I have never seen one of these parts before and I need to get it unstuck!

BT5150 · 08-12-2012, 12:50 AM

Below is a picture of the parts I am talking about. I have done a fair amount of basic plumbing work, but once things get too complicated, I call a plumber to come and do it the right way. This is one I think I can solve myself but I need a little advice. The parts I'm taking about are on either side of the shower mixer, they are little round (or 8 sided round) valves that you open and close by turning the plastic piece with a flat screwdriver. The one on the right works fine and turns pretty easily. The one on the left has some kind of corrosion or something that got in its threads and will not turn AT ALL, no matter how much pressure I put on it. I'm wondering what to use to get it unstuck because it is stuck in the off position, so I have no hot water in my shower-not good!

I had planned on getting some penetrating oil and spraying that on it and as much into the threads as I can get and hopefully after sitting for a few hours it will loosen up. Does anyone here have any other ideas?

**oh'mike** · 08-12-2012, 07:44 AM

Those are rather delicate little things---I avoid touching them and turn off the water at the main---

To late for you,however.--I suggest that you call the manufacturers help line and ask if replacement parts are available--and how to remove the valve guts----

Use that penetrating oil (PB Blaster?) and good luck---

Doc Holliday · 08-12-2012, 08:03 AM

Impact drill with a flat head bit. You can remove the Sword in the Stone with one.

**oh'mike** · 08-12-2012, 08:06 AM

OP said that the face with the screwdriver slot was plastic-- So the impact gun would be to brutal---

Dumb design----

Doc Holliday · 08-12-2012, 08:33 AM

I believe that they make a manual impact screwdriver, don't they?

Doc Holliday · 08-12-2012, 08:34 AM

Probably need to add one of these to my arsenal as well.

**oh'mike** · 08-12-2012, 09:18 AM

Those work well on tough bolts on automobiles and lawn mowers ,if you don't have an impact wrench.