Soccer is undoubtedly one of the best sports, and the ball is a significant part of what makes it more intriguing. However, sometimes the ball can lose air due to different reasons, and one such is valve leakage.
When a ball valve leaks, it causes the air inside to release in an unnoticed manner. Most times, the way to detect such leakage is when the ball gradually deflates without being punctured.
Trust us, a leaking ball is never a good experience; it makes the sight of football boring and unpleasant to play with. After that, the ball continues to deflate, whether it is kicked or not.
Nevertheless, if you are currently battling such problems, there’s a way out for you. Here, we will be sharing ways on how to fix the soccer ball valve leak.
Let’s get started!
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Tools To Fix A Soccer Ball Valve Leak
Fixing a leaking valve is not rocket science; it demands a bit of concentration. To begin with, you should note that the valve is a delicate part of the ball and can be easily broken.
Moreover, you will need specific tools to fix your valve, as you cannot change your valve with bare hands. Some of these tools are directly applied, while others are used with the hose. Irrespective of the application method you will be using, these tools are portable. Here are some of the required tools:
- Pump Up The Ball
- Ball pump with pressure gauge
- Portable air ball pump inflator kit
- Awpeye 3 set ball pump
- Sport bit ball pump
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Fix Soccer Ball Valve Leak?
Fixing your leaking soccer ball valve is important because it helps to determine the shape of your ball and keep it in good condition. However, before fixing your soccer ball valve, understand that two factors are responsible for a leaking valve.
Ideally, the valve could leak due to pressure or be completely damaged. A leaking valve is fixable for the former, provided the leakage point can be spotted. In circumstances where the spot cannot be found, the entire valve will have to be replaced rather than repaired.
After identifying the spot of leakage, then you can proceed to repair the valve. The process of repairing the valve will be adequately explained in this article. However, some cases require you to replace the ball valve rather than fix it. For replacing your soccer ball valve, you will:
- Carefully remove the previous valve;
- Clean the surface of the ball before fixing the new valve;
- Fix the new valve after cleaning;
- Ensure there is adequate use of the gum. This will make the new valve durable;
- Keep the ball in a dry place before inflating;
- After the ball is dry, proceed to inflate the ball.
These steps are required to replace your valve. If you prefer to fix your valve, prepare for more laborious work. You will need a ball pump, replacement valve, and repair kit. The process of fixing a leaking soccer ball valve includes:
Step 1: Assume the valve is invisible
The first step in fixing a leaking valve is to assume that the valve does not exist. This assumption helps to conduct a thorough search on the surface of the valve. If you are conscious of the valve, there is a high probability you will be more careful and avoid damaging the valve.
Although there is no wrong with being careful, it just doesn’t help to search the valve properly. If the valve is not adequately searched, locating the leak becomes difficult. Remember, the leak is not large and obvious. Instead, it demands a bit of patience.
Pros
- It makes the valve easier to fix.
- It helps to locate the exact spot of leakage.
Cons
- The process can be strenuous.
- Assuming the invisibility of the valve consumes a lot of time.
Step 2: Locate the Leak
This step is amongst the most critical steps in fixing a leaking soccer valve. If you do not locate the leak, there will be no fixing.
Just like the first step, this step also requires calmness and patience. The leak might not be easily found on the surface of the valve; it might be hidden in the inner part of the valve.
To find a hidden leak, you will have to out-turn the valve to expose the inner part of the valve. Until the inner part is exposed, your search becomes futile.
Therefore, in locating the leak, you should pay attention to both the inner and outer parts of the ball valve. The steps below will guide you in locating the leak:
- Inflate the ball
- Immerse the ball into a container filled with water
- Put the valve into the water, and allow it to face the water
- You begin to notice a bubble; the leak is anywhere around the bubble.
After locating the leak, you should deflate the ball and mark the spot for easy identification. After deflating the ball, then you can begin fixing the leaking valve. Be careful not to affect more damage to the valve than was already done.
Pros
- Gives direction when trying to fix a leaking valve.
