Stuck shut offs

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stevieb
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 7:49 pm
Location: Danbury Conn.

Time to replace the original washer and dishwasher in Aunties 1983 Burlington. The home has all copper water lines and regualar shut offs meaning a cast knob on a brass valve stem. I cannot budge these to turn the water off to replace hoses and machines. I don't want to force anything or grip the knob with a tool and have it break. Auntie suggested spraying the stems with wd40 and wait. Than use vise grips on the stem to gently turn it off. Sound like a good idea?? Will the wd40 eat the washer inside away? If I can, I prefer to stay away from the whole house sut off.
Also the water line to the dishwasher is rigid copper. I have not moved the machine out yet but it seems the line must be flexible at some point behind the machine?
Thanks for your help!
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Greg
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Posts: 5696
Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:01 pm
Location: Weedsport, NY

Well WD40 may work this time, but the next....??? I think I would shut the whole house down and start replacing valves. Yes I know, major pain but if something blows and you need water off in a hurry you may be in trouble. better to plan ahead. Replace them with stainless 1/4 turn ball valves that way you won't have problems down the road.

Greg
"If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either."
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