You may manually lubricate your valves by opening them and applying a lubricant to the stem. Investing in automatic lubricants is also ideal. Other ways to lubricate your valves are with the following: Grease fittings.
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.
Use of the Day: Keep valve stems and faucets rust-free by spraying them with WD-40.
Then spray some penetrating oil on the stem so it can seep down through the rubber washer or packing material, which will hopefully free up the corrosion inside the valve which is causing the stuck shut off valve. Wait a couple of hours, and then try to loosen the valve.
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.
Rebuilding a shut-off valve is a simple first step that you can take to fix problems with your sink or toilet. With a stem repair kit and a few basic tools, the job is a DIY project that doesn't take very long. Ready to get the tools and materials you need to make plumbing repairs?
There may be a hidden plumbing leak in the walls of your home, or maybe your toilet is running when it's not in use. These “hidden” leaks can cause your home to be using water even when your main water valve is turned off.
CRC — Knock'er Loose Penetrating Solvent
It's best suited for heavy-duty applications, offering plumbers a reliable solution for challenging repairs such as seized fittings, corroded bolts, and stuck valves.
But first, here are some ways you can try to get a stuck valve working again: Lubricate the Valve: A stuck valve can be lubricated with WD-40.
Plumber's silicone grease will keep your faucets in tip-top shape and prevent rust and other buildup. It's important that you use it properly to make sure it works. When using plumbers' grease, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
When it comes to shut-off valves, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that they can last for 20 to 25 years. The bad news is that if they are not used and exercised every two years (at least), they may freeze in the open position and need replacement.
The last thing that affects shut-off valve replacement costs is where you want to install the new valve and how easy it will be to reach there. The average cost to replace a water shut-off valve is between $375 and $600.
Turn off water
Once you're oriented and know where your main water shut-off valve is, you'll need to turn off the water. If you haven't done this before or feel unsure how to do it, I recommend calling your water company to cut off the water to your house. Usually, they can do this the day you call.
Age, corrosion, wear and tear, and sediment buildup can all cause problems with shut off valves, so it's important to know what those problems are, how to check for them, and to know what to do when they occur.
Use your hair dryer to heat up the valve body to melt any gunk and grime that's built up and solidified into an adhesive. Once you can feel the valve turning, wiggle it back and forth to let the gunk and grime wash away. Use your wrench to loosen the bonnet or packing nut.
Unfortunately, main water shut off valves can become clogged with mineral deposits and grit. They can be damaged to the point where they need to be replaced. Replacing main water shut off valves can be tricky.
Spray lubricant on the outside of the joint. From there, give it five to 10 minutes to do its magic. Soon enough, once enough rust is dissolved, you may be able to complete the task. Use two wrenches.
A stuck valveis one that no longer slides readily in its guide. A stuck valvemay refuse to open, or once open it may refuse to close. Eithersituation is quite serious. Stuck valves are usually caused by a build-up of deposits and/orcorrosion on the valve stem.