water shutoff valves seized

[pondball]

We have several water shutoff valves (and some tap valves as well) that are completely seized. This includes by toilets, sinks and even some taps.

While we have a water softener, there was a time when it had gotten old enough to stop doing its job, and has since been replaced.

In the meantime our normally hard water has apparently gone to work and most shutoff valves of the older small turn knob variety are seized.

I have tried everything recommended by local building supply shops, including the Blaster products, but there is no movement whatsoever.

Advice welcome... other than I should have been turning these knobs every 3 or 4 months.

 

[breplum]

multi-turn angle stops can be taken apart and lubricated with plumbing grease or plumbing silicone. Blaster and penetrating products do nothing.
We now use quarter turn ball stops which are not serviceable but work with modern simplicity.

 

[pondball]

multi-turn angle stops can be taken apart and lubricated with plumbing grease or plumbing silicone. Blaster and penetrating products do nothing.
We now use quarter turn ball stops which are not serviceable but work with modern simplicity.

Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated.
Are there any tips for when the handle itself will not turn? I’m unable to turn more than one handle on these stops around the house.

 

[MicEd69]

If you are handy and have a replacement valve or angel stop ready to install should things go bad, using a pair of channel locks or vise grips or even a small pipe wrench may allow the valve to be turned. You may break the valve or angle stop handle, or you may break the valve or angle stop itself, so turn off the water first and relieve the pressure by opening the faucet or flushing the toilet. Just be prepared to replace the valve or angle stop that you will be "abusing".

And I second breplum's suggestion of quarter turn valves as replacements. While they are not serviceable, they are less prone to seizing in hard water service.

 

[GReynolds929]

Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated.
Are there any tips for when the handle itself will not turn? I’m unable to turn more than one handle on these stops around the house.

You could shut water off to the house and loosen the packing nut behind the handle and see if it will then turn.