Why does the pressure balancing valve fail every few years?
1530998
If you use these on a regular basis (daily, weekly, even bi-monthly) they continue to work for years. If you fail to use them on a regular basis (in a bathroom were no one takes a shower for 6-8 months) that is generally where they fail.
1530999
I have no idea. The two units I have were installed when my place was built around 2003-2004. Only one has failed so far (about a year ago now). When I replaced it, I didn't bother to take apart the old one to see why it wasn't working.
1531000
Adamak's answer is very good. We have 2 bathrooms in a seasonal beach apt. Both have these PBU valves, one of which is fine (6 yrs) and the other which failed at 2 yrs, but the replacement has been fine since (4 yrs). I'm not sure about why Adamak's building water has to be shut off to replace the valves---I have 2 shutoff screws immediately adjacent to the valve's inlets, but that may be the way my plumber fortunately set them up.
1531001
I don't know. Since I installed mine I have not had a problem. Given it does have moving parts and the possibility of sediment/hard water binding up the works then I am sure they can.
1531002
Does the pressure balancing valve regulate hot/cold? I don't have cold water coming through my faucet. I changed the mixer cap, but still no cold...
1531003
I had some that I bought that leaked from the start and some that worked for years. I don't recall that once they worked they did not last along time? I had allot of minerals in the water in our area and 80% of the shut off valves were not working and the only way to change the cartridge that leaked was to shut off the building water. So not allot of time to play with them. And sometimes I kept and used old ones just to stop the leak and be able to get the water on sooner till I could order new ones. It was only a 60 unit building over a 15 year time span. So I don't know why one fails vs another one that lasted 15 years or longer? I had some that I bought that leaked from the start and some that worked for years. I don't recall that once they worked they did not last along time? I had allot of minerals in the water in our area and 80% of the shut off valves were not working and the only way to change the cartridge that leaked was to shut off the building water. So not allot of time to play with them. And sometimes I kept and used old ones just to stop the leak and be able to get the water on sooner till I could order new ones. It was only a 60 unit building over a 15 year time span. So I don't know why one fails vs... » Read More I had some that I bought that leaked from the start and some that worked for years. I don't recall that once they worked they did not last along time? I had allot of minerals in the water in our area and 80% of the shut off valves were not working and the only way to change the cartridge that leaked was to shut off the building water. So not allot of time to play with them. And sometimes I kept and used old ones just to stop the leak and be able to get the water on sooner till I could order new ones. It was only a 60 unit building over a 15 year time span. So I don't know why one fails vs another one that lasted 15 years or longer? « Show Less
648693
I have had Gardena hoses and connectors for four years without having a single one fail. I suspect that the problem was too high a pressure for Phoneman. Hint: close the faucet slightly with a narrower hose.
1232849
I would call the company requesting a replacement. It may be under warranty. I had the previous model of this one for about 7 years and one of the valves stopped working a few years into owning and they replaced it no problem.....worth a try!
643002
If it was correctly installed, I am going to guess it is a defective part. My original valve went bad after a few years in the same way you are describing. I replaced it with this part and everything was fine.
317549
I haven't experienced this issue. Water pressure seems to be fine. I change mine once every year. Make sure the seller is Amazon. There might me fakes from other sellers.
1829118
I have the same problem. It worked fine in the first 6 months but now it stops working without holding down the pressure.
1525079
I'm sure you have, but have you tried tightening the valve? Because that part is so hard to find, I'm guessing it rarely goes bad. I guess you could try bialetti.com. I looked there but did not find it, you may have better luck.
2058295
I've had mine for a little over 5 years and it just seemed to vibrate loose. I have to do some more investigation but I think this is what is causing the leak. Again, this is after purchasing in October 2009.
1021312
I suppose anything can fail over time. Water hammering can be caused by many factors. Sorry I don't have the answers your seeking. The pair I purchased seem to be holding up so far. If anything changes I will post an update.
1656921
Most of the time mine is pressurized, and I've had it for 8 years with no problems.
1201232
Two years, but the company does not honor the warranty themselves. They direct you back to the dealer. If you buy from Amazon and the valve fails after the thirty day return period (as mine did), you have to get them on the phone to make an "exception". This is one area I find Amazon to be lacking.
1279302
Not that I know of. There could be something stuck in the two tracks that go down the central support. Or maybe the adjustment nuts at the top that control the pressure have gotten out of whack.
1652118
No. I've had it since May, 2015 and it has sprung three leaks along the seam. These weren't punctures, so the failure was due to structural issues.
1757950
Yes...It seems the biggest failure is due to driving into large amounts of water that finds it's way into to the filter and then into the switch. If possible move the filter higher up in the transmission tunnel.
2104973
Mine is starting to fail after 2 years pulling 1-2 shots a day. I would buy a more reliable machine.
724544
I have had mine for about 4 years with no problems. Every so often I will buy a new one just to be on the safe side.
1685912
I know of no way other than maybe adjust the max pressure valve lower for several times. I have used mine for about 6 months and love it