I've never replaced a shut off valve before but am wondering if there are any tricks in freeing up a stuck valve that wont close. Can this be done so I don't have to call anybody?
When valves are turned all the way in an open position they tend to get stuck. Try a heat gun but make sure you have a copper line feeding into the toilet tank, not a plastic one because it can melt. Just heat the valve for a few minutes at a time, because over heating it can damage the rubber washer inside the valve. If all fails then it has to be replaced by someone who is knowledgeable.
turn off water to house, if your valve has a nut behind handle that has threads on inside of nut ie brasscraft style, you can go to store and buy new valve and replace stem. If pipe comes out of wall (angle stop) get that one, if comes out of floor (straight stop) get that one. remove new stem and old stem and switch. If nut behind handle has threads on outside of nut, then you must replace valve. ( you have to remove nut to see where threads are ( i don't but you might) depending on what type of pipe you have is what new valve you will need and also how close to wall or floor is how to attack problem tre..706yahoo 4 any more help
