3 piece valve seal replacement - cost too high?

[TechFanMD]

I have a 3 piece valve that came with my SS Brewtech kettle. It developed a leak in about 5 brews (maybe I overheated it?), so I asked them for a part number for replacement seals or a rebuild kit. They want $19.90 + $4.95 shipping for a total of $24.85 for a set of two kits. I feel like $12 landed per kit on a valve they sell for $29 (+shipping) is high. This is 304 stainless.

The same valve is $19.99 at Austin Homebrew (9.95 to ship or free shippping over $55).

Other places sell a 316 stainless 3 piece valve for $28-29 and rebuild kits are in the $6 range.

Does anyone have experience with this valve and any advice? I’d rather find a cheaper way to rebuild or buy a new valve that’s cheaper to rebuild. Honestly this is leaving a bad taste in my mouth for SS Brewtech.

 

[augiedoggy]

if you own a large wrench or pair of channel locks, honestly these valves are much easier to diassemble and clean in seconds than the 3 piece. There have been threads started about this and no one seems to know why the 3 piece are popularly sold with some of the equipment.(cosmetics?) Most of those that bought them were not aware the end of the valve im linking here just unthreads right off and the ball pops out for easy cleaning of the housing. It your call but I stopped using the 3 piece in favor of the ease of use of these... and it appears these are sold as the premium style now with TC adapters welded on which is ironic. Unless your buying caustic chemicals from a chemical supplier or brewery it absolutely doesnt matter what grade of stainless you have but either way 304 or 316 will work equally as good here.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Stock-1-2-NPT-Female-2Piece-304-Stainless-Steel-Full-Port-Ball-Valve-WOG1000/401333788155?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item5d715b9dfb:g:kUkAAOSw~y9ZJjQz:sc:ShippingMethodStandard!14120!US!-1&enc=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&checksum=401333788155164c64cbf8cc4e799b01a8060a7200b5&enc=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&checksum=401333788155164c64cbf8cc4e799b01a8060a7200b5

 

[TechFanMD]

if you own a large wrench or pair of channel locks, honestly these valves are much easier to diassemble and clean in seconds that the 3 piece. There have been threads started about this and no one seems to know why the 3 piece are popularly sold with some of the equipment.(cosmetics?) Most of those that bought them were not aware the end of the valve im linking here just unthreads right off and the ball pops out for easy cleaning of the housing. It your call but I stopped using the 3 piece in favor of the ease of use of these... and it appears these are sold as the premium style now with TC adapters welded on which is ironic.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Stock-1-2-NPT-Female-2Piece-304-Stainless-Steel-Full-Port-Ball-Valve-WOG1000/401333788155?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item5d715b9dfb:g:kUkAAOSw~y9ZJjQz:sc:ShippingMethodStandard!14120!US!-1&enc=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&checksum=401333788155164c64cbf8cc4e799b01a8060a7200b5&enc=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&checksum=401333788155164c64cbf8cc4e799b01a8060a7200b5

Thanks @augiedoggy

I’m not worried about cleaning so much as not having it leak when I have beer in the kettle. If I did need to take this apart are there seals to replace? Can it stand up to the heat of blow-by during the boil?

 

[augiedoggy]

Thanks @augiedoggy

I’m not worried about cleaning so much as not having it leak when I have beer in the kettle. If I did need to take this apart are there seals to replace? Can it stand up to the heat of blow-by during the boil?

I have about 12 or these in various places in my brewery for 6 years now and they do not leak and Ive never had an issue with leaks. they use a white nylon seal inside and when you tighten the end its very snug. I have the same type only with tri clamp ends that came with my conicals as well

and yes they actually sell this type at many home brewing supply stores as a bulkhead valve..
I take mine apart to clean all the time and the seal is uneffected

 

[augiedoggy]

if you really want 3 piece... https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-3-Piec...058621?hash=item46542eb7fd:g:xiAAAOSwkFddKPEP

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-2-3-Pi...hash=item1a7a0d7813:m:m9IupOf1m2mWjrgVqyNNeAw

 

[TechFanMD]

if you really want 3 piece... https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-3-Piec...058621?hash=item46542eb7fd:g:xiAAAOSwkFddKPEP

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-2-3-Pi...hash=item1a7a0d7813:m:m9IupOf1m2mWjrgVqyNNeAw

I'm going to try the two piece as you suggested. It's the cost of one rebuild kit so what have I to lose?