Need to replace icemaker valve, can you identify the fitting?

[TomAZ]

I had a leaking icemaker shut off valve, and tried to replace just the valve with no luck. Cut away some wall to see what I was dealing with. I’m new to any kind of flexible tubing so I’m asking for some identification and advice. Thanks, Tom.

 

[Terry]

1/2" PEX feeding it.
What you have has been modified. to go from 1/2" copper to PEX
Not all PEX has the same inside dimension though. There is also a possibility that the shutoff in the box may have a standard thread on it, if that's the case, you can spin off that one and spin on a new one.
Ice make line is 1/4" OD for the line going to the icemaker, the threads with the tape may be 1/2" MIP, maybe.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[TomAZ]

The valve on the left could not be turned off. Leaked out of the 1/4” outlet. The box on the right is a standard Brasscraft 1/2” in 1/4” out angle valve. I thought it would work.

 

[Reach4]

What is the diameter of the thread, as measured with a digital caliper (or micrometer)?

 

[TomAZ]

Oh. Fresh out of calipers. I have a SharkBite icemacker box that I though I may need to attach to copper. If I don’t care about locating it higher, can I just cut the pex and install a new box. The drywall is getting repaired anyway

 

[TomAZ]

It’s not pex. It’s soft and flexible. The only thing I can find is that it may be some material that begins with a W

 

[TomAZ]

Back to fixing the brass. It’s not a compression fitting. The threads are too course. The upper part it threaded on

 

[Terry]

More than likely 1/2" IPS

 

[TomAZ]

Ok I think the solution is a 1/2 male pipe thread (MIP?) input and a 1/4” compression output. I was able to find a 1/4” FIP angle value with a 1/4” compression output at ACE. I also got a short make to male adapter. I put Teflon tape on the adapter, tightened the vape with wrenches, but it is still dripping from the adapter. I probably put the tape on too thick or the wrong direction. Would PTFE pipe compound work better?

 

[Terry]

Three wraps is all I do.

 

[Reach4]

it is still dripping from the adapter.

I think it is hard to overtighten brass fittings with short wrenches.

You don't use PTFE tape on the compression fitting. You did not say where it was dripping.

 

[TomAZ]

I think it is hard to overtighten brass fittings with short wrenches.

You don't use PTFE tape on the compression fitting. You did not say where it was dripping.

I didn’t use PTFE tape on the compression output. I used it on the 1/2 FIP threads. The adapter adapts the angle valve with female recessed threads to a male with exposed threads. Then it screws back into a female with recessed threads. Follow me now? Here’s a pic:

 

[Reach4]

Try turning it with a couple good properly-fitting open-end wrenches wrenches -- one on the hex above the taped up nipple, and one below.

Normally when you apply PTFE tape, you don't spiral it on. If tightening doesn't do it, take it apart, and use both pipe dope (such as Rectorseal #5) and tape.

Taking the nut off of the side before turning may keep you from getting interference from the back of the box as you turn.