Frozen water shut off valves
by
Sdraughn
+5
I need to work on my kitchen faucets but I can't shut off the water because the shutoff valves are frozen and will not turn. Does anyone know how I can get these to turn without doing damage to the valves and causing problems?
6 answers
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This sounds like something @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com would know about.
Hannah V
on Sep 23, 2014
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WD40.
Georgia Hall
on Sep 23, 2014
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Frozen/stuck yes I agree wd-40 but if frozen/winter a blow dryer
Terri Bradford
on Sep 23, 2014
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There is a small nut behind the handles on the valve. You will need an adjustable wrench to loosen these nuts about a half to full turn. This should free up the handles for you. Remember Right tight, left loose. Once you have completed the task at hand, simply open the valves again and tighten the nuts until the water stops dripping out of the stem. If this does not work, you will need to turn off the whole house and at that time replace both valves. but you should be successful with the packing nut under the handle
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 23, 2014
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Just a bit more info that can help. Almost all valves have these nuts. Many older main valves tend to leak over time at the stem. If you turn off the house water and remove the nut all the way, you will be able to pull the nut all the way to the back of the handle. This shows the stem of the faucet where it goes into the valve. Purchase packing string at the plumbing supply store. This black graphite covered cord, or you can purchase white Teflon type is wrapped around the stem about two to three times. Then put the nut back down and tighten it again. This will prevent leaks at the stem while allowing easy use of the faucet handle.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 25, 2014
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Thank you so much. Your advice worked perfectly and now my faucet does not leak anymore. This was very valuable info. Thank you again....
Sdraughn
on Sep 25, 2014
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