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DIY: How to Change Dual Washer Valve for a Leak-Free Laundry Room

  • Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
    Muddy Ruttzz
  • 6 days ago
  • 6 min read

The Importance of Changing a Leaky Washing Machine Valve


A leaky washing machine valve is more than just an annoying drip—it's a potential flood hazard. In our case, a seemingly simple dual washing machine valve was dripping, even when turned off, indicating worn-out internal seals and gaskets. If you're experiencing a similar issue, replacing the valve is a straightforward DIY plumbing job that can save you from significant water damage. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, including key preparation and essential tips for success.


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Preparation: Tools and Water Shutoff

Before starting any plumbing job, preparation is crucial. This not only ensures a smooth process but also minimizes the time the water must remain off.


Necessary Tools and Supplies For A Dual Washer Valve Change Out

While every job is different, here are the tools that proved helpful for this dual washer valve change:

  • New Dual Washing Machine Valve: Ensure it is compatible with your existing fittings.

  • Stubby Screwdriver (e.g., 5-in-1 multi-bit): Useful for tight spaces inside the laundry alcove.

  • Ratcheting Multi-Bit Tool with 90° Angle: Excellent for screws that are hard to reach directly.

  • Channel Locks or Adjustable Wrench: To remove the old washing machine hoses.

  • Bucket and Towels: To catch any residual water once the old valve is disconnected.

Hand covered in blue glove holds a dual washing machine valve.
This seems to be a old design but fortunately replacement valves are available.
Hands holding screwdrivers in front of a wall panel. Tools have black and red accents. Background has wires. Logo reads: "Outdoor Adventure Muddy Ruttzz."
The stubby screwdriver and the ratchet were very handy completing this job.
A pressure reducing valve and shutoff valve for water to a entire building is shown.
This valve shuts off the water to the apartment and the entire building. Working efficiently so the water can be turned back on quickly will make your neighbors happy.

Critical First Step: Locating and Turning Off the Water

The most vital step is shutting off the main water supply. In a condominium or multi-unit building, this means communicating with your neighbors and locating the building's main water shutoff.

Pro Tip: In a multi-unit dwelling, shutting off the water affects everyone. Always notify your neighbors or building management beforehand to prevent inconvenience and coordinate the best time for the repair.

Once the main water is off, open the faucets in the lower parts of the building or home to relieve pressure and drain the lines before proceeding to change dual washer valve.


A old dual washing machine valve is mounted inside a washing machine containment box. Plastic caps have been installed to prevent leaks.
This valve was worn out and leaking even when in off position. Plastic caps were used to contain water dripping out and down the wall. Washing machine hoses and washer were previously removed.

The Valve Replacement Process: Step-by-Step

With the water supply secured, it's time to tackle the replacement.


Disconnecting the Old Valve


Channel Lock pliers are being used to remove plastic cap from a old dual washing machine valve.
Channel locks were used to remove the caps on the old dual washing machine valve.

1) Remove Caps: Use channel locks or a wrench to carefully remove the caps (or washing machine hoses) from the leaking valve. Be ready with the bucket, as residual water will still drain out.

Hand holding a stubby screw driver is removing the screw that holds a old washing machine valve in the washing machine water containment box.
Screws attaching the valve were stainless so although it was old and installed a long while they came out easily.
Stainless screws are used to hold dual washing machine valve on.
The screw is stainless
Hand holds a old washing machine valve that was removed.
These valves can be rebuilt if a rebuild kit can be found.

3) Slide Off the Old Valve: Once the screws are out, the old valve body should slide off the existing pipe fittings (usually threaded couplings that remain soldered to the pipes).

Base of a dual washing machine valve inside a washing machine water containment box.
The new valve comes with new screws and o rings. Remove and discard old o rings.

4) Inspect O-Rings: Check the exposed pipe fittings for the old O-rings. They are critical for the seal. Remove any old, worn O-rings.


Removing Parts Not Needed For This Repair From The New Dual Washing Machine Valve

A new dual washing machine valve is being disassembled.
Removing the stub/threaded portion of the valve. It will not be used. The O Rings will be used in the new valve install.

I decided not to replace the part of the valve that threads into the existing pipe inside the wall. Those were not leaking. So I removed that part from the new valve because it would not be needed. If this was a new install I would have had to solder threaded female fittings onto pipes in the wall. We also found out the threads were different on the existing valve and the new valve. We were able to reuse the old hold down screws to install the new valve.

Replacing your washing machine valve? Might as well replace the hoses too!


Stubs sticking up in a washing machine containment box that a dual washing machine valve mounts too. New O Rings are installed on them.
The existing threaded fittings were left untouched and the new valve was installed over them. The thread on the new and old valves were different so the old hold down screws were reused to hold the new valve in place. New O Rings are installed.

Installing the New Valve


1) Apply New O-Rings: The new valve will likely come with new O-rings for the threaded pipe fittings. Carefully place these new O-rings onto the existing fixed fittings.


A new dual washing machine valve is behing installed and one of the hold down bolts is being tightened. The Muddy Ruttzz logo appears.
Carefully tighten the screws after making sure they are not cross threaded.

2) Mount the New Valve Body: Position the new dual washer valve over the fittings, ensuring the hot and cold connections align.

  1. Secure with Screws: This is a crucial step! It is possible the new mounting screws have a different thread pitch than the old fittings.

    • Test Fit: Gently attempt to start the new screws. If they don't thread easily, immediately stop.

    • Swap Components: In our case, the new screws were incompatible. We successfully used the old screws with the new O-rings (removed from the new screws) to secure the valve. This ensured a proper thread while using fresh sealing components.

New Dual Washer Valve is installed inside a washing machine water containment box.
New valve installed and bolts tightened down.


3) Tighten Carefully: Hand-tighten the screws, making sure not to cross-thread them. Over-tightening can damage the new O-rings or the plastic components. Once your are shure the screws are not cross threaded tighten them up.


A dual washer valve is being tested and water is flowing out of it after it was installed.
With the water to the building turned back on its time to test the valve. No leaks and plenty of water pressure.
Final Test and Restoration

After the new valve is mounted and secured, it’s time for the moment of truth.

  1. Turn Water Back On: Have a spotter ready inside the laundry room as you, or your helper, restore the main water supply.

  2. Check for Leaks: Watch the newly installed valve closely for drips or leaks. You will know quickly once the pressure builds up.

  3. Test Operation: Once you confirm no leaks at the valve body, test the new on/off levers and check the water flow by briefly turning the water on through the valve.

  4. Restore Hot Water: If you shut off the hot water heater during the process, be sure to turn it back on.

Washing machine is installed in a utility closet

When your sure there are no leaks and everything is working install your washer back in place. Now your ready to do some laundry!


Conclusion:

Successfully learning how to change dual washer valve components is a rewarding and necessary home maintenance skill. By taking the time to properly shut off the water, use the correct tools, and adjust for small hiccups like incompatible screws, you can easily replace a dripping valve. Using new sealing components on reliable old fasteners ensured a perfect, leak-free connection. Now, the laundry room is safe, dry, and ready for use!


Call to Action


Did this guide help you fix your leaky valve? Let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to check out the full video for a visual walkthrough and more helpful DIY tips on the Muddy Ruttzz Youtube channel.


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