Refrigerator shutoff valve failure

[Tennant]

I recently closed the shut off valve behind my refrigerator (compression valve) and, though it seemed to be okay at the time, the next day I found that the valve started leaking. I don't think this valve has been used in a very long time, it has probably been open for 10 to 20 years.

Do these valves just go bad like that, or was it likely something I did wrong?

 

[CountryBumkin]

The twist/screw-in valve type tends to go bad faster, especially if you don't use it much as minerals can build up inside. There may be a nut just under the handle that you can tighten a little to stop the leak.
The "quarter-turn" style tend to last longer.
But if you got 20 years out of it - you did pretty good.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

The leak may be at the stem and bonnet nut. Sometimes you can just snug that up and fix the leak there.

 

[Tennant]

Thanks for the advice guys.

We ended up removing the valve and capping the line. There were some damages caused by the leak. At this point my landlord and I are trying to determine fault and how to divvy up the cost of the water damage mitigation (~$2000).

Terry, in your professional opinion, is it likely that a compression valve that hasn't been used in 20 years would go bad. How likely do you think it was that the valve was not in working order when I tried to turn it off?

 

[Dj2]

This is not a legal advice, but here in CA, if there was a shut off valve behind the fridge at the time you moved in - it would be the responsibility of the landlord to make sure it was in good working order and didn't leak. If you, the tenant, installed it - it would be yours to deal with. There are a few more possible situations...that might get even more involved.

If your landlord asks you to pay for the damage or part of the damage and you disagree, consider calling a real estate lawyer. If you agree because you love the place, then work a deal with your landlord.

Now about the shut off valve: an unused 20 year old multi-turn valve with a plastic stem can go bad anytime. I've had brand new valves leak at the first use. Even the modern 1/4 turn valves can fail right off the bat. Don't forget, these valves are mass produced and are under pressure 24/7.

Last note: Insurance would have come handy here (unless the insurance company found a reason not to pay).

 

[JRC3]

Just curious why you closed the valve. Did the fridge have a problem so you had to disconnect the water supply?

Last note: Insurance would have come handy here (unless the insurance company found a reason not to pay).

Maybe...Back when I rented I specifically asked about water damage and they wanted extra to cover it. I meant damage to my property from something like a burst pipe, they thought I meant water damage from my fault or neglect causing damage to the dwelling.


In my mind a leaking fixture is the responsibility of the landlord. Unless the tenant knew about it and didn't do anything about it in a timely manner, like try to contact the landlord or a plumber in a severe case.