- Messages
- 94
Is anyone familiar with the Jet Range isolation valve DN20 which is operated by screwdriver? Does this valve have a known design fault causing it to fail?
During the retification of the leak in my other thread "Wear And Tear Causing Leaks?" (in another part of the system), the plumber approached this valve behind the boiler intending to switch off the mains cold water supply to the system in question. In doing so he removed the pipe insulation close to this valve so he could access the screwdriver slot. To his amazement, as a result of removing the insulation, the copper pipe popped out of one end of the valve before he was able to apply the screwdriver. Mains water pressure spurted out, causing the plumber to have to stop the 20mm flow with his thumb. He was alone at the time!
Some time later, I walked past the builing and heard a shout for help. It turned out that I could not help by turning off the mains water immediately because there was no other isolation valve in the area. I had to drive half a mile to the water meter at the entrance to my property to turn off the water at the meter there.
Anyway, although the plumber commented at the time that this valve was known to have a faulty design and was no longer on sale as a result, he wants to charge me for a new valve of a different type and for his time because the original valve was by now out of warranty. Is this fair?
During the retification of the leak in my other thread "Wear And Tear Causing Leaks?" (in another part of the system), the plumber approached this valve behind the boiler intending to switch off the mains cold water supply to the system in question. In doing so he removed the pipe insulation close to this valve so he could access the screwdriver slot. To his amazement, as a result of removing the insulation, the copper pipe popped out of one end of the valve before he was able to apply the screwdriver. Mains water pressure spurted out, causing the plumber to have to stop the 20mm flow with his thumb. He was alone at the time!
Some time later, I walked past the builing and heard a shout for help. It turned out that I could not help by turning off the mains water immediately because there was no other isolation valve in the area. I had to drive half a mile to the water meter at the entrance to my property to turn off the water at the meter there.
Anyway, although the plumber commented at the time that this valve was known to have a faulty design and was no longer on sale as a result, he wants to charge me for a new valve of a different type and for his time because the original valve was by now out of warranty. Is this fair?
