Stuck stop tap All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[Lawrence]

I have a stop valve that I cannot turn off by hand - probably hasn't been turned off for years.

Any tips on best way to be able to shut off without replacing would be appreciated

thanks

[speedygonzarlis]

leave it well alone and get it replaced by your plumber, if you force them when seized nearly always shears handle off and worse case senario it winds shut and thread snaps leaving it in shut position, wheel valves do this every time after some years, a new 15mm stop tap valve is only a fiver!! ya never know when ya may have to turn it off in an emergency, frozen pipes etc