valve leak question

[grobbins6]

Hello everyone-

Simple homeowner here with a leaking valve. In the picture below, you can see a bulging O-ring between the black piece (solenoid?) and the valve housing and the resulting stream of water coming out. Is this fixable or is a new valve in order?

Any advice you can offer will be appreciated. While I like to tackle projects that I can do properly, I have no problem going to a pro when things are out of my league.

For the record, this is a system I inherited with a new house purchase a few months ago.

TIA

[Mike Leary]

That's a Weather-Matic "Silver Bullet" valve, the "O" ring should be able to be found at Ace Hardware or such. Given the fact it has no flow control handle, I'd say it's seen it's time. The body does not need to be replaced, just the top bonnet. The valve is not expensive; I'd change-out the top end if you have a W*M dealer in the area, otherwise,remove the wire connectors, unscrew the solenoid, be carefull as it comes out, there is a spring and plunger that will come loose as you remove it. Slip your finger under the solenoid as you remove it. Don't bother to try to fit the old o-ring in. Might have frozen.

[grobbins6]

That's a Weather-Matic "Silver Bullet" valve, the "O" ring should be able to be found at Ace Hardware or such. Given the fact it has no flow control handle, I'd say it's seen it's time. The body does not need to be replaced, just the top bonnet. The valve is not expensive; I'd change-out the top end if you have a W*M dealer in the area, otherwise,remove the wire connectors, unscrew the solenoid, be carefull as it comes out, there is a spring and plunger that will come loose as you remove it. Slip your finger under the solenoid as you remove it. Don't bother to try to fit the old o-ring in. Might have frozen.

Thanks ML. For now I will try replacing the O-ring and then I will tackle the top end next spring...or shortly after I screw up the O-ring replacement! :)

[Tom Tom]

Probably an old solenoid too which will give you grief down the road.

O-ring replacement would be quick and easy, but down the road replace the entire valve.