A gate valve is also called a sluice valve. These valves are used to control the water supply to a water tank. Using the gate valves, the water supply can be turned on and off. A gate valve will be having a hand wheel or an electric motor, a lever, and so on.

HOW TO OPEN A STUCK GATE VALVE

What Causes Stuck Gate Valve?

A gate valve not closing completely is typically due to sediment that has built up inside the body of the valve. The sediment becomes lodged between the gate that lowers and the inside of the valve body itself. Ball-type valves do not suffer from this problem, as they operate on a different principle than a gate that raises and lowers inside of the valve body.

Gate Valve Stuck Closed

A gate valve for a property usually has to be closed if plumbing repairs or maintenance are needed inside the building. In some instances, particularly if the main control valve is a gate type valve, the valve may not close completely. In many cases a gate valve repair may be needed. But many times other remedies are available.

How to Open a Stuck Gate Valve?

The typical reaction when a gate valve will not close fully is to exert additional force on the handle. Using force to close a valve is absolutely the wrong response. Brute force can cause permanent damage to the valve and a loss of water supply to the building. If sediment or mineral deposits are preventing the gate valve from closing fully, there is a more sensible first step to take than brute force.

The first step if a gate valve will not close completely

If sediment or mineral deposits are preventing a gate from closing completely an attempt should be made to flush out the inside of the valve. The proper way to do this is to open a faucet on a sink inside the house so there is a flow of water. Then gently and repeatedly open and close the valve.

If the handle of the valve does not turn freely then loosen the packing nut just above the valve body and around the stem of the valve. Loosening it just one turn should be fine – just remember to tighten it back up when you are done. Every time you lower the gate some sediment will break free and be flushed away by the water flow. There is absolutely no harm or danger in how many times you do this as long as no excessive force is used.

How to Fix a Stuck Gate Valve?

If the gate valve becomes jammed or stuck and remains closed, the gate valve stops operating and blocks the water from entering the water tanks. To open a stuck gate value you need to follow the steps suggested below.

• Step 1: Finding the Valve
  • First, you need to find the valve. Check whether the problem is with the gate valve. A gate valve has the shape of a wedge. The water flows in a straight line in the gate valves. The flow of water is usually stopped by the valve (this acts like a gate). The gate valve does the following functions. When it opens wide, it leaves an opening for water to flow. The opening is of the same size as the pipe which is entering and leaving the valve.
• Step 2: Problem Identification
  • Stop the water supply in the valve which is creating the problem. Isolate the area where you are working. This is done to reduce the chances of further leaks. Check whether there are any external factors that are causing the valve to function inappropriately. Reasons may be due to excess cold or a damaged water line. Keep a bucket under the valve which is causing the problem, if it has to be removed and replaced. Some gate valves will not be opened and closed timely. This may affect the operation of the valve.
• Step 3: Fixing the Valve
  • A light coat of penetrating oil or 3-in-one oil is applied to the valve and excess oil is wiped off using a waste cloth or rags. The oil must get to the threads. Using the wrench or a hammer, tap the valve and see if the valve opens. On the valve handle, channel locks or an adjustable wrench may be attached. Additional leverage can be achieved by using a rag or gloves that prevent slipping while working. Work in such a way that the surface remains stable. Use a pipe wrench for support so that it does not damage the neighboring pipes. The handle is then warmed by using a hair drier. You can also use a blowtorch if, extreme cold is the cause of the block.