- Acts as the bedrock for other steps.
- It helps to know whether there is more than one leak.
Cons
- Can be time-consuming.
- It cannot be done without water.
Step 3: Repair
This is the “fix” step! Here, you already know if it’s time to fix or repair the valve, so let’s look at some repair methods.
Valve Repair
The easiest way to discover a defective valve is through the emanation of bubbles from the valve. The process of fixing isn’t time-consuming, as you can successfully repair the valve in an hour. Although, it depends on the location of the leak. To repair your ball valve, follow this process:
- Clean the valve using a wet inflated needle
- Use this needle to wash away debris and dirt
- If the leak continues, replace the valve with another one
- To remove the valve, ensure you adhere to the ball model’s instructions
- Soak the new valve in soapy water
- Insert the new valve into the opening surface of the ball, and tighten it properly
- Ensure the new valve is fixed correctly to avoid removal or further leakage
- Finally, inflate the ball and leave for a minimum of a day. If leaking does not continue, the valve is well fixed, and the ball is secure.
Another way to effectively repair a valve is by using the puller. The puller’s use helps you remove the valve without any damage. Its procedure includes:
- Use the puller to pull the valve out of the ball
- Ensure you remove the valve as a whole
- Avoid damaging the new valve
- Try to remove every particle inside or on the surface of the ball
- Use the pusher to press the valve evenly into the ball
- Lastly, inflate the ball on a trial basis.
Pros
- The repair stops the leakage.
- It is not a time-wasting process.
- A valve can be either repaired or replaced.
Cons
- It can cause more damage to the ball if done wrongly.
- Valve repair might not be the correct solution to the leakage.
Alternative Repair Methods
Aside from the stated steps of valve repair mentioned, a soccer ball valve can also be fixed through a heat process. This is considered an alternative method because it does not employ modern tools.
You do not need a pump or sealant to perform this alternative method. The process is completed with heat. The following process will guide you through performing a valve repair using the heat method:
- Heat the blade of a screwdriver or knife by tossing it front and back on a flame
- Rub the heated blade over the leaky spot until the vinyl melts
- Allow the vinyl to harden for a while
- Reinflate the ball, and confirm if it is still leaking
- Intentionally apply pressure on the valve area to confirm the durability of the heat applied.
Pros
- It is easy to use;
- The heat method does not require too many tools;
- It is fast and reliable.
Cons
- It is an archaic method.
- The process cannot be completed without fire.
How To Prevent Soccer Ball Valve Leakage?
Although you have already learned how to fix a leaking soccer ball valve, it is important to understand how to prevent soccer ball valve leakage. The way you use the ball determines its durability.
Sometimes, valve leakage is not caused by a puncture but by players’ carelessness. Below are some of the ways to prevent valve leakage:
- Always care for the valve when inflating
The use of silicone oil or silicone lubricant can provide more durability for the valve. It also helps to reduce its exposure to leakage.
- Inflate appropriately
There are different balls, and some indicate their accurate air pressure.
- Deflate the ball when it’s not in use
This helps to relieve the pressure and keeps the ball sturdy and strong.
- Carefully clean the valve
Always avoid the use of pressure on the valve. To avoid damaging the valve while cleaning, use a cloth and water to clean dirty spots.
- A soccer ball must be kept in good condition
Avoid exposure to rain and other precipitation.
- Never use any harsh chemicals or soap on the ball
Water is fine for cleaning the ball. It doesn’t have any other effect other than making it clean.
- Always keep your ball away from scratches
Irrespective of how small it seems, a minor scratch on the valve may leak it.
Conclusion
Generally, football is exciting and can be more thrilling with a suitable ball. However, when your ball is not in perfect condition, it affects the game; for instance, a leakage.
Therefore, your responsibility is to ensure that every part of the ball is kept correctly to avoid damage. Nevertheless, should your soccer ball begin to leak, simply use the steps provided above.
Now that you have your valve fixed, enjoy the beautiful game and never stop the fun!
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!