Spray the lubricant onto the valve where the valve handle enters the actual valve body and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, try loosening the valve by hand again. If it doesn't move, or is still difficult to turn, tap it lightly with the hammer.
Try to Loosen the Valve: - Use an adjustable wrench or pipe wrench to grip the valve. Turn it counterclockwise. If it doesn't move, apply more penetrating oil and let it sit. Use Heat (if necessary): - If the valve is still stuck, carefully apply heat to the area around the valve using a heat gun or propane torch.
spray it liberally with WD-40 and let it sit overnite. then use a pipe wrench. Sometimes I heat the fitting with a torch first and let it cool to warm before spraying the WD-40.
Pro Tip: Any rusted or stuck valves on water heaters shouldn't be forced with brute strength. Use WD-40® Specialist® Penetrant to loosen any valves stuck with rust or corrosion – the formula also leaves behind a protective layer to prevent future formations.
Silicone grease is commonly used in plumbing due to its compatibility with plastics and rubber. It's the go-to option for elements in contact with potable water systems. Silicone greases are nontoxic, nonhazardous, and can withstand various temperatures. They're perfect for faucet valves, rubber washers, and O-rings.
If they don't come out fairly easily, apply valve or penetrating oil where ever you can get to to the edges of gaps. A bit of heat can also help at this point. If this doesn't get them moving, remove the caps and buttons. Again, get oil where you can and apply enough heat that it is just uncomfortable to hold.
Separating Threaded PVC Pipes and Fittings
In projects where solvent cement has not been used or has not dried, you may be able to twist and pull the threaded fittings with your hands or a pipe wrench. WD-40 or another lubricating product may also help to loosen your fittings.
Heat can be used to soften and weaken the PVC.
Strap wrenches are ideal for working with smooth or polished pipes and fixtures, such as chrome or plastic. They have a flexible strap that wraps around the pipe, providing a firm grip without damaging the surface.
Silicone lubricant is safe to use on PVC and can actually be a great way to keep your pipes in good condition. Just be sure to clean the area around the pipe before applying the lubricant. After doing some research, we have come to the conclusion that the best lubricant for PVC pipe is WD-40.
Using the pliers, give the valve a half turn in the clockwise direction and then use your hand to turn it back counterclockwise and repeat that process until the valve seat loosens and is able to turn with less effort.
If you have a PVC ball valve, you'll want to make sure that you lubricate it regularly. This will help keep it in good working order and prevent it from sticking. To lubricate your PVC ball valve, you'll need to use a lubricant on both the inside and outside of the ball. You can find lubricants at most hardware stores.
Apply heat to the stuck fixture or plumbing nut with a hair dryer or heat gun. You may not want to drain all the water out of the fixture before applying the heat since the water will be a heat sink for the inner part and the fastener will have a bigger variation in temperature quicker.
Another DIY way is to use a hair-dryer on a high heat setting to melt the glue. When given heat for a few minutes, the bond should break and fittings will pop out.
As this main chain is highly flexible, PVC products have the disadvantage of having a low heat distortion temperature (softening temperature) compared with other plastics of the similar molecular structure.
Use a soft, clean cloth dampened with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Then dab at the spot. Be careful not to soak the area. Now you can pry away the loosened glue; but do so gently.
Spray the lubricant onto the valve where the valve handle enters the actual valve body and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, try loosening the valve by hand again. If it doesn't move, or is still difficult to turn, tap it lightly with the hammer.
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
Use your wrench to loosen the bonnet or packing nut. It's located right beneath the handle, and the stem of the valve runs right through it. Once you've loosened the nut, turn the valve back and forth to free it up – penetrating oil could help you here if you're having trouble.