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Corrosion? Of Plastic Stems of Water Shut-off Valves
In a condominium constructed about 12-15 years ago in Henderson, NV, I discovered 6 out of 8 under-sink water shut-off valves to have badly corroded valve stems, if that term can be legitimately applied to plastic. The "corrosion" was so bad that one valve had failed causing a flood. Since 75% of 8 identical valves exhibited very bad signs of this "corrosion", it appears to be related to a chemical attack on the plastic caused by the water and possibly other nearby materials in the valve. The valve bodies were brass. The valve stems that were badly attacked were of a gray plastic. The only identification on the valves were the words "BOB" and "USA" molded into the clear plastic valve handles. What does this problem stem from and who made these valves? I have attached a photo of the worst example that failed.