All About Brass Gate Valve Operation & Valve Components

Yes, your video helped me fix the shut off valve with just open & close motion like 100 times. Exactly like you said, the open & close motions cleared up some debris and allowed extra five degree turn which is enough to totally shut off the water. Thank you very much.

[@balkanplumbing]

Awesome! Glad to help. Thanks for letting me know.

[@ahmedtaher578]

A million thanks. I had my heater leaking and wanted to stop the water supply, and it was one of these gate valve and it wouldn't turn. I did your first solution and it worked. You saved the day for me.

[@balkanplumbing]

Nice! Glad we were of some help.

[@misslinda6699]

You are awesome. My fourteen year old grandson and I managed to follow your instructions and get water back to the house here in hot, sunny, Southern California. Thank you so much!

[@balkanplumbing]

Ha! Thank you so much. So very glad to be of help.

[@balkanplumbing]

Thank you so much. Positive comments like yours are really behind our point of making many of these videos in the 1st place. Very happy to have helped you out.

[@balkanplumbing]

That’s fantastic. So glad we could help out. We have a bunch of helpful tutorials and more on the way!

[@gregoryprice2593]

Thanks Dave! I had this problem this morning with a massively caked up gate valve. Followed your instructions and got the problem fixed. Much appreciated!

[@balkanplumbing]

You're welcome. Glad to help. It is enlightening to learn that people actually make use of my videos! Cool.

[@denisesfashionfoodsfavorit1349]

I used a wrench as advised and ever so gently turned counter clockwise to turn the water back on. Saved me $$$. Thank You

[@balkanplumbing]

Just saw your response. How great is that!

[@6809darton]

you are the best sir

[@balkanplumbing]

I’m glad you found the video helpful. Thank you.

[@carpii]

thanks, really useful. I was planning on trying to force my jammed gate valve open, but now I see I probably would have snapped it. Ill try the packing nut first. Its not even the first video I watched but nobody else explained what could go wrong

[@victorv3890]

Only 215 likes, this guy deserves many more than just that. Great video! Finally found the information i wanted after like 15 other videos.

[@balkanplumbing]

Thank you so much Victor. Stay safe.

[@hackattack7811]

OK, I'll make it 216. Lol

[@3markaw]

Thanks Dave, some great advice that more people need to know before they make a manageable problem into an unmanageable one. NYC .....where resides many smart people and great cooks.

[@craig0077]

Thanks Dave. Great advice that makes sense.....much appreciated!

[@balkanplumbing]

awesome. Glad to help.

[@craig0077]

@@balkanplumbing Your video was the only one I could find that addresses my problem with our main shutoff valve in the basement. Last time I had to shut the water off it didn't completely stop the flow of water, so I'm guessing it has some sediment or corrosion inside. I like your idea of opening a faucet in the basement while turning the gate valve closed and then turn it back and forth a few times to hopefully get the sediment out of the valve. (will the sediment come out of the faucet and should it be the closest faucet to the water main valve??). If that doesn't work, I'll have to phone the City water crew to turn off the outside shutoff valve and hire a certified plumber to install a new water main valve. I'm hoping your recommendation works and I won't have to do all that (because of the expense and time it will take to get it done). It would be a huge pain in the butt, but I have to try it this week, so wish me luck.

[@DavidBalkan]

@@craig0077 I'm glad to help. Two points: (1) Remove the strainer from the sink faucet so the sediment can run out of it. (2) Gently turn the valve closed, never use force. Loosen the packing nut around the valve stem, and on top of the valve body if the handle feels hard to turn. Let me know how you make out!

[@craig0077]

@@DavidBalkan Thanks for the info Dave. I got lucky and turned the main shutoff gate valve back and forth with the basement faucet open like you said, and it worked, so I was able to install two shutoff valves for the basement shower. I might get my plumber to install a new main shutoff valve next summer because this one is over 40 years old and it's not gonna get any easier the older it gets. I appreciate the great advice Dave. Take Care!!

[@denisesfashionfoodsfavorit1349]

Solution works perfectly!

[@mdhill5420]

Any tips for when the valve is closed and water leaks from it? It does not leak when it is opened. This is on my main water valve

[@balkanplumbing]

Is is leaking out of the top? Can you attach a photo?

[@honolulu1476]

thanks

[@shantor100]

I just snapped a stem and the gate valve is now stuck in thepipe and yes in the closed position

[@johnvantomey]

So I'm assuming I have a broken stem. Free spins and no water..I have the main valve and the one that is free spinning goes to the outside water hoses. Can I replace the "guts" and how do I determine what brand I have?

[@balkanplumbing]

Very hard to respond without a photo, but I'll do my best. I believe in most cases the manufacturer does NOT list the model number of the valve on the valve body. Perhaps taking a photo and showing it to a plumbing supply house may help. If you're sure you have the exact make and model, you typically can replace the guts of the valve. However, with all of that said, unless the existing valve is in a tight place, just change it. I'd hate to see you go to all this trouble and the guts of the replacment valve don't fit, or the old valve body is full of corrosion. Hope that helps!

[@johnvantomey]

So in order to replace the guts I just remove the knob and nut and it should slide out?

[@balkanplumbing]

It goes beyond that. You need to unscrew the entire bonnet of the valve - the top of the valve body. You’ll need at least an 18” wrench and a 14” wrench.

[@kimberlyb1305]

@@balkanplumbing Hello, my gate valve handle just turns and now I don't have hot water flowing to all faucets. How hard is it to change the gate valve? Do I need to get a plumber to do it? Help...I need my hot water and it is a Sunday. :)

[@balkanplumbing]

@@kimberlyb1305 Whewther this is a DIY project or not is sort of up to your skill level and tools on hand. Of course you would have to close a valve before this valve, or the main control valve to close the water supply before this broken valve, and then remove it. It's a simple job for a plumber. For a novice, you'd need to purchase the correct material, have wrenches, Teflon tape, and some working knowledge. Very hard to answer your question accurately . If you're unsure error on the side of caution and hire a plumber. If you "mess up" you'll be in a bigger dilemma than no hot water! Hoping that helps you in some. Good luck!

[@tykusp7672]

do all gate valves open or close in the same direction or does it depend on the manufacturer?

[@balkanplumbing]

Virtually all gate valves do close by turning them clockwise, and open by turning them counter-clockwise. That said, special order valves (like some used by the NYC DEP) are the opposite. Bottom line, never use force to operate a valve. Light pressure, if tight, loosen the packing nut 1st.

[@alexc8901]

i used a wrench and the red turn off valve snapped in two pieces.....how do i fix that????

[@ArcolaBridge]

How come they still sell gate valves? Aren't ball valves better? I just replaced a gate valve because I added a shower to a whirlpool tub. I think I must have gotten solder in the valve? It won't close... I tried opening it and closing it a bunch of times, all I can think of is I probably got solder down in the gate valve recess area?

[@balkanplumbing]

Each type of valve has its advantages. As far as technical advice, I cannot diagnose your issue remotely. You'll probably best be served by calling a local pro.

[@ArcolaBridge]

Balkan Sewer & Water Main Service I exercised the valve back and forth and it did improve slightly. It reaches a stopping point and then from there if you force turning it you can get the water down to a trickle. I checked the filter screen at the tub spout and there were two little rocks and one chunk of solder that was about the same size as the rocks. I am on well water. After exercising the valve the new shower extension wand I installed is barely moving water. I removed the Moen posi temp valve and it looks clear, no obstruction. I wrecked the valve removing it. I'm going to Menards to get a new one and reinstall it. I might have to cut that section off and install a ball valve. If there's any disruption in flow in the hot or cold the posi temp valve will limit the outgoing flow to maintain the temperature at reduced flow.

[@ArcolaBridge]

Balkan Sewer & Water Main Service I should also add that the filter screen at the hand held shower wand which serves as the most vertical part of the water supply in this bathroom was clear, no sign of obstruction. So I got to wonder what's causing the limit of flow. Obviously I don't expect you to solve my problems from your armchair. Just saying.

[@ArcolaBridge]

I fixed it. I turned the shower on and then placed my hand over the wand hose blocking and unblocking the path of the water. I exercised the pipes and the valve in the posi temp.

[@anyaanderson2714]

I used to work for a plumbing company that was not so great, and they would purposely install new gate valves instead of ball valves. I only install ball valves now. Reason being the owner would call them job security; because at some point that gate valve will probably fail.

[@alexhumble6435]

So what happens when somebody did use too much force and snapped the handle off? I'm assuming that is what happened in my basement (it's in the open position) but now I need to get a new handle on there so I can close it. All these tips about tightening the packing nut, but how do I fix the handle?

[@balkanplumbing]

In the unlikely event it is only the handle, any plumbing supply or hardware store would have the item. You would have to purchase the entire valve, I do not believe handles are sold as a separate item. Would be a good idea to write down the valve manufacturer, model number, and size.

[@wesleygiles7210]

Handles are sold separately. Go to Ace hardware.

[@CT_Taylor]

if its like the one I took apart, I expect the actually handle is okay but the brass stem twisted right where it transitions from a square(which is what the handle fits around) itno cylinder.

[@balkanplumbing]

Not enough information supplied to give an intelligent answer. Sorry about that. A photo would possibly help.

[@runsheeprun]

oh oh. I am a lady. I turned it left to open it but no water came out? is it broke? Do I have to replace the whole thing? any videos for this? Thanks

[@balkanplumbing]

Ooops, just saw this question. There may be a way for a plumber to pop up the gate and get you water back. But yes, the valve needs replacement, or for a new valve to be placed after it. If you leave the broken valve and get it opened, never use it again! You may not be so lucky the next time.

[@josephballance2319]

HEY Dave, I have a gate valve thats open and handle never stops or closes to stop water . this is on main line into house . can this be repaired or is it a must replace . 3/4" threaded gate

[@balkanplumbing]

Sounds like the stem of the valve snapped. If it just keeps spinning, that's what happened. If you can find the exact same valve (make, model, size), you can spin out the "guts" of the old valve, and exchange with the "guts" of the new valve. But the juice may not be worth the squeeze. Unless it's in a hard to work on spot, just swap it out.

[@thorbradshaw2637]

Thank you sir these little companies will use anything to charge for a new valve install at 500 plus dollars.

[@PowerScissor]

Gate valves have been terrible for decades. Take apart a brand new 2019 gate valve and the stem is the same weak, thin metal that will eventually break. It's a design flaw that manufactures refuse to fix by using either a stronger material or thicker design. It's like they purposely want them to fail.

[@vaderd4353]

I wish I found this before I found the video a woman did which led to me breaking the valve.

[@deblyons824]

all talk no good if you are deaf