Latest Discussions : Plumbing

03:21PM | 10/23/02

Member Since: 10/22/02
3 lifetime posts

Water Turnoff for Outside faucet

Tags: Plumbing

It is that time of year again to turn off the outside faucet. I just bought a new house, with well water. The shutoff is in the basement. I was not able to budge the shutoff valve. I am a bit afraid to force it, as the house is a bit older.

There is the green, calcified stuff, around the nut under the stem of the inside shutoff.

Does anyone know of a good technique to either loosen that up, so I can shut off the valve, or a "safe" way to go about shutting off the valve without twisting the thing so much to cause the pipes to twist and crack?

rpxlpx

03:22AM | 10/24/02

Member Since: 03/13/00
1674 lifetime posts

You might be able to dissolve the green stuff with CLR (a product that cuts calcium, lime, and rust) or with vinegar.
Then, some Liquid Wrench wouldn't hurt.

Smartcore

12:48PM | 10/24/02

Member Since: 08/30/02
16 lifetime posts

It's probably a good idea to replace the outdoor faucet with a freeze proof sillcock and then you won't have to worry about shutting it off every fall. If that's not in the budget I would suggest at least replacing the valve inside with a stop and waste valve. I would be cautious about using any solvents on the valve. If liquid wrench penetrates into the valve you will contaminate your water.

Dodgefan

06:19PM | 10/25/02

Member Since: 05/02/01
17 lifetime posts

Go ahead and try the liquid wrench and or WD40 Your water is under pressure, and it is impossible for the penetrating oils to get into the pressurized area of the valve.
Good Luck!
Dodgeman

Smartcore

02:57PM | 10/26/02

Member Since: 08/30/02
16 lifetime posts

That is sarcasm, right?