Symmons W-400 Laundry-Mate Washing Machine Valve

Was a perfect replacement for an old valve where the shut-off was no longer working. I didn't need to replace the pipe fittings, just the valve so really just a couple of screws. In my case, the washers that came with the replacement were too small and didn't provide a good seal. I had to run out and pick up a couple of larger ones and that solved it. Maybe that was just an isolated issue that others won't run into but be prepared. Compare the new washers to what is on the existing valve and you'll know if you want to have an optional set standing by.

I discovered my original washer shutoff valve was no longer operating properly, so I was planning to install 2 new ball valves in the hot & cold piping just above the old washer valve so I could shut off the water supplies to my washer. I happened to show the plumber at my local HD a picture of this old washer valve and asked him if he had ever seen one of these and he immediately said it looked like a Symmons Washer Valve, despite the fact that my valve didn't have the name 'Symmons' anywhere on the valve body. He informed me that they used to carry them at the store, but didn't any more. After finding this on Amazon, I decided to take a chance since it looked like the same valve. I was worried about removing the 2 screws and whether the old valve would separate from the fittings in the back since this valve was already installed when we bought our house in 1985....and it certainly didn't look new way back then either. I was shocked how easy it was to replace the valve; the screws needed a little encouraging to break loose, but once both screws were removed, the valve separated easily from the 2 union ell fittings. The most difficult part of the replacement (which really wasn't difficult) was removing the old washers from the fittings - they were so old they were stuck pretty good and I had to use a razor knife to scrape them off. After cleaning up the fittings and installing the 2 new washers, the valve attached with no problem using the 2 new screws (with washers). I'm so glad I didn't have to mess with the existing copper pipes. Of course, I had shut-off the main water supply and drained the water in the lines before starting this repair. And before I attached my washer hoses, I made sure the valve worked properly by leaving the lever to the OFF position when I turned the main water supply back on. It worked fine! As others have mentioned, this valve has a tendency to fail over time if you don't occasionally operate the valve, so I plan to do that on a regular basis.

First one was defective.

Old one didn't work, swapped with no plumbing work. Plugged into existing plumbing fixture/adapter.

I had one of these on my cloths washer for many years. Unfortunately I can't recall how many but probably 10 or 15. In all those years, we never tuned the valve off. When the washer it was attached too finally developed a leak (a big leak), the valve would NOT shut off the water flow. I had to shut of the water, both hot and cold, on the valves in the supply lines before this valve.When it came time to replace the W400, I looked at other units hoping they would be a direct swap into the water supply lines and wall installed box so I would not have to do a major retrofit. I could not find such a thing and ultimately got the W400 as an easily in direct replacement. It was a perfect fit. We have vowed to deliberatly turn the valve off and on on a regular basis to insure it works when needed.However, after getting it from Amazon but before installing it, I was checking my local Home Depot and discovered I could get there for significantly less money. I returned the one I got from Amazon and used the one I purchased from Home Depot, saving myself a significant amount of money. The Amazon vendor was great about the return, no questions asked.

Replaced only inner valve components.

I bought this for a replacement for a similar Symmons valve that would not shut off the water despite being placed in the closed position. The valve is behind our washer/dryer stacked in a small closet, is 30+ years old and had not been exercised in over 10 years; that is since installing the washer. I live in a high rise where shutting off the water supply becomes a big deal as it affects many others and requires coordination with building maintenance personnel. The new valve is an exact replacement for the old one and changeout was a cinch. New valve works great.I examined the old valve after removal and found out I probably didn't need to change out the valve after all. Instead of degraded synthetic valve parts as I expected, the portion you can see of the valve discs looked in great shape. Problem was they are spring actuated to close and were stuck in the open position. Working the valve multiple times unstuck the cold water valve. I tried some penetrating oil on the hot valve and after a soak it too freed up and now is working. The old valve is now functioning like new. Lesson learned is to exercise the valve every chance you get. If you do encounter a stuck open valve I'd try multiple cycles of opening and closing. If this doesn't work give it some sharp hammer blows to the valve body while cycling it. This will probably get it unstuck eliminating the need to replace the valve. This is a well made valve, just needs some care.

Pick this one because it works in my confined space

In general these units are poorly made. The original one started not sealing properly after 5 years (water turned to off yet water still dripped from pipe) after 7 years total unit started leaking internally. Bought a replacement one from this buyer. 3 years later unit doesnt seal properly when off. My advice save your money and hire someone to install 2 separate valves and be done with ( those easily last 15 years) Save yourself time headaches and potential flooding. These units are poor at best. Hope this helps someone.

Perfect

Cheapest I could find. Much cheaper than the plumbing supply. Extremely easy to install. Very happy.

Good

Easy to install.