Low point drain T-handle valves leaking

[SkyBound]

These little T handle valves are cheap junk. I have fiddled with them all season to try to get them to seal closed (tried cycling them, spinning them, etc.) and when I went to winterize yesterday I COULD NOT get a seal whatsoever. They seem like a cheap design. Anyone else had problems with these?

I'm tempted to replace the valves with a basic 90 degree pex elbow, which would eliminate the valve altogether, and install a couple quality twist valves at the end of each low point drain underneath the trailer. This would also make them much easier to access since currently they are in the back corner of the storage bay under the rear bunk bed. Thoughts?

[GrumpyDad]

I don't know the answer but I'm really interested so I'll lurk here to see what others say.

[RogerR]

I went under the trailer and put on shut offs there and just left the valves open inside. I was afraid I couldn't get to the pipe inside to assure a seal. Lots more room to work with under there then in the back of a cabinet behind a bunch of other pipes and pump.

[ALJO]

If you have problems with the valves replace them with brass valves, I did. I also put them inside.

[John H]

Originally Posted by ALJO

If you have problems with the valves replace them with brass valves, I did. I also put them inside.

What type of brass valve did you use?
John

[ALJO]

just the regular brass valves (pex) you use under the sink in the house. You can get them at any box/hardware store. You need a crimp tool for the rings. Never use hose clamps on pex piping, they always will leak.

[John H]

Originally Posted by ALJO

just the regular brass valves (pex) you use under the sink in the house. You can get them at any box/hardware store. You need a crimp tool for the rings. Never use hose clamps on pex piping, they always will leak.

Okay thank you.
John

[Jagiven]

I have had problems with mine from time to time.

I suspect they get a little debris stuck at the seat, or a nick and they start to leak.

Last year, I grabbed a little plumbers grease and pulled them out and applied the grease to the O-Ring. I have not had an issue since. Next time I might just replace the O-ring.