Ball Valve Handle Broke Off [Step By Step Solutions]

Did your ball valve handle break and now it’s causing you to panic? It gets even worse as you can’t turn off the water or turn it on. This is a problem that must be fixed. 

Before that, you need to know what caused it to break. Don’t know that? We’ve got your back!

What to do if your ball valve handle broke off?   

You can either fix your ball valve handle or replace it. It can be fixed following the screw-on method or the screw-off method for valves with no screw. And if it’s completely broken, you will have to replace it with a new one.

This was just the basic idea. If you want the details, hop along! 

Can You Fix A Ball Valve Handle Yourself

There are 2 types of ball valves. Plastic ball valves and metal ball valves. You can fix both handles yourself. 

Plastic valve handles are easier to fix rather than metal ball valves. We have provided the process in this article. 

Fixing it on your own will also cut down your cost. Your overall cost of fixing a ball valve will decrease up to $100 – $200 plumber costs.    

Let’s get started!

Fixing Plastic Ball Valve Handle

There are 2 types of handle. Screw-on and screw-off handle. First, identify the type of ball valve handle you have and then proceed to the fix. 

The best way to fix the ball valve handle is to replace it. 

Let’s see how to fix the screw-on handle. And then we will fix the screw-off handle. 

Required Tools For Fixing A Plastic Ball Valve 

To fix this situation, you’d need some tools. Gather these before you begin working. Here’s what you need:

• A screwdriver 
• New plastic PVC valve handle

Are you looking for new ball valve handles? We have some suggestions for you:

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NGe Ball Valve Lever Handle	Check Current Price

Now you have your new PVC ball valve handle, then go and fix it.

Screw-On Ball Valve Handle Repair

Take a flat screwdriver to remove the cap that is in the centre of the handle. Now, you will see a screw. Again use your screwdriver to remove the screw. Then, remove the handle gently. 

Now, take your new ball valve handle and replace it there. Tighten the screw again and it’s done! It’s really that easy. You can attach a cap to the centre if you want.  

Screw-Off Valve Handle Repair

Turn off the main water valve before repair. Now, as there is no screw, you can pull the handle out. Gently remove the handle and replace it with the new one. These valves are also called push-on valves.

Replacing PVC Ball Valves

Sometimes, repairing the ball valve handle is not enough. You have to replace the whole ball valve. You may also face problems like valves keep turning.

Replacing a ball valve is a bit more complicated. But the good news is that you can fix it.

First, you need to run a few errands to fix it. Before you begin, gather everything you need:

• A screwdriver
• A Hexa blade 
• New ball valve  
• 1 feet extra PVC pipe 
• A bucket
• Glue 

Turn off the main water valve to make sure there is no water in the pipe. Then, remove the screw with your screwdriver. Now, start cutting the ball valve with your Hexa blade including the pipe. 

Remember, if you cut too much of it, your new ball valve will not adjust with it. You have to be very careful about cutting PVC pipes.

After cutting it off, remove the ball valve. Place a bucket before removing it, it will store the extra water in the pipe.

Now, stick glue in the lower part of the pipe and set the new ball valve. 

Then comes the next step. This step is a bit complicated. Make sure to follow the instructions strictly. 

After setting the ball valve, you’ll see it’s not connected with the upper side of the pipe. Now, take your one feet pipe and measure how much you need it. After measuring it, cut it with your Hexa blade and adjust the ball valve. 

And that’s the whole process of replacing a PVC ball valve.

Fixing Metal Ball Valves Handle

Need help with fixing metal ball valve handles? That’s okay. Ball valve handles are quite easy to fix. Fixing a broken water valve handle is just the same. So you can fix any valve handle yourself easily. 

The tools you need to fix it are:

• A screwdriver
• A universal handle
• Adjustable wrench

First, you need to remove the broken handle from the ball valve. Take your screwdriver and remove the screw. If there is no screw, use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nut of the handle. 

Then simply remove the broken handle and replace it with a universal handle. After that, adjust the universal handle. That’s it, this is how you can replace a handle.

Replacing Metal Ball Valve

Sometimes, you need to replace the whole ball valve for leaking, damage and other complications. If you want to replace it, you can do it yourself. 

Here are the tools that you need to replace it:

• Teflon tape
• New freeze plug ball valve 
• Ratchet
• One insert tool
• Adjustable wrench
• Soldering paste
• Lead-free solder
• A hot torch
• Copper coupling
• Flux paste 

Metal ball valve replacement is a bit of a tricky process.

Here are a couple of ball handles for you:

VALFLUIDS Lead-Free Brass Ball Valve	Check Latest Price
ZOUNI 1 Inch Ball Valve	Check Latest Price

We are providing the process step by step for your convenience:

1. Turn off the water supply and unplug the pipes one by one with your hand
2. Remove the damaged valve and give 5-6 wraps of Teflon tape.
3. Set your new freeze plug ball valve and reassemble the pipes. Also, give 5-6 wraps of Teflon tapes in the pipes. Tighten the pipes with your adjustable wrench. 
4. Set the copper coupling in the pipe and attach the other pipe.
5. Add some flux paste to the copper coupling and heat up the hot torch. Start to heat the copper and add lead-free solder to weld it. 

That’s it! If your PVC valve gets stuck, and the handle breaks, you can fix it. Just follow the instructions and you’ll be fine. 

FAQs

Question: How do you fix a leaking ball valve?

Answer: First, turn off the water and open the handle of the valve. Take your wrench to tighten the nut of the valve. Wrap some Teflon tapes in it. It will stop the leaking.

Question: How much does it cost to replace a ball valve?

Answer: You need to purchase a new ball valve which is $30 – $40. If a plumber fixes it, the plumber’s cost will be $150 – $200.

Question: What will I do if I don’t find the exact same handle of the valve?

Answer: Use a universal handle. It can be used in any valve. It’s stainless and very cheap. 

Conclusion

So, that’s it! If the ball valve handle broke off, whether it is plastic or metal, you can fix it yourself.

That’s all for today. We hope our step by step guide will help you and fix your problem.

Goodbye!