I had a single lever, clothes washer shut-off valve, replaced after it began
leaking. It was eleven years old. During this period my wife had always
turned it on before washing and off after she was finished, approximately
2-3 times per week. The plumber advised me that it was better to always
leave this valve on and only turn it off, when out of my residence on
extended occasions. He said this would prevent wear and tear on the valve
and it would most likely last longer. This makes no sense to me as I always
believed it best to turn off the valve, when not in use, to avoid a
disastrous leak. I'd appreciate any opinions on this. Thank you.

WDS wrote:
> I had a single lever, clothes washer shut-off valve, replaced after it began
> leaking. It was eleven years old. During this period my wife had always
> turned it on before washing and off after she was finished, approximately
> 2-3 times per week. The plumber advised me that it was better to always
> leave this valve on and only turn it off, when out of my residence on
> extended occasions. He said this would prevent wear and tear on the valve
> and it would most likely last longer. This makes no sense to me as I always
> believed it best to turn off the valve, when not in use, to avoid a
> disastrous leak. I'd appreciate any opinions on this. Thank you.
>

It's always safer to shut off the washing machine valve, but the more
you use it, the sooner it will wear out. While I preach that people
should shut it off, I must confess that I don't.

"WDS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:_yyoh.20617$_X.10624@bigfe9...
> I had a single lever, clothes washer shut-off valve, replaced after it
began
> leaking. It was eleven years old. During this period my wife had always
> turned it on before washing and off after she was finished, approximately
> 2-3 times per week. The plumber advised me that it was better to always
> leave this valve on and only turn it off, when out of my residence on
> extended occasions. He said this would prevent wear and tear on the valve
> and it would most likely last longer. This makes no sense to me as I
always
> believed it best to turn off the valve, when not in use, to avoid a
> disastrous leak. I'd appreciate any opinions on this. Thank you.
>
Doing it your way the valve lasted 11 yrs. his way maybe 15 yrs. Why bet
the farm on a hose failure while you're out of (and even in) the house?.
Just think of what will happen if the hose breaks and you're not around to
shut off the water--- and it won't be a leak, it'll be a disaster.
MLD

I appreciate the answers I've received and I have to agree with MLD's
opinion. The cost of replacing the valve is a lot less than my insurance
deductible and without the inconveniences that would be involved if a
disaster did occur. Thanks to both of you.

"WDS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:_yyoh.20617$_X.10624@bigfe9...
> I had a single lever, clothes washer shut-off valve, replaced after it
began
> leaking. It was eleven years old. During this period my wife had always
> turned it on before washing and off after she was finished, approximately
> 2-3 times per week. The plumber advised me that it was better to always
> leave this valve on and only turn it off, when out of my residence on
> extended occasions. He said this would prevent wear and tear on the valve
> and it would most likely last longer. This makes no sense to me as I
always
> believed it best to turn off the valve, when not in use, to avoid a
> disastrous leak. I'd appreciate any opinions on this. Thank you.
>
>

As added note. I didn't replace the whole valve. I bought the same exact
model, didn't touch the plumbing (or main housing), just replaced the
section that contained the shut-off valves. One screw removed that portion
of the valve while the main housing remained as is. Ended up being about a
10 min. job.
MLD

"WDS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:wmQoh.4$S6.1@bigfe9...
> I appreciate the answers I've received and I have to agree with MLD's
> opinion. The cost of replacing the valve is a lot less than my insurance
> deductible and without the inconveniences that would be involved if a
> disaster did occur. Thanks to both of you.
>
> "WDS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:_yyoh.20617$_X.10624@bigfe9...
> > I had a single lever, clothes washer shut-off valve, replaced after it
> began
> > leaking. It was eleven years old. During this period my wife had always
> > turned it on before washing and off after she was finished,
approximately
> > 2-3 times per week. The plumber advised me that it was better to always
> > leave this valve on and only turn it off, when out of my residence on
> > extended occasions. He said this would prevent wear and tear on the
valve
> > and it would most likely last longer. This makes no sense to me as I
> always
> > believed it best to turn off the valve, when not in use, to avoid a
> > disastrous leak. I'd appreciate any opinions on this. Thank you.
> >
> >
>
>