Frozen shut-off valves on water pipes

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Boca

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We have water shut-off valves in two bathrooms, under the sinks and next to the toilets and under the kitchen sink that are frozen in an open position. The inspector would not even attempt to budge them because he said if they broke he would have to pay to repair them.
We would like to try to budge them.
Which product should we use to help us do the job?
If anyone has an idea, please mention not only the name but the specific form of the product (liquid, aerosol, etc.)
Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
 
You might try giving it a shot of PB, then letting it sit overnight before trying to open it. Just remember that new 1/4 turn valves run only about $10, so you just might consider replacing them, rather than damaging the pipe trying to force a frozen valve.

PB Blaster.jpg
 
Thank you for your suggestion but if that involves cutting the valves off the pipes and soldering new valves on, we will have to hire a plumber. We were hoping to attempt to fix this ourselves.
 
Chances are one or more will start leaking and then you will be calling a plumber and paying big bucks. I assume you have copper pipe if you are talking about cutting them off. Most screw on. If you have copper you can buy a tubing cutter for a couple bucks and replace the old valves with shark bite fittings that will attach to the old tubing without any tools. Plan ahead and know where your main shutoff is located and make sure that works if you try budging the old ones. When they are stuck its normally a case of letting a sleeping dog lie.
 
Or you can turn off the water drain the lines and remove the innards and loosen them up or replace them.

You didn't think would get away with calling a plumber after asking question on a DIY site did you?;) and :welcome:
 
Post a picture so we can see what type valves you have.
The right way is to replace the old valves with new 1/4 turn stops.
Spraying them, repacking, is a waste of time.
Very common issue to have those old valves fail.
 
I can't post a picture now because we have not yet closed on the property. I will post photos when we actually have the opportunity to see the place again.
 
th


see the nut behind the handle ? its called a packing nut, loosen it just a little bit, do not take it off..

this will make turning the valve easier.

then, when ever you open a valve. turn the handle back just a smudge to off and it wont bind up and stick
 
frodo said:
th


see the nut behind the handle ? its called a packing nut, loosen it just a little bit, do not take it off..

this will make turning the valve easier.

then, when ever you open a valve. turn the handle back just a smudge to off and it wont bind up and stick
Click to expand...

First turn the water off to the dwelling and have a small container and/or a towel, remove the aerator from the faucet spout.

Angle stops,(the name of the valve being discussed), depending upon the age will have either a metal or nylon stem, (the shaft the handle is attached too),
so once you have loosened the packing nut, turn the handle back and forth until you are able to shut it completely off, retighten the packing nut.

When you have cleared all of the angle stops, open all the valves on the faucets, wide open, turn the water back on to the dwelling, slowly open the angle stops , in turn and when the water flow is clear of debris and steady, close the faucet valve and move to the next.

Don't forget to reinstall the aerator/s and do a final check for leaks.

In my experience, the handles on the angle stops are the weakest link, so, if you break one, they are replaceable, don't just grab a channel locks or vise grip and knurl the spline off, unless you intend on replacing them anyway.
 
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