Self-Piercing Needle Valves - do they commonly clog?

Question

My whole-house humidifier gets its water from a saddle clamp-mounted self-piercing needle valve installed on a copper water pipe. My previous humidifier did, too, but when the plumbers installed the new one, they said they couldn't get any water from the original one, so they put in a new one. No big deal - the old one had been there for 12 - 15 years. Now, after just two (2) years, the new needle valve seems to be clogged. I have screwed it all the way out, all the way in, and everywhere in-between. Is this normal? Any tricks to unclog it?
Thanks

Here's my plan:
1) shut off the water upstream
2) unscrew the needle as far as it goes
3) loosen the saddle clamp just a little
4) rotate the whole assembly a little on the pipe
5) retighten the saddle clamp
6) screw the valve in, thereby cutting a new hole.

The neoprene or whatever in the saddle clamp should seal the old hole.

Whadya think?

Answer 1

At best, self-piercing water valves work half-way, and even then, only about 2 years. Replace it with a good old saddle valve that has to first have a 1/4" hole drilled in the water line. It's a bit of a hassle, but you'll appreciate the results: good water pressure for 12 - 15 years.
PS - Use the same hole that was pierced by the 2 year old valve. You will probably note that the original hole was nothing more than a pin prick.
PSS - Do turn off the main water valve first.

Answer 2

Saddle Valve Replacement

Answer 3

Try closing it all the way. This will run the needle back into the pipe and might clear it. If it dosen't, then yes .Replace it with a perminent 1/4" valve

Answer 4

i've visible consumers who've used it and had no challenge and a few that experience had challenge. the crisis i observe is that the pex expands and contracts simpler for the period of sizzling and bloodless temp alterations( summer season to wintry weather) than copper tubing. i might name a plumber. pex it handy to faucet into in case you have the proper crimp instrument. will have to be approximately 25$ in fabric and an hours exertions. additionally will have to incorporate a shutoff valve if you ought to provider the humidifier someday.

Answer 5

If you have hard water it will clog up and the harder the water the sooner it will clog up. You best sweat in a supply line for the humidifier