Washing Machine Valve not closing

by **sibacky** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:00 pm

Going to be getting a cold fill only WM and need to cap off the hot feed. This is probably a really stupid question but I cannot turn off the valves to the hot or cold feed. Both the levers are open but will not budge when I try to turn them off. They both have an arrow pointing to a screw where the 'handle' is joined to the valve but will not budge even if I unscrew this. I have tried with pliers after removing the handle (not too hard) with no joy. they dont feel stuck, more like I am missing how to do it!
I can turn off the water while I switch over so not a big deal but I would like to turn the hot feed off rather than just capping it - is this essential?
Thanks for your help.

by **nitro23456** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:17 pm

if you have washing machin taps on your feeds (ie the blue and red handles) you just need to turn them 90 degrees..... are you sure you are not trying them in the wrong direction!!!

They should currently point along the feed pipes and to turn off should be 90 degrees away from you if they point right or 90 degrees towards you if they point left.

by **sibacky** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:39 pm

Thanks for your reply. I know that much! Trouble is they are not moving. I thought it was a fancy valve but guess they are just stuck open due to scale. Any tips on loosening them? I have tried taking off the plastic and moving the valve itself with pliers but even this didn't work.
Can I cap the hot feed off but leave the valve open? (I can isolate the feed temporarily while I do this)

by **nitro23456** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:34 pm

you could cap it off but you may as well cut out the valve and replace it whilst the water is off. Wont cost much.