Ball valves releasing odour into water

Hardware
1

Hi All

I just finished the assembly of my new setup and I am having an issue with my new ball valves (2- and 3-Piece full bore ball valves).

Fresh water flowing through the valves (Kettle & pump outlets) will exit them with a strange oil/plastic smell. The water still tastes normal, but the smell is well noticeable.

I rinsed the valves many times with cold water, hot water, oxy-clean and even sanitizer, without recognisable improvement.

Is there anyone with a good idea, how to solve the problem? How to properly clean the valves?

2

SS brewtech recommends Tri-Sodium-Phosphate (TSP) prior to first time use of their vessels, maybe that will help? Something that degreases well would be needed I think, because it is probably grease from the manufacturing process.

3

Have you tried disassembling them? Most (all?) ball valves have a cavity in them which the boar is open to in the closed position. It’s more or less impossible to deep clean them without taking them apart.

4

Agreed, deep clean with TSP, disassemble all parts. Soak and scrub, part of the brewing fun! :wink:

5

My kettle came with a 1 piece ball valve, so I picked up an inexpensive 3 piece ball valve instead that I can break down between brews. https://www.proflow-dynamics.com/products/stainless-steel-ball-valves/3-piece-ball-valves/3-piece-stainless-steel-ball-valves.html

The water stuck in the valve gets pretty funky between brew days so I am glad I switched valves.

6

1 piece ball valves are generally actually 2 piece. They can be disassembled as per this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0tBH0KNi7U

7

Thank you all very much!

Does someone know a good Alternative to TSP? I cannot find it in Switzerland, I guess its use is not allowed down here…