Loosening tight, stuck water valves and shut-off valves requires patience. Always perform regular plumbing maintenance to avoid getting stuck valves again. Twist each plumbing valve twice a year to help keep them free. This is usually sufficient to ensure that valve deposits loosen and fall off before they accumulate.
Please turn off the water supply before you start. If the problem is with the mains valve inside your property, you may need to turn off the external stop tap. The supply tap on your street or driveway is usually controlled by your local water authority. It is critical that you obtain permission from your local water authority before turning off this tap because a valve or pipe may crack.
Once the power is turned off, use a wire brush dipped in white vinegar to remove the residue around the valve. Tap the pipe carefully to remove any residue between the screw threads.
Use a plumbing-safe penetrating oil next. Apply oil where it can reach all moving parts. Allow the oil to work for at least 15 minutes. Then, twist the valve to see if it turns. You may need to apply the oil multiple times, and the entire process could take 24 hours.
If the oil method does not work, try heat. Metal expands when heated, which can crack the deposits and cause valve problems. Heat can also melt residues sufficiently to get the valve moving.
If oil and heat don’t work, then it’s time to either pick up a wrench or pick up a phone for further assistance. Our local plumbers and engineers cover the whole of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. You can call us, email us, chat online or fill in our contact form.
