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RonNJ · Dec 14, 2012, 07:39 PM

I had two Shark Bites ½” to 3/8” angular shut off valves installed by a professional plumber. The plumber just installed the hot and cold valves and left them in the OFF position. I installed a new faucet and flexible braided tubing. Now I try to turn the 1/4 valve to the ON position and they both will not turn using hand pressure. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

speedball1 · Dec 15, 2012, 06:51 AM

Hi Ron and welcome to The Plumbing Page at ANHD.com. You're responding to a 5 year old dead threads so I gave you one of your own. Please check the date before you post. Thanks
These are quarter turn angle stops, (see image) Perhaps the bonnet nut was tightened too tight. If you give the handle a quarter turn to the left it should turn on, Put some muscle into it. Good luck. Tom

RonNJ · Dec 15, 2012, 10:55 AM

Tom

Thank you for your quick response. I have tried turning the Acme Cash valve a 1/4 turn to the left with as much hand force as I could muster while holding the valve body steady in my other hand. I was reluctant to take Channel Loc pliers to it because that is what made me get a plumber in. Late on a Saturday night I had a sweated on angle valve that started leaking and as I tightened with a wrench the bonnet nut the leak went from a drip to steady stream and I was reluctantly forced to call in a plumber. Consequently I did not want to force the new Acme Cash valve with pliers again and damage the valve seat particularly on a Saturday.

One thought I had, since the water supply was off when the plumber installed the Acme Cash valve and the valve was never opened could I have some sort of like a vapor lock that would prevent both valves from turning on the 1/4 turn to the left. I am going to try turning off the whole house valve and maybe release pressure on the whole system.

Again thank so much for your quick response and insight.

Ron

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 15, 2012, 05:08 PM

They can be a little tight when new. Use a backup on the valve body and a pair of pliers on the handle and it should go fairly easily. Or, give the plumber a call and see if they could stop by and turn the valves on. Ask if they could do this free of charge, but don't be surprised if they say they would have to bill you, okay?

speedball1 · Dec 16, 2012, 07:05 AM

Good advice from Dad. Before you put a pair of pliers on the handle you might back the bonnet packing nut off just a tad. Good luck, Tom PS We could have walked you through the repair of your old angle stop had you asked us first.

hkstroud · Dec 16, 2012, 07:22 AM

MY suggestion would be, to avoid any kind of catastrophe, purchase a couple of new Shark Bite valves and a removal tool (about $1). Make sure the valves handles turn properly before leaving the store. Turn off the water. Using the removal tool, remove the old valves. Install the new valves and return the old valves to the store as defective.

speedball1 · Dec 16, 2012, 07:47 AM

Hey Harod, The valves weren't purchased at a store. They were installed by a plumber.
Ron simply wants to avoid a call back charge. Happy Holidays, Tom

RonNJ · Dec 16, 2012, 10:45 AM

Tom and Harold

I looked at the valve and online photos of it and I don't see the bonnet packing nut. Is it behind the ON/OFF lever and do I have to remove the lever to get at the packing nut? Sorry to keep bothering you guys and thanks again for your help.

Ron

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 16, 2012, 01:13 PM

Some of these valves don't have an adjustable packing nut.

RonNJ · Dec 16, 2012, 06:17 PM

Tom Dad & Harold

Well with just a light torque with a pair of pliers broke both the hot and cold valves free and everything works fine. I just want to thank Dad. Harold and in particular Tom for all your efforts. After causing the original shutoff valve to go from a drip to a real problem I was a bit cautious. I did have one other concern with these Shark Bite valves. I have read on other DIY sites posts that indicate that the Shark Bite valve is not a permanent fix. I have a pair of 35 year old shutoff valves in the kitchen that are frozen. If I fitted the kitchen would these valves be as reliable as sweated on shutoff valves? Again I want to thank all of you for your efforts.

Ron

RonNJ · Dec 16, 2012, 06:20 PM

Tom

Thanks so much for all you assistance and If in some way I can be of help please feel free to contact me.

Ron

hkstroud · Dec 16, 2012, 07:16 PM

I have a pair of 35 year old shutoff valves in the kitchen that are frozen. If I fitted the kitchen would these valves be as reliable

I wouldn't have any problem with Shark Bite stop valves. I don't think that Shark Bite fittings are approved for concealed locations but for stop valves that are exposed, I wouldn't have a problem.

speedball1 · Dec 17, 2012, 08:30 AM

I have a pair of 35 year old shutoff valves in the kitchen that are frozen

In my opinion you replaced your valves needlessly . If the old angle stops weren't broken or cracked they could have been repaired. If you can tell me if the kitchen stops were solder on we can walk you through the repair. Sound like a plan? Tom

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 17, 2012, 05:06 PM

I also wouldn't worry about the shark valves, especially when they are accessible. Believe it or not, I believe all codes allow shark bites (push fit fittings) even in concealed areas now. Im not a fan of putting them in concealed areas just yet.