Gate valves and how to try to get them to work

A short look at gate valves and things you can do to try and free them, if stiff or jammed, but more importantly, what valve to change them with.
Saved some money on plumbers fees? Use the THANKS button.
Or through Paypal using my site link www.dereton33....
Many thanks Al.

[@seesaw7289]

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.

[@dereton33]

Will see if I can do a video for you.

[@stephengunner3047]

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

[@dereton33]

Wow must have been a new one.

[@stephengunner3047]

@@dereton33 No it wasn't which is why I was so surprised that it worked.

[@pb9926]

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

[@dereton33]

Great idea, ha ha.

[@sarav9779]

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....

[@dereton33]

You will not find one the only thing you can do is to buy a new one and see if the thread fits that the handle threads are the same.

[@willbee6785]

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.

[@dereton33]

Thanks Will bee

[@normanboyes4983]

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.

[@dereton33]

I agree.

[@aperlia6603]

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.

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@petehiggins33]

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

[@dereton33]

More than likely . Great number by the way.

[@stuartlockwood9645]

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.

[@dereton33]

Thanks for the info, all the best Stuart.

[@edwardhughes352]

Whats the problem with Isolation valves?

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

No problem just fit full bore lever valves as Al said 💪💪💪

[@dereton33]

Take some ones 50 year advice.

[@edwardhughes352]

@hffp1 Thanks.

[@mda5003]

@@dereton33 50 years? You don't look a day over 60!

[@loafersheffield]

@hffp1 The really old ones have a tiny slot, much narrower in diameter. They tend to crack and fine mist/spray water all over. If I see them, I go straight to the mains isolator and drain down at the lowest point. Been there and got the wet tee shirt into the bargain.

[@chrisholt2474]

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

[@dereton33]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrJimtimslim]

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. 🤔

[@dereton33]

If you are on a ground floor flat don`t chance it as the pressure will be too high.

[@jimfisher5916]

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!!

[@dereton33]

Change the gate valve they are crap.

[@Patrick-xo4fq]

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

[@dereton33]

Yes, drain the header tank, either tie up the ballcock or turn off the mains.

[@Patrick-xo4fq]

@@dereton33 ah thanks, i did it earlier.. its not actually the same valve as the one you are showing probably even older but i took it apart and cleaned it up & used abit of ptfe tape.. seems to be ok anyway for now atleast.. thanks again for your reply, i like your videos keep it going 😁

[@PROPOSITONMAN]

Always go back and forward, few turn each way

[@dereton33]

Good advice.

[@barrysmith4588]

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

[@dereton33]

Never thought of them in that way, ha ha.

[@moemiah5799]

They belong on steam trains

[@dereton33]

Puff puff.

[@chrisgallivan1673]

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 .

[@dereton33]

Best to just turn the main off anyway. Leave stuck gate valves well alone.

[@chrisgallivan1673]

Agreed 👍

[@johndavies4919]

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

[@dereton33]

No unfortunetly.

[@alungibbon9146]

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.

[@paulw4904]

Should never be fitted on a main

[@stevecrane17]

@@paulw4904 yes definitely!

[@dereton33]

Some real bad plumbing about.

[@zeez4178]

Should be a criminal offence installing those

[@dereton33]

Ha ha yeh.

[@tomtom21194]

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

[@dereton33]

Sure do they are the best.

[@wulfclaw4921]

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 !

[@dereton33]

Worth a go.

[@nsoper19]

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

[@dereton33]

New valve required. Not fixable.

[@andymc4359]

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?

[@dereton33]

Sorry Andy no.

[@andymc4359]

@@dereton33 ah darn, thanks anyway 😃👍

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

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

[@dereton33]

Ha ha agreed.

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

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

[@dereton33]

Ok.

[@ShopFloorMonkey]

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.

[@dereton33]

Sadly it happens.

[@barrycrump6189]

Top tip - thank you.

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@priscillajoseph765]

THANK YOU!

[@dereton33]

No problem

[@itscliffvtr]

What's the problem with isolator valves

[@dereton33]

The worse things ever invented.

[@Cavalier_Steve]

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.

[@dereton33]

Thanks for sharing

[@noelbourke5101]

Should fit lever valves,easier and faster to use

[@heatpump8566]

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

[@dereton33]

Very true.