View Full Version : Hose Valve remains open at both right and left turn of knob
mm61972
Jan 8, 2017, 05:57 AM
When I turn the hose valve (located in basement) to the right or the left, I've learned water will still come out of the open spicket outside. Therefore, I can't figure out how to shut it off for the winter. On top of that, I can't unscrew the outside garden hose from the spicket (it's too tight) and I'm scared the line will freeze and burst. I don't know what to do.
massplumber2008
Jan 8, 2017, 09:18 AM
Residential shut off valves always turn clockwise to shut them off. If after turning your shut off valve clockwise it will not shut the water off then the shut off valve needs to be replaced.
If you want to try to replace it yourself, simply go to home depot or a similar home improvement store and purchase a MINI TUBING CUTTER, some sand cloth, and a SHARKBITE shut off valve with drain/cap. Here, you would shut off your main water supply to the house, drain the water from the system (open faucets in the house), cut the old shutoff out and install a the new sharkbite shut off valve by simply PUSHING the shut off onto the pipe. If this is something you plan to attempt I can provide a few more details... just let me know by responding to this thread and I'll pop back and guide you through.
Otherwise, you need to hire a plumber to install a new shut off valve and at the same time, I'd have him/her replace the outside valve as well... really won't cost more as he/she is there anyway!
Back to you...
Mark
mm61972
Jan 8, 2017, 10:46 AM
Mark, thank you for the detailed reply. There's no way I'll be able to do the replacement myself.
Question:
Do you think maybe I have a non-freeze hose spicket? I'm just wondering how the previous owners (this is my 2nd winter here) prevented from a frozen pipe if the inside valve never shuts off.
I'll have to hire a plumber to carry out the instructions you gave. Can you let me know a reasonable quote for this type of work (I live in DC area). Thanks for all the help.
ma0641
Jan 8, 2017, 10:56 AM
You can buy a faucet(hose) cap, screw it on the end, insulate it as well as possible and then have a plumber fix it when you can. . Cap costs $1 or so. Put a Ball valve inline instead of a thread style valve. You could also turn off the house water, cut the line near the faucet and put a sharkbite cap on it until warmer weather.