Time to replace PRV?

[Ramias]

Had some work done today by my handyman (new automated shut off valve) soldered on 18 inches downstream from the PRV and 24 inches down stream from the manual shutoff.

Now there appears to be a VERY small leak with the PRV. More than simply condensation.

Time to replace the PRV (by a plumber; not my handman buddy)? What should the lifespan of the PRV be?

Leak wasn't noticed until we turned the water main back on (and where the water is, it isn't really coming from above).

14 year old house. Copper pipes.

 

[Widgit Maker]

Show a picture where the leak is. Seriously doubt the handy man could have caused a leak 18 inches away. A leaking solder joint of a PRV would have nothing to do with the life span of a PRV. If not leaking at solder joint then handyman certainly did not cause. If leaking at a solder joint then reheat and add a little solder.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

FWIW, once a fitting leaks, you cannot successfully just add more solder...you need to take the joint apart, clean and flux it up, then reassemble things. The moisture in the joint will never be fully removed, and the steam will blow a hole in the joint, and the mineral deposits in the water will contaminate thing, preventing the solder from flowing properly.

 

[Widgit Maker]

FWIW, once a fitting leaks, you cannot successfully just add more solder

As a general statement that is true. However sometimes you get lucky.

 

[hj]

And sometimes you win the lottery, but as Harry Callahan asked, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

 

[Widgit Maker]

In this case, yes. First we don't know if the leak is at a solder joint, which is unlikely. Second the handy man probably didn't create it. He would have had to heat the pipe, probably with Mapp gas and a large flame, for and hour or so, to weaken a joint 18 inches away. If he did, reheating would probably seal it. And what have you lost if it doesn't work.

 

[Flapper]

What should the lifespan of the PRV be?

I would like to know as well as I am having a similar issue.

 

[Gary Swart]

Mr Widget maker, dgetsI wonder how many bad joints you have just reheated and added more solder to that have sealed. Better stick to widgets. You can not just pile more solder on a joint that has been contaminated with water or one that has no flux left.