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Chemgirl1 · Jan 21, 2008, 04:10 PM

My husband and I installed an ice maker kit yesterday with one of those kits. I believe that everything was done right until my husband broke off the little turning apparatus at the top of the self piercing saddle valve because it suddenly became very difficult to turn. With this happening I figured I'd just take the thing off since he broke it but it wouldn't move so then the light bulb went off. He had actually pierced the pipe and was twisting it so hard into the pipe until he broke it. Ok here is my question. Are you supposed to back off the saddle valve once you've pierced the pipe in order for the water to come through? I think that now that needle is stuck into the pipe and that the little turning thingy is broken off that I will have to replace that whole piece. Tell me if I'm wrong someone please because as you can see I'm a little bit more handy than my husband.:D

massplumber2008 · Jan 21, 2008, 04:20 PM

I would definetely replace this saddle valve... you will need to turn off someday and will be glad you fixed the shutoff.

In fact, I would replace the whole saddle valve with a tee off the pipe you guys were trying to pierce and install a real shutoff (whatever pipe size shutoff x 1/4" compression...usually a 1/2" copper pipe (sweat) x 1/4" compression straight or angle stop). Saddle valves are pretty notorious for springing leaks and not working properly... BUT...

If you are really more handy than your hubby... should probably stick with replacing saddle valve... should not have to pierce it this time, and then just install as normal and test on /off feature by turning valve accordingly.

Hope this helped!

cgregory67 · Jan 21, 2008, 04:24 PM

“Are you supposed to back off the saddle valve once you've pierced the pipe in order for the water to come through?”

Nod

What you can do now is turn off water to that supply line, open a faucet and let it drain as much as possible. Remove the saddle clamp and pull the piercing needle out. Tell hubby to go to store and buy new valve then have him go watch TV. Now turn the new valves needle in a little as a guide to the first blunder and tighten clamps down snug. Turn new needle in again then turn water back on and check for leaks. Now back the needle valve all the way out until it stops.

Chemgirl1 · Jan 21, 2008, 04:25 PM

Thank you! This helped a lot although I had no idea what you were talking about until the last sentence. I get the picture though.

Ahhhh thank you cgregory67. Now this I can do. You're right, I think I will tell him to sit down somewhere. Too bad it's hard to know when you've picked a lemon.