How to Free Up a Stuck Water Valve

How to Free Up a Stuck Water Valve
Published: Jan 8, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

To prevent valves from becoming stuck, turn them off and then back on at least once or twice per year.

  1. Open a can of spray lubricant and spray it around the base of the water valve. Spray until the valve is completely saturated.

  2. Allow the lubricant solution to sit on the water valve for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to dissolve the calcium and minerals.

  3. Place a wrench around the face plate of the water valve and place your other hand on the water valve itself.

  4. Turn the wrench one to two degrees counterclockwise until the faceplate starts to move.

  5. Remove the wrench and turn the water valve. The valve should move freely.

  6. Wipe away excess lubricant from the valve and surrounding area with a cloth.

Things You Will Need

  • Spray can of lubricant
  • Wrench
  • Cloth

References

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Kimberly Johnson

Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in…

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