Household Repairs Shut-off valve doesn't shut off water. Turn off water and drain line. On stop valves (most commonly used type in homes), loosen cap nut. Then remove nut next below it. Screw out handle. Replace washer with one of proper size. On gate valves, unscrew large nut below cap nut. Pull out spindle; then pull out gate with pliers. Replace entire body of valve.

Shut-off valve leaks around handle. Tighten cap nut just enough to stop leak. If leaking persists, remove nut and wrap new graphite wicking around stem.

Shut-off valve frozen open by corrosion products. Don't try to force valve closed. Scrape off visible corrosion products. Saturate joint between cap nut and stem with Liquid Wrench penetrating oil. Then unscrew cap nut, take out stem and clean both thoroughly.

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November 21, 2008