Gate valves and how to try to get them to work 

I’m glad I worked with plumbers like you years back. The tips they gave me like you’ve just shown, I do when necessary. It makes me smile.

The dreaded gate valve Al !!! Best place for them is in the plumbers scrap bin 😁👍

Good video. One of the many problems with gate valves is they are made from not the best quality material to keep the cost down and as a result they dezincify and that causes the valve stem to shear. Full bore quarter turn valves are the best solution.

Using "get them to work" in the title led me to believe that you would show us how to undo or disassemble the valve and get it to function again,, rather than how to turn it off and on. That way I could see the parts within the valve and see what was required in terms of the stem, washers and packing nut to get that valve working again.

Hi Al😀 years ago I had a seized up gate valve on my f&e system, once turned off it wouldn't open again, and then a small job turned into a big Un,just as you described in this video,lol. Cheers Al, stay safe, best wishe's to you and Jan, Stuart uk.

Thank you for that, some great information, much appreciated, regards, Chris.

Thankyou, I'm trying to isolate behind kitchen sink while I do some repairs and these buggers were forever turning and I got worried. This was very helpful cheers. Definitely want a lever instead

If I'm able to, I simply replace with a ball valve. I absolutely hate gate valves lol. But I'm trying to learn and face my fears (in case rebuilding one is my only option, so thanks for the video.

I've got one in my airing cupboard, I've been told it's been locked solid since the 1980's.

Where can I find a replacement gate valve assembly to replace a non-moving corroded gate valve stem?? the whole valve is soldered to copper pipe, i just want to try to replace the stem. please help....

I had one last week that actually worked and didn't let by!

Any reason why someone would fit this to the rising main to a second floor 1920s built flat? I couldn't turn the water off. It was several years ago, but as I recall the wheel turned but this had no affect on the water flow. I turned the recently fitted subterranean main valve outside the flats off & replaced gate valve with a stopcock.

Mine old one is leaking near the tank unless i fully close it.. do i have to drain the header tank and turn off mains outside or tie up ballcock? Its so old im afraid to try to open the nuts to replace it

Hi Al, I’ve got one of these on my oil tank out the back, the part you turn has rusted so much it’s nearly only half left and all jagged! Is there any way I could screw it off by hand and screw a new one in without getting oil everywhere?

Literally just happened to me on my rental flat. Landlord wont change the lesking kitchen tap so i tried it myself. Old tank system, snapped the gate valve trying to get the hot isolated. No I've only got a dribble of hot water. Debating whether to attempt a gate swap. 🤔

I suspect this is what I've managed to do. At least I now have an answer, and perhaps something to tell a plumber! Thank you.

Top tip - thank you.

My gate valve is fully turned off but the water is still running. At first it was just a trickle but later when I turned the tap on it's back to normal flow. How do I stop it? Cheers!!

Is it possible to copper grease these valves up in such a way that they will give good service for many years

THANK YOU!

I have 2 inline from my tank in the loft to the cylinder, I try and remember to exercise these every year, one was stuck when I moved in but I have managed to bring it back around by using your freeing off method, that was about 10 years ago.

Drat I thought as I had a gate valve feeding f and e tank some wd 40 would help .not checked it yet , if the water is stuck on and I need to change the ballcock any ideas apart from turning mains off .assume its fed off the pressurised mains .Great video as usual .

I think my stem has snapped off but in the on position. Keep turning clockwise but it never closes

What's the problem with isolator valves

Whats the problem with Isolation valves?

After goin daft, replacing pressure control switch and other suspects...this 1 1/4" gate valve bekons to me.. that make sense on why the well won't pump ! I hope this is it !

Always go back and forward, few turn each way

Snapped off a few gate valve wheels 😂😂😂 full bore lever and isolation valves from now on and no flexis 🖕🖕🖕 👌👌

swopped mine for lever valves.... only because they look sexier...

If cant get it open means a plumber is hired esp. in apt. buildings!

I used to find years ago they were really good. Cheap Chinese imports have brought the quality down over the last 20 years

They belong on steam trains

Should be a criminal offence installing those