Slightly loosen the drain cap to see if the water is flowing freely. If it does, with the collar off, spray some PB Blaster in the hole and replace the collar. Give it time to soak and try the handle again.

 

I loosened the drain cap and unfortunately the rubber seal disintegrated and water started spraying out. I tightened the cap up without the seal and have a very slight drip. I guess I will address this later.

You said to spray some PB blaster in the hole with the collar off. Is the collar you are referring to the packing nut or do you mean to remove the cap and spray some PB blaster in there?

 

Also try some heat from a hair dryer or torch. Be careful with the torch, not to hot. Keep working at it.

 

Also try some heat from a hair dryer or torch. Be careful with the torch. Keep working at it.

I thought about using a torch but wasn't sure if it would mess anything up in the valve. Do you know if there is anything that can get damaged or ruined by using heat?

 

You don't need too much heat. Just enough to warm it up a bit. Sometimes that's all you need.

 

Thermal differential between parts can break the corrosion (we all hope).


And yes, too much heat will destroy the parts that are not metal - washers, o rings whatever. Hair dryer on high is fine as faucets are definitely good for 200° or so.

 

You probably should mess with the valve to much until your prepared to replace it if things go south. (Bad)

Always start plumbing projects earlier in the day to allow time to fix or go get stuff.

Unless of coarse you don't mind not have water.