Should I switch out the valves before hooking up the washer in the new spot, or is it fine as is for now while I finish another project?
Asked by Lenni Seppanen 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 23, 2024
Hey there! I’m thinking about moving my washer/dryer soon. The current setup was done by the previous owner, and I’m wondering if I need to change out the valves before hooking everything up. What do you think – should I go for it now and upgrade later on?
That appears to be a washer connection. I’m not exactly sure what the problem is.
The problem lies with the shark bite connections.
Everything is fine, just make sure to secure the pipe.
I’ve had to fix more leaky shark bites than anything else
Oh really?
I think they would work fine, but I recommend anchoring them to the wall or a wall-mounted plate. It’s not safe to have them hanging loose like that. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Switch to a single handle or automatic washer shutoff for longer hose life and reduced risk of bursting. Make sure it’s securely attached to the wall.
No leaks here.
Can you please install a washer box?
You should definitely change those! They are shark bite fittings and have a tendency to fail over time. They should only be used as a temporary solution. It’s better to go with compression fittings at the very least. They are very effective and easy to install with just a couple of adjustable wrenches. Alternatively, you can solder on a valve/fitting. Then use a couple of copper straps and attach them to the wall near the top to prevent any potential movement.
Looks like this is 1/2” copper. You can grab a 5/8 compression to 1/2 MIP (male) and screw the new valve onto the fitting. Then, simply put the compression side on the copper. This way, you won’t have to worry about making sure the valve is tightly attached to the fitting and you’ll avoid the risk of hitting the wall while threading the valve on.
Also, go with stainless steel hoses instead of rubber for better durability.
You know, I can’t say I agree with that perspective. I think it really comes down to plumbers being hesitant about the potential threat of their skills being replaced by push-to-connect fittings like shark bites. In my experience, shark bites only fail when they are not installed correctly. In fact, I have encountered more failures with pex crimp and soldered joints. I believe most experienced renovation professionals would share a similar view. I have never witnessed a shark bite failure.
You know, I’ve been in the industry for a while now – started at a hardware store, but now I have my own residential contractor business. I have to say, I respectfully disagree with the notion that shark bites are prone to failure and difficult to install. In my experience, compression fittings are just as easy to install as shark bites and they eliminate the risk of leaks or failures. While some people may use them temporarily during renovations, I personally advise against it. I have witnessed leaks and have been called to replace them in homes. Pex leaks can occur from improper crimping, but solder joints are usually reliable after an initial test.
Hey Jared, where I’m at, you can’t enclose those things in a wall. They need to be out in the open like this. Personally, I don’t use them because I’ve seen a lot of failures – about half the time I’m replacing them for not working. Even though I don’t use them, I still get a ton of calls for fixing failures.
The stainless steel hoses have rubber lining on the inside.
Definitely, the stainless steel on the outer layer helps prevent any bulging or bursting. It’s worth the extra 20 bucks, especially if you’re not planning to use an automatic shut off on the valve or hose.
I’ve seen enough people coming to the hardware store in the past with hoses that were clearly about to burst or had already burst. Is it worth risking a flood or spending a little extra for peace of mind? I’ll choose the latter and go with stainless braided reinforcement.
Where do you live that they can’t be closed in a wall? This setup is new to me (I’m in CA). Also, all the home shows I’ve watched have them in the wall. Just curious…
Has been using sharkbite for 18 years and has experienced zero failures.
You still have around seven years before their 25 year warranty expires 😂
Seems to be a big fan of shark bites 😂
I’m a fan of shark bites. Hopefully the cost goes down soon.
That’s one more reason why I prefer not to use SB. Copper sweat fittings, compression, pex, and pro press are all more cost-effective.
I haven’t experienced a shark bite leak so far.
I feel the same way. Maybe this guy isn’t applying them correctly. Some folks don’t push them on firmly. You really need to hear the “click”.
Shark bites are good to go if the pipe is clean and perfectly round, but if it’s been bent during installation, it might not be round anymore. You’ll notice right away. And yeah, definitely don’t enclose it in a wall. Either way, make sure the pipe (or valve if it’s a wall-mounted shutoff) is secured.
I don’t see any issues, but if the pipe is slightly misshapen, it might be hard to get a good seal. I would be cautious about long term durability, so I wouldn’t recommend sealing it inside a wall, even if it’s allowed by code.
Replacing the every 25 years is quick and easy, only taking about two minutes to do.
Or you could opt for something more durable, cost-effective, and easy to install like compression fittings. Have you thought about the potential issues if it’s hidden in a wall or if you’re away from home? What about a vacation house? Water damage repairs can be extremely costly.
I’ve seen a lot of water damage in my plastering and remodeling days, but none of it was caused by shark bite fittings. Like any other fitting, a shark bite needs to be done properly to avoid issues. Unsupported pipes and fittings are at risk of failure, regardless of the system. Just a heads up.
I recommend making the switch now to avoid any problems later on when you have to move the machines.
As they operate, they might shake a bit. Consider bracing them and eventually replacing the entire setup.
Can you take out those sharkbites and put in quarter turn shutoffs instead? It would be great to have a washing machine box installed.
You can continue using it. I recommend insulating the hot water line to save on electricity or gas usage.
It’s always a good idea to make updates and upgrades whenever possible.
Update them since they are quite old. Quarter-turn shut off valves are more efficient than gate valves.
It might be a good idea to paint the cold line blue
Is trying to achieve that pex look 😂
Nope, I just like being able to easily identify which line I shut off in case of leaks. 🤣🤣
Here’s another plus to upgrading to new quarter turn valves – they come with blue and red valve handles 🙂
I suggest making changes to those pipes, not only because they are hot, but also to have them flush with the wall. If you install a washer and dryer first, the wall may not be finished correctly for many years, possibly decades. Additionally, routing all of that inside the wall will help save a few inches of space. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth the investment.
You really should secure those pipes to the wall instead of letting them stand freely like that.
The water lines are likely outside the wall for a reason. Maybe there was something under the wall preventing them from being placed inside. The color of the valve doesn’t matter much. I’m not a fan of quarter-turn valves because I believe they restrict flow, which is not ideal.
Perhaps they relocated the washer and chose not to cut into the wall. I don’t see why a quarter-turn valve would cause a flow restriction.
Make sure to strap those lines. Everything else seems good.
Is the recess deep enough for the washer with water lines on the outside of the wall?
Those look good to use (functional), but ball valves are definitely superior in the long term. Make sure to secure them to the wall by screwing a board from stud to stud and fastening them to it. Consider recessing them inside the wall and using a valve box.
Here’s how mine look after being installed 15 years ago.
That’s the same setup I have, and I always shut it off if I’m away for more than a few days.
You might want to consider installing a water arrestor too.
Do you smell anything coming from that drain pipe? It’s important to make sure there is a visible trap present.
Be sure to strap the pipes to the wall.
I’m actually more concerned about the drain than the valves.
Looks good to me! I would secure them tightly to the wall, Tyler.