by hand first — threading it in carefully to avoid cross-threading.
Once hand-tightened, give it a firm turn with your wrench (but don’t go Hulk on it). If you’re soldering copper pipes, follow proper soldering steps with flux and lead-free solder to ensure the seal is solid and safe.
Make sure you reinstall any screws or trims that came with the valve, securing everything snugly to the wall or mounting surface.
Step 5: Reattach Hoses and Test for Leaks
Now the fun part — reattach those hoses you disconnected earlier. Use your wrench to tighten the fittings, but be gentle; over-tightening can crack fittings and start a new round of leaks.
Turn your main water supply back on slowly and keep an eye on connections. If you see any leaks, tighten the fittings a tad more or adjust the plumber’s tape coverage.
If all is dry and snug, congratulations — you just replaced your Symmons washing machine valve!
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Valve Drip-Free
Remember, valves are a bit like goldfish — treat them well, and they’ll live a long time. Here’s how to keep yours in tip-top shape:
- Check connections yearly for any signs of leak or wear.
- Replace worn O-rings early with kits like the Symmons Replacement Unit Kit AA [Symmons Kit].
- Keep hoses snug but not over-tightened.
- Flush out washing machine lines occasionally to prevent sediment build-up.
When to Call in the Pros
If you hit any snags like corroded pipes, complex soldering beyond your comfort zone, or you simply prefer peace of mind, calling a licensed plumber is a smart move. Plumbing isn’t rocket science but can sure feel like it when water starts pooling on your floors.
If you’re curious about valves with single lever controls, check out our other handy guide How to Replace a Single Lever Washing Machine Valve Like a Pro for more valve types and fixes.
Bonus: Where to Buy Your Replacement Symmons Valve
No need to waste time hunting parts at multiple stores. You can grab your Symmons washing machine valve and rebuild kits right here:
In Closing: You’ve Got This!
Replacing your Symmons washing machine valve might seem daunting at first glance, but armed with a solid plan, the right tools, and these insider tips, you’ve got everything needed to do a clean, leak-free job.
Imagine the bragging rights when friends ask how you fixed that pesky leak—plus keeping your laundry room dry and happy is a win all around.
So shut off that water, grab your wrench, and get to work—the new valve awaits! And remember, if you ever run into other washing machine quirks, we’ve got guides like How to Repair Washing Machine Water Not Draining or How to Repair Washing Machine Washer Motor: A DIY Guide to help keep your laundry game strong.