How to loosen plumbing fixtures that are frozen due to hard water?
by
Robert Thoms
+6
I have a faucet that needs repair but it extremely difficult to loosen because of mineral build up from the hard water in my area.
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I suggest you soak rags in vinegar or spray some vinegar and let it sit for a while to loosen the calcium. It worked for me. Don't know the extent you are looking at though.
C. L. R. Cleaner for bathrooms. It comes in a yellow spray bottle made for calcium on fixtures.
Robert, my friend had the same problem. They finally had to call a plumber in to replace the faucet and clean up the pipe.
You might try filling a zip lock baggie with CLR and tape it over the faucet so its submerged. Leave on at least overnight then try the faucet.
Soak it in vinegar in a plastic ziploc bag and tie a rubber band around it to keep it in place. You want to keep the faucet in the vinegar. Let it hangout for at least 24 hrs.
Hi Robert, hope this helps you, wrap a bag around the fixture that has the problem so you can soak the fixture in white vinegar. Let it soak for a bout 20 minutes then remove and test if it has freed. Repeat if needed and rinse thoroughly once you get to release
White vinegar soak is the best option. Let it sit for at least an hour then use a stiff bristled brush to break loose the deposits. If it's in an odd place, you can soak rags then wrap the area.
Tighten the fixture or plumbing nut with a wrench or locking pliers to break the grip of the mineral deposits; then turn in the opposite direction to loosen it. If the fixture won't turn, tap it sharply with a hard rubber mallet. If you can't get a mallet on the fixture, place a center punch on the fixture or nut and strike it sharply with a hammer. Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. If the fixture or nut hasn't loosened, go to Step 2.
Apply heat to the stuck fixture or plumbing nut with a hair dryer or heat gun. Drain all water out of the fixture before applying the heat. The heat will make the fixture or nut expand, which may break it loose. If yours is a metal fixture, heat it with a propane torch, but shield anything flammable within 12 inches of the flame with heat-resistant fabric. Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water on hand, and wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection. Don't use a larger flame than necessary, and keep the torch upright. Play the flame across the fixture to heat it evenly. Turn the fixture or nut while it is still hot. If the fixture or plumbing nut still hasn't loosened, go to Step 3.
If you see visible mineral deposits on the fixture or nut, apply a calcium, lime and rust remover to the fixture and allow it to work. Scrub off the deposits with a wire brush. Apply a penetrating lubricant such as Liquid Wrench or WD-40 to the fixture or nut and allow it to soak in for at least two hours. Apply more penetrating lubricant and allow it to soak in for another two hours. Turn the fixture or nut to loosen it. If it still hasn't loosened, apply a combination of tapping, heat and penetrating lubricant. If the fixture or nut still hasn't budged, it will have to be cut off with a reciprocating saw or hacksaw.
Yes, the white distilled household vinegar trick so many have suggested should do the trick.
Soak in vinegar.