Acme How To - seized shutoff valve

larryh17

10-05-2005, 07:27 AM

I have a rotary shutoff valve which cannot be turned (seized). What can I do to unseize it?

DIY Guy

10-05-2005, 08:48 AM

Start by bathing it in WD-40 and give it a chance to penetrate.

If you force the valve, there is the risk that it will break or you may damage the surrounding pipes.

One thing to try is tighten a pipe wrench down on the valve handle/stem and then tap the wrench with a rubber mallet. The sharp taps may break the grip and allow you to turn it. Of course, hitting too hard may damage it.

Good Luck